TN nurse to be Canada's consul general in B'luru for a day

She braved many odds and surmounted many challenges to become a nurse. Now, she will perform a dream role — Consul General of Canada in Bengaluru for a day — on October 10.

Jayanthi G was among nine girls interviewed from non-governmental organisations in Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu to be the honorary consul general for a day.

"I am excited about my selection. I did not expect to get selected. But I had made sincere efforts and my video presentation was good," the 25-year-old nurse at Kallamanaickerpatti Government Hospital in Virudhnagar (Tamil Nadu), told DH. "I am preparing for the big day. I come from a small place. But I have decided to be bold and confident when I meet people on October 10 in Bengaluru. I worked my way up in a hard way."

The event will be held on the eve of International Day of the Girl Child which falls on October 11.

Jayanthi hails from Ethirkottai village near Sivakasi and was brought up by her mother on her meagre earnings after her father abandoned the family. She says her job has given her an opportunity to serve the poor.

At the consulate, preparations began six weeks ago. "Based on the initial telephonic screening and review of the videos sent in by girls willing to be consul general, we chose Jayanthi. We also took into consideration her background, education and career," Jennifer Daubeny, the Consul General of Canada, told DH.

The honorary consul general was chosen after a consideration of her circumstances. Jayanthi also answered questions about how she could inspire girls.

Jayanthi will visit two schools with Daubeny and attend a lunch with female consuls general, besides active businesswomen.