As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations, the Malaysian Students’ Global Alliance (MSGA) and Parliwomen featured seven remarkable female role models in a series titled “Young Female Trailblazers.”
Dharshinee Suresh Kumar is one of the seven women and holds the position of Deputy Chairperson of Mahasiswa Keadilan Malaysia.
When asked how Dharshinee got selected to feature in the Young Female Trailblazers in Malaysia, the young activist said ‘I was selected after being shortlisted by MSGA out of many other young females. I believe it was anonymously decided as I too was in shock and was taken aback when I was told about this award.
With a deep interest in politics and advocacy, Dharshinee is actively engaged in community projects in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, while pursuing her final year of medical studies at Universitas Udayana in Indonesia.
During a conversation with Varnam Malaysia, Dharshinee shared how her interest in politics developed.
“My interest in politics began at a young age, influenced by my grandfather’s involvement in local politics and my father’s growing interest. The HINDRAF movement had a significant impact on me, and I realized that we have a responsibility to bring about change.
During Langkah Sheraton, I took a big step forward and joined a political party, but I decided to concentrate on the student movement because education is our greatest asset and the key to our future. Given the limited representation of young, female people of color in our political landscape”, said the ambitious youth.
I am eager to make a difference in Malaysia by speaking up for those who are often left unheard- Dharshinee Suresh Kumar
Dharshinee has held several leadership positions, including serving on the council of the Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Malaysia di Indonesia (PKPIM) and as the Head of Foreign Student Affairs at her university in 2018. Recently, she was chosen as the Chief of the Angkatan Muda Keadilan’s Health Bureau and the Vice Chairman of Angkatan Muda Keadilan Port Dickson.
Over the years, Dharshinee has spearheaded various initiatives such as the JUSTITIA: Program Pendidikan Politik dan Demokrasi, #BeliLokal, #BantuMahasiswa in 2020, and La Convivencia Mahasiswa & Politik in 2021.
She has also been a guest speaker in several dialogues, including Cakap Depan: Undil8 jadi Penentu Kerajaan 2022 and Diskusi Mahasiswa: Peranan Mahasiswa Terhadap Isu Kompetensi Pimpinan Negara 2022.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dharshinee launched the #TamatLapar campaign to encourage locals to donate to the less fortunate in both Indonesia and Malaysia. She also initiated “Projek Feed Rider,” which provided aid to local food delivery riders.
One of Dharshinee’s most notable initiatives is the “Siswa Peduli” medical camp, which was conducted in Port Dickson and targeted at the poor and needy. The program was conducted under the guidance of the current Prime Minister, DS Anwar Ibrahim.
Dharshinee is indeed a visionary and resilient youth. Keep inspiring girl!
