I have met with Shahela Abedin, is the founder of Tilottoma Chattogram. She has shared about her Tilottoma Chattogram, her early life, how her childhood experiences continue to shape her life and work, her path to what she is doing today, the challenges of being a founder, dealing with challenges and stress, and reflects on death, trends in the green roof industry and the future of green roofs.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

Hi Shahela Apu, Hope you are doing great. Would you please tell me about your background, your childhood, education, career, what are you doing today?

Yes, I’m doing great, hope you are too. Thank you!

Firstly, I’m Bangladeshi; this is my pride. I’m a girl from Chittagong; that’s my pride. Dhaka might be the capital of Bangladesh. And we all knew that Bangladesh is also famous for ‘Bay of Bengal’, it is in our Chittagong. Hills and mountains, they are also in our Chittagong. Apart from this, I feel proud that I’m from Raojan, which is the hometown of Master Da Surya Sen. And I also take pride in the fact that Raojan is the hometown of many such famous personalities. I was very active and agile in my childhood days and very friendly in school. I used to participate in sports and programs. Even I used to spend more time on those activities than in studies. I was awarded for many sports events, used to attend Bishwa Sahitya etc. I enjoyed my school life a lot. 

Next came my college life. Love comes early for someone, and sometimes comes late. Well, love came fast for me. At the end of my school days. I have married just after finishing my college life. And then I went to medical college. Along with this, I was already the mother of a daughter at 19, after getting married at the age of 18. And that daughter of mine is going to finish university next year. 

I worked as a medical officer for the Red Crescent. Besides, when BTV was opened during 1996, I worked with them. I did hosting with them. I was also a very cultural-minded person. Fulki, which is a famous school in our Chattogram, I was a student of their first founding music school named Tansen at that time. Though I didn’t continue music later. It’s just a hobby for me. Since I used to host, do poem recitation, attached with a number of organizations, all this made me a cultural-minded person. These led me to social works. Whenever anyone came for help, I used to imagine myself in their positions. I used to think that it could happen to me too.

This “Me’ thinking has led me to social work. From that time, since I’ve been living in the same place, I used to participate in my hometown’s social works. If anyone faced any problem, I was always there to help. I used to do more work than the boys in my town. That’s why everyone used to call me ‘Commissioner’. At one stage, I was even a candidate for commissioner election. Though I lost by a few votes, it didn’t stop me. I was not even sad. Rather I started working more in this sector, more than I could do as a commissioner. From that thinking, I involved myself more to give back to society. I am connected with. I’m also connected with Inner wheel, a part of Lions Club of Amiable Rose Garden as a Zone Chairperson. I’m also an executive member of Leukemia Center of Chittagong Medical College and Chattogram Elite Club Limited, a member of Chittagong Music Society. I also have a school. I’m one of the directors of Chittagong National Public School and Training College, the director of Chittagong Women’s Chamber. Besides, a life member of Mother and Child hospital and Red Crescent, MD and CEO of Approach PR and Global Limited. So, there are many more if I keep going on. But, right now I’m working on Tilottoma Chattogram. Almost 16 Eminent Person working with Tilottoma Chattogram as an Advisor.

Tell me a little bit about Tilottoma Chattogram.

Actually, it has another name at the beginning, during the year 2007. The environment was a part of that initiative. So, during 2011, when we faced a disaster, I thought that we should inform people about such disasters. We should show reality to them and tell them about the necessary things to do. I arranged a program based solely on this in an engineering institute, making international key personalities as our guests. ATN Bangla broadcasted for a minute in their news. Every segment included in the program, either cultural or speech and debate, was based on environmental topics. It made me think that a boundary should not bound this, I should work to flourish it. From then on, six years ago, I started my organization with a new name, Tilottoma Chattogram, on a larger scale than before.  

Firstly, I prioritized the rooftop gardens. But, it was hard to work alone on this. Therefore, Chittagong City Corporation was my co-partner in this initiative. So, in this way, my rooftop garden’s project started. I fund the rooftop garden of Bawa School. I’m not simply saying it; the media did a follow-up report on that. It was like I made a garden in the school, and after 6 months, it was full of fruits. In this way, I made several rooftop gardens in places. Mainly, Tilottoma plans to encourage and enliven people. It’s not possible for me alone to go house to house and build a garden. That’s why, through Tilottoma, I’m trying to let as many as people know, make them understand the situation, the reality as it is. To give them the realization that they will survive if the environment is safe, otherwise not. 

What motivated you to start Tilottoma Chattogram? 

Nice question. Why did I choose this sector for Tilottoma? Because when I realized the reason behind climate change, the rise of temperature, increase of carbon dioxide, natural disasters etc. And what is the reason? Cutting off trees in random manners for various reasons, to the extent of doing it violently. Even when it is not necessary, people are doing out of the tendency to earn some money. As a result, the environmental balance of our country is decreasing. Our country can even go under the sea in future. So from that thought, I started working for this. We should make our people aware of this. Because if we work together, our country will survive, society will survive and so will we.

When you started Tilottoma Chattogram what kind of challenges did you face?  

Actually, I feel proud of myself. Because this is such a sector about which nobody easily thinks. But when they see me, they ask themselves, of all things, why she is talking about trees? But I’m lucky that I didn’t have to face many challenges. Well, one needs to have confidence, courage and patience for any job. And I kept it in mind very well. I never felt sad or let me be sad for any criticism. I would have to keep working. That was my thought. In this case, when I was communicating with Chittagong City Corporation, I was lucky that the chief planner was also a nature lover which made it easier for me to work with the city corporation. 

I think presentation matters a lot. Once again, I’ll say that I am lucky that every concern where I talked about this, I never was demotivated. I made them understand the fact that it is essential, and you should do it. And I realized my demands successfully. Another fun fact is, I’ve started a trend that whenever I go to meet someone, I bring them trees. People see it differently, because in general, we give flowers. We don’t generally consider trees as gifts. So, I think it touches their hearts, and they receive it more happily than flowers. 

Tell me about a specific moment of overcoming any challenge that you face in your work?

Generally, city corporations work in many sectors, for developing the city. The environment was not their only focus. I was lucky that the then-mayor was interested in the concept of “Green City”. And that made me prioritize right there. Because he thought if I want to implement this, I have to arrange human resources separately. At the same time, Tilottoma is already doing the job. Why not support them instead? His mission and vision will execute through Tilottoma. That’s why, whenever I wanted to support, I’ve got this. The chief engineer of the city corporation, architect Rezaul Karim, he was also interested in building the city greenery. So, the theme inspired me a lot.

Where do you see Tilottoma Chattogram in like 5 years? 

Yes! Dreams! I always dream big! I think if the dream is big, then I will work through all challenges to reach the dream. If I dream small, it will always remain at a “Will-be” stage. So, when I dream bigger, my horizon of thoughts and works will be bigger too. From there, I believe, with Tilottoma Chattogram, not only Chittagong city but also Bangladesh will become greener and eco-friendly. Every home, every office table, every playing ground, every organization will be covered with greenery. And the more we will increase oxygen content, the more we will live better physically and mentally. Our life will be more beautiful. Of course, I think to achieve the “Greenery Bangladesh” Tilottoma Chattogram will reach such a position where it itself will be a brand. 

Are there any specific goals you would like to achieve?

Yes, Of Course! Since our honorable Prime Minister has taken the initiative to plant 1 crore plants in celebration of Mujib Borsho. That made me think we have already been doing it in an uncountable manner. Why don’t Tilottama also take part in it by planting 5lacks plants? I’ve taken this sudden challenge during the Mujib Borsho, and I believe we, 18 people of Tilottama which will become 24 next year, can achieve that. If we think to add one more zero with 1 crore, it will not be a matter if we have the willpower to carry out that. Then it will be straightforward to have that mentality to plant 10 crores plants. So, I will work on how to increase more zeroes, how to make it bigger. 

How do you stay productive and positive as a founder?

We are human beings, right? We all have ups and downs. The moment I understood that we would have to carry out our lives in this way. Be it our parents family, own family with husband and children, it will always be there. I do not have the word ‘NO’ in my dictionary. I still think that whenever I do anything, I do, which brings me satisfaction. And I’m quite innovative. I like to work innovatively. I will do what nobody has done yet. I always gear myself up by constantly reminding myself that I have to do it anyhow. I shall not stop. Those who are connected with me in social media they know that I express what I feel. As an example, I say it often, to lose means it will take me farther in future. To lose does not mean to stop, but your path has been more flourished. So, when I do any work, I tell myself it’s fine to lose. I’ll have problems and criticisms. And the more people criticize, the more it will inspire me and will move my works forward. And I think that my attitude remains the same with everyone, be it a rickshaw puller or a millionaire. I stay polite in the beginning, courteous in the end and polite in the middle. So, I never think of myself as a boss; I think of myself always as a ‘Kamla’. 

How do you deal with challenges and stress?

Well, I like music. Since I’m self-driven, I play music loudly in my car. I also enjoy meeting with friends and spending time with them. Even my family is very amicable. We never discriminate among each other. We are so friendly with each other, which I consider very important to have this communication. If parents have such communication with their children, they will remain on track. And if children know about their parents’ well-being, they will also share and care with them as well. Mainly, I like spending leisure times with my friends. Or make sudden plans with family to go for tours. 

What do you think about life and work have given the fact that we are mortal beings and our time on earth is limited? 

As a man, we are mortal. Death is inevitable for us at any moment. It doesn’t matter to me how much money I’ve earned; I care that people will remember my works. I believe that my works will keep me alive. I won’t be dead ever!

What are trends are you seeing in the green roof industry? What will the future of green roofs like? Is it cost-effective?

I’m associated with quite a several sectors, directly or indirectly. But I believe that this industry will create a revolution in our country in future. The more I think, I feel more inspired about rooftop gardens. Consider this, if anyone makes a garden, and takes care of it. This garden will fulfil their families’ demands every day. If they think, they will realize that their output is large with small input. They can even create a business out of it. After fulfilling their demands, they can sell it to someone, such as their neighbors. They may sell it at less than market price to their neighbors. It will not only make the neighbors his customer but also deepen the bonding between them. They may not even meet regularly, but such initiatives may lead to creating good relationships with neighbors too. 

Yes, it costs a little. Because in the case of land, the soil is already mixed with natural fertilizers. But, with a rooftop garden, it costs a bit more. The various types of soil require different fertilizers. Also, the plant may need some specific ingredients, which may cost a bit. But if we use our daily vegetable wastes in soil. They can also work as fertilizers. Also, eggshells, banana skin, tea-leaves etc. can be used as fertilizer too. So, if one knows about this, they can reduce their costs. 

What does success mean to you?

At the end of the day, my smile. Self-satisfaction. Millions of money can’t make me smile. But the work which I believe in, which inspires me to do more work, I can’t buy such joy with money. So, work gives me contentment. 

Lastly, quite often, it is seen that even though people have ideas, they don’t know where and how to start. They are confused about many things. What would you suggest to them?

This morning, a girl sent me a friend request on Facebook. I accepted it. She is studying agriculture. Somehow she has heard about me. While talking to her, I said I might be older, but I’m young in mind like yours because I believe that the young generation can represent the country in future. If they keep a clean thinking process, they can globally represent our country in future. I consider the sector that I’m working in as an industry. It might be small, but if you think deeper, I see it as an industry. And we can bring a revolution with it as well as generate revenues. Once we used to think that we can only get food from farmers. Farmers who live in villages, in rural areas. But I think in the future, our young generation will become agriculturists, they will be farmers. So, we should salute the farmers who once were not paid fairly. But for our own interest, we shall not be dependent on others, we shall be self-dependent. If the youth thinks that we will produce everything necessary for our 18 crores people in our own country. Then in that case, they will have to work like those farmers. And I believe this sector will create revolution. So, I want them to do this beside studies, also if they want to study in this sector, they will flourish a lot. Because we need to eat, and to eat we have to work. So if we choose to work in the Agro-industry, then people will definitely accept it. It will not be a waste. If I serve my country’s demand, then I’ll be benefited, society will be benefited because of employment, and ultimately people will recognize Bangladesh globally for this revolution.