Close X
Sunday, October 13, 2024
ADVT 
India

Dr. Geetanjali Chopra: Ensuring Every Wish Finds a Home

Natasha D'Souza Darpan, 04 Oct, 2024 12:24 PM
  • Dr. Geetanjali Chopra: Ensuring Every Wish Finds a Home

Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, the heart and soul behind Wishes and Blessings NGO, embodies compassion and dedication to social change.

Transitioning from a prestigious role at the Centre for Policy Research to a life devoted to the welfare of underprivileged, destitute, and marginalized communities, her journey is one of deep empathy, transformative impact, and unyielding commitment. A woman of many hats, a golden heart, and dozens of accolades to her name, Dr. Chopra continues to weave a tapestry of hope and change, building an equal society for all.

Inspiration and Impact

Dr. Chopra’s profound flair for philanthropy ties back to her upbringing, where community welfare was the norm. A particularly moving incident during a Holi celebration charted her future in this space. Amidst the festival's exuberance, she found herself with visually impaired children, their joy and enthusiasm untainted by their inability to see the colors that others took for granted. “Listening to their heartfelt wishes and seeing their happiness made me realize how even the smallest gestures can have a monumental impact on someone’s life. It was a powerful reminder of how much difference we can make through simple acts of kindness and compassion,” she shares.

This epiphany, born from witnessing the purest expressions of happiness, ignited a passionate resolve within her. In 2014, she founded the Wishes and Blessings, driven by a deep desire to spread smiles and foster hope among the marginalized and underserved. The foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between donors and beneficiaries, creating a network of kindness that transforms lives. 

With a focus on education, health, skill development, and elder care, the organization strives to positively impact thousands, offering hope, dignity, and opportunities to those in dire need. It already has more than 20 centers across Delhi-NCR, a presence in 7 states across India, occasionally has carried operations in Nepal, and works on six causes: education, nutrition, care for elders, relief, customizable charity, and the overall cause of happiness.

Of Triumph and Hope

Among the many lives touched by Wishes and Blessings, Rani’s story stands out as a beacon of hope. A young girl from a family of daily wage earners in Delhi, Rani faced a bleak future living on the streets. Her academic potential was dimmed by her circumstances until Wishes and Blessings intervened. Through their ‘Street to School’ program, Rani received education, nourishment, and support. Her newfound passion for football, nurtured by the foundation, earned her a national-level spot as a football player in 2018 and a congregation beaming with pride. “The ripple effect of her newfound confidence and financial independence extends beyond the walls of the skill development center,” Geetanjali joyously expresses.

Approach in Action

The visionary catalyst’s approach entails balancing immediate needs with long-term impact, “Each immediate action is carefully planned with the future in mind, ensuring that while we meet urgent demands, we are also laying the groundwork for sustainable, lasting change.” 

Personal Resilience and Growth

The Lady Robin Hood’s work in the social sector has emerged as the guiding principle of her life. “My biggest takeaway from working in social development would be the importance of resilience. Adapting to change requires a willingness to confront discomfort and uncertainty,” she observes. Balancing the emotional demands of her work with her personal life involves setting boundaries and carving out time for self-care. Her commitment to regular rejuvenation through hobbies and spending time with loved ones sustains her motivation and well-being.

Empowering Future Generations

Inspiring others, particularly the youth, to engage in philanthropy and social work is a central goal for the social trailblazer. She believes in making these fields accessible and relatable, “I try to inspire and empower others by sharing stories of impact and demonstrating how small actions can create big differences.” 

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Geetanjali’s vision for Wishes and Blessings is one of adaptability and responsiveness. “Our primary focus is to continue refining our current efforts, enhancing their impact and sustainability, and reaching out to more beneficiaries,” she adds. The foundation’s plans to obtain an FCRA registration signify a commitment to expanding its reach and involving international supporters. This evolution will enable more comprehensive support and broaden the foundation’s impact beyond India. Additionally, it intends to roll out volunteering opportunities, bringing NRIs closer to grassroots-level charity initiatives.

Legacy of Compassion

“Through my work with Wishes and Blessings, I hope to leave a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and sustainable change. I want to be remembered as someone who not only addressed immediate needs but also worked to uplift communities through innovative solutions and dedicated support. As a changemaker, I aspire to be recognized for my commitment to social justice, ability to inspire and mobilize others, and relentless pursuit of meaningful transformation. I envision a future where the initiatives we have developed become models for others and where the values of empathy, integrity, and collaboration continue to guide the efforts of future generations,” she concludes.

Through every act of kindness and every life she touches, Dr. Geetanjali Chopra paves the way to a world where love and humanity prevail and where people are cherished as our greatest gift and most valuable asset.

MORE India ARTICLES

Punjab to use treated water for irrigation: Minister

Punjab to use treated water for irrigation: Minister
The water treated by the STP at Phagwara having a capacity of 28 million liters of water per day (MLD), is being used for irrigation on 1,000 acres by the farmers with the help of an 11-km-long pipeline laid by the Water Conservation Department.

Punjab to use treated water for irrigation: Minister

Mumbai airport chaos: Computers systems restored after nearly 2 hrs

Mumbai airport chaos: Computers systems restored after nearly 2 hrs
Many of the harried passengers took to social media to vent their ire and frustration over the unexpected delays, posted pictures of the overcrowding inside the terminal or queues of passengers building up outside.

Mumbai airport chaos: Computers systems restored after nearly 2 hrs

Master Plan 2041 to have policies for regeneration of existing colonies with provision of enhanced FAR

Master Plan 2041 to have policies for regeneration of existing colonies with provision of enhanced FAR
Master Plan 2041, which is in the final stages now, is going to be a visionary document to usher a new era of development of Delhi, said Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Puri on Wednesday.

Master Plan 2041 to have policies for regeneration of existing colonies with provision of enhanced FAR

'Aaftab's brain mapping to be done if narco, polygraph tests are inconclusive'

'Aaftab's brain mapping to be done if narco, polygraph tests are inconclusive'
 Earlier on Tuesday, a court allowed Delhi Police to conduct a narco test on Aaftab on December 1 and 5. "He has confessed to killing Shraddha and disposing of her body parts in the forest areas. He also had relationships with several girls," sources submitted.

'Aaftab's brain mapping to be done if narco, polygraph tests are inconclusive'

Punjab Police cane-charge protesting farmers in Sangrur

Punjab Police cane-charge protesting farmers in Sangrur
Tens of thousands of farmers assembled there over their demand, including an increase of minimum daily wages to Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA), implementing five-marla plot schemes for Dalits and allotment of the third part of common panchayat land on lease to the community.

Punjab Police cane-charge protesting farmers in Sangrur

Pakistan-Canada based terrorists behind targeted killings in India, reveals NIA probe

Pakistan-Canada based terrorists behind targeted killings in India, reveals NIA probe
The NIA said that it will continue to dismantle such terror networks as well as their funding and support infrastructure. The official said that preliminary investigations revealed that these gangs were carrying out targeted killings and were also raising funds for their criminal activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons.

Pakistan-Canada based terrorists behind targeted killings in India, reveals NIA probe