“I think in every human’s life there comes a point when we begin to question our life’s purpose. Having served as a school teacher all my life, I think in my mid years I had this strange realisation that I have just been living my own life. But what was my contribution to the world? The universe was listening.

We were visited by an NGO who came to our school to try and elucidate the importance of imparting education to children from economical backgrounds. Upon discussing further with the program coordinator, I was baffled to see how much we could actually do for the world.

Upon a chance visit to a nearby government school, I was taken aback by the condition of the kids. Probably until then I had never seen children come to school with torn shirts and rag slippers. I set out on a drive on myself to collect funds for these children and help them in whatever way I can. I would ask help from everyone I met – to contribute for books, uniform, etc. Slowly I started to get help from the nearby college’s NCC candidates.

With them in place, we started to conduct various drives for festivals. We would collect funds from different donors and purchase clothes for all the kids in a shelter. It started with one shelter and as we progressed, we started to take in more shelters under our wing. It progressed from a one person initiative to becoming a full grown registered trust named ‘Gold Heart’.

We have mentorship programs to help mentor kids from government schools and to also help them with skills required for interviews and GDs. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my family, my volunteers and the scores of people who have contributed to many causes. Life is beautiful if we choose for it to be. I started from ground zero with zero knowledge about anything but yet, somehow I found the right resources and the right people to help me along the way. I believe when our intentions are right, the universe finds a way to help us find our way. With utmost gratitude and humility, I hope that I continue to do the good work for many more years to come.”