At the heart of every journey lies a story—one that speaks of purpose, passion, and a relentless pursuit of making a difference. Growing up in a compassionate Punjabi family in Delhi, I was taught the values of empathy and selflessness from a young age. These values were ingrained in me and have always been my guiding force. My academic pursuits took me across multiple disciplines—Art, Law, and Journalism—in India and abroad. But, it was at the height of my career when I had the chance to witness visually impaired children celebrating Holi. That experience ignited something deep within me, a desire to give back to those who were less fortunate. And so, Wishes and Blessings was born in 2014.
What began as an initiative for the visually impaired soon expanded to address the broader needs of the underprivileged, helping them lead a life of dignity and empowerment. Through this transition, I found my true calling: social activism. It was not just about providing immediate relief, but about creating sustainable pathways for empowerment and long-term change.
Sahas, launched in January 2023, is a skill development programme focused on offering vocational training to underprivileged women and youth across the country. Our pilot project in Maidan Garhi has been able to provide these women with training in stitching, literacy, and financial literacy—tools that are not just helping them gain employable skills, but also enabling them to achieve financial independence and entrepreneurial success.
In just one year, Sahas has trained many women, and 25 of them have already embarked on their journey towards economic self-sufficiency. What drives me in this work is not just the acquisition of skills, but the shift in mindset—how a woman who once felt powerless can now envision a future full of possibilities, contribute to her family’s income, and perhaps even run her own business. It is this transformation that embodies the true essence of Sahas: courage, resilience, and the determination to rise above adversity.
I have learned through the years that the key to sustainable empowerment is a holistic approach. Sahas goes beyond tailoring, offering financial literacy programs that equip women with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively, thereby laying the foundation for long-term independence. It is a joy to witness their growth—seeing their confidence rise as they create beautiful, handcrafted products and take control of their futures.
However, like any journey, there have been challenges along the way. One of the significant hurdles we have faced is the reluctance of many women to step outside their homes and embrace new opportunities. Cultural norms and the lack of familial support have often been barriers to their participation. But with the right guidance, community support, and continuous encouragement, many have broken free of these constraints. The success of our beneficiaries is a testament to the fact that when provided with the right tools and resources, these women can overcome any challenge.
One of the proudest moments in this journey was at Jashn-e-Qawwali 2024, where Sahas beneficiaries had the chance to showcase their merchandise. It was a moment of empowerment—not just for the women who exhibited their products, but for the community as a whole. Each item represented a story of perseverance, hope, and change.
I believe that every individual has a role to play in transforming society. For me, that role is about giving a voice to those who often go unheard, empowering them to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams. The message I hope to convey to society is simple yet powerful: Empowerment is not a privilege; it is a right. Every person, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, deserves an opportunity to thrive. When we support initiatives like Sahas, we are not just fostering economic growth, but we are championing the values of resilience, creativity, and hope.
As I look ahead, my aspiration remains the same: to create a world where every individual, especially women, has the opportunity to realise their full potential. Through the work of Wishes and Blessings and Sahas, I am reminded every day that no matter the hardship, no matter the circumstance, it is never too late to create a new beginning. And that, to me, is the true spirit of empowerment.
Shared by: Dr Geetanjali Chopra
Founder & President
Wishes & Blessings NGO
