Embark on an insightful journey into the realm of philanthropy as we delve into an exclusive interview with Wishes and Blessings. Founded on the pillars of compassion, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to fostering positive change, this organization, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, stands as a conduit between generous donors and individuals in need. With a mission transcending age, gender, community, or economic background, Wishes and Blessings exemplifies the power of collective goodwill.
Discover the nuanced and impactful initiatives designed to uplift and empower diverse communities. From the heartwarming "Happiness All the Way" project, including unique elements like "Birthday Manao" and "Special Treats," to the organization's dynamic evolution in focus areas, this interview unravels the layers of Wishes and Blessings' holistic approach to societal challenges. Learn about their responses to the struggles faced by underrepresented groups and the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy.
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Q. Can you provide an overview of the core philosophy and fundamental objectives that guide Wishes and Blessings in its mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need?
A. Wishes and Blessings is guided by a philosophy rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to fostering positive change. Our fundamental objectives revolve around making dreams come true and spreading happiness among those in need. I founded this NGO to serve as a bridge between donors and beneficiaries, addressing a spectrum of societal issues irrespective of age, gender, community, or economic background.
Q. How does the organization ensure that its policies and initiatives are designed to be inclusive, addressing the diverse needs of individuals, regardless of age, gender, social status, or economic background?
A. To ensure inclusivity, we tailor our projects to meet the unique needs of both our donors and beneficiaries. Regardless of age, gender, social status, or economic background, Wishes and Blessings designs projects that aim to uplift and empower diverse communities. This inclusivity is reflected in projects like "Ageing Gracefully," "Accessible Education," "Food for All," "Skill It Up," and "Happiness All The Way," which address the needs of the elderly, underprivileged children, those facing hunger, individuals seeking skill development, and the overall well-being and happiness of our beneficiaries.
Q. Over the years, the organization has expanded its scope from assisting visually impaired children to addressing the needs of the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities, and the homeless. What prompted this evolution, and how does the organization decide on the areas of focus for its initiatives?
A. The organization's evolution towards a broader scope, encompassing the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities, and the homeless, likely stems from a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the underprivileged. The focus areas are influenced by societal needs, community feedback, and the desire to make a meaningful impact on a wider range of vulnerable populations. The organization regularly assess and adapts its initiatives based on evolving challenges and opportunities to better serve those in need.
Q. Wishes and Blessings emphasizes the holistic happiness of beneficiaries. How does the "Happiness All The Way" project, including initiatives like "Birthday Manao" and "Special Treats," contribute to the overall well-being and joy of those assisted by the organization?
A. The "Happiness All The Way" project, including initiatives like "Birthday Manao" and "Special Treats," contributes significantly to the overall well-being and joy of the beneficiaries. By celebrating birthdays, organizing special treats, and bringing festive celebrations to the shelters, Wishes and Blessings ensures that each child, regardless of their circumstances, experiences the simple pleasures of life. This project aims to spread happiness, foster social and emotional well-being, and create positive change in the lives of those facing challenges.
Q. Can you share a specific success story or achievement resulting from one of the establishment’s social initiatives that had a profound impact on individuals or communities, highlighting the positive change brought about by the organization's efforts?
A. One success story that illustrates the positive impact of Wishes and Blessings is the "Mann Ka Tilak" project. As a part of this initiative, free amenities including housing, boarding, food, entertainment, recreation, and medical facilities are provided to abandoned senior women and men. This project showcases the organization's commitment to providing the elderly with a dignified life, and over 100 neglected elders have benefited from these old age homes.
I am also proud to share the journey of Rani, a child of daily wagers, born and brought up on the streets of Delhi. Even though she had some sense of reading and writing, her academic skills were far from satisfactory. Wishes and Blessings found her in the vicinity of one of their daycare centres and took her under their wing. Rani was provided with quality education, nutritious food, and opportunities for wholesome extracurricular development, under the ‘Street to School’ programme. Soon after her enrollment, she developed a passion for football, which we encouraged. After training her for years, in 2018, Rani became a national-level football player, making us all very proud. As she honed her skills under the guidance of experienced instructors, she became a beacon of inspiration for others in her community. The ripple effect of her newfound confidence and financial independence began to extend beyond the walls of the skill development centre.
Q. What challenges has the establishment encountered in implementing its diverse social initiatives, and how does the organization adapt to address these challenges effectively?
A. Over the course of our journey, we have faced an array of challenges, enduring setbacks, disappointments, and frustrations. Yet, the gratification derived from witnessing heartfelt smiles and receiving blessings has fueled our perseverance. To effectively tackle obstacles, we remain resilient and rely on our committed team, volunteers, and supporters. One major challenge is addressing the trust deficit inherent in the NGO sector. Not only do potential donors express hesitancy, but beneficiaries also grapple with skepticism. Despite this, we adapt by fostering transparency, building relationships, and demonstrating the impact of our social initiatives to bridge the trust gap and continue meaningful work.
Q. How does the organization measure the long-term impact of its projects, especially in areas like education, elderly care, and skill development? Are there specific indicators or success metrics that guide the organization's ongoing efforts?
A. We measure the long-term impact of my projects at Wishes and Blessings by considering indicators and success metrics. In areas like education, elderly care, and skill development, we evaluate outcomes such as improved literacy rates, enhanced well-being of the elderly, and increased employability of individuals who underwent skill development programs. These metrics help us gauge the sustained positive change resulting from the initiatives.
Q. Wishes and Blessings has expanded its reach to 8 states in India. How does the organization ensure cultural sensitivity and relevance in diverse regions, and what lessons have been learned from operating across varied demographic landscapes?
A. Wishes and Blessings ensures cultural sensitivity and relevance across different states by recognizing the unique needs of each region. We tailor our projects to align with local customs, traditions, and societal dynamics, respecting and incorporating cultural diversity. The lessons we have learned from operating across varied demographic landscapes contribute to our adaptability and effectiveness.
Q. Can you share instances where the establishment collaborated with other NGOs, government bodies, corporate partners or any other social sector stakeholder to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives, especially in areas like education and disaster relief?
A. We aim to forge collaborations with NGOs, government entities, corporate partners, and other stakeholders, fostering synergies to bolster the impact of our initiatives in areas such as education and disaster relief. By uniting resources, expertise, and networks, these partnerships exemplify our collective commitment to addressing social issues and instigating lasting change. We firmly believe that partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations is the key to advancing our shared mission.
Q. How does the organization ensure that its policies and initiatives are designed to be inclusive, addressing the diverse needs of individuals, regardless of age, gender, social status, or economic background?
A. Inclusivity is a key aspect of my organization's policies and initiatives, as we focus on diverse demographic groups. By engaging volunteers from various backgrounds, offering flexible volunteering opportunities, and tailoring projects to individual needs, we aim to foster a sense of shared responsibility and community involvement.
