In the era of smartphones and AI, happiness has become a luxury. In the urban fold, spreading happiness has become more of a comforting expression. Notably, there are some individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to better others’ lives despite all odds. ‘Wishes and Blessings’ is one such organisation which has been dedicated in making dreams a reality for a lot of people. A bunch of young individuals under Dr Geetanjali Chopra started a journey in 2014, and in five years’ time, they have risen as ‘change makers’.
In fact, the name ‘Wishes and Blessings’ is a reminder of optimism and positivity. At present, the organisation’s core team has 20 individuals. Interestingly, the members hail from diverse backgrounds, making the team approach a holistic nature. The organisation focusses on nine areas, including education, nutrition, health, infrastructure, relief and elderly care. Currently, ‘Wishes and Blessings’ is focussed on 16 projects. Whether it is the ‘the daily-meal programmes’, ‘sponsor a childhood’ or ‘birthday manao’ – the organisation has an innovative approach for ensuring how dreams can be turned into reality.
The ‘birthday manao’ initiative has been quite popular and fulfilled the wishes of many. Let’s not forget that ‘Wishes and Blessings’ caters to under privileged men, women and children. The organisation’s elderly care wing has also been doing brilliant work. Under this, the team inaugurated the first old age home — Mann ka Tilak — on Apr 25, 2018. The shelter is meant to provide shelter to abandoned elderly women living in Delhi/NCR region. Many of these women have been thrown out of their homes by their families, and have absolutely nothing for a living. What makes Mann ka Tilak unique is that all the facilities provided come free. This is to ensure that these women live with dignity and respect, something they deserve. In fact, Mann ka Tilak is the first of a chain of old age homes that will be set up across India to help the abandoned elderly age gracefully.
There is no denying the fact that founder Dr. Geetanjali Chopra has been the main catalyst behind such innovative projects. She completed her schooling from the Convent of Jesus and Mary, New Delhi, and has graduated from Lady Shri Ram College for Women. She has pursued her Masters, M.Phil, and Ph.D from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. In addition, she has undertaken courses in international law from the Hague and Utretch University in Netherlands. Professionally, she kick-started her career with journalism and later moved on to academics. She dedicates all her time and energy to fulfil the dreams and needs of the underprivileged people in Delhi, NCR. Recently, she received t he ADHM Silver care Award and Womennavator 100 Faces Award for her invaluable contribution to the society.
Currently, more than 450 underprivileged and homeless are fed three nutritious meals every day, by the organistaion. We wish the best to the entire ‘Wish and Blessings’ team for all its future endeavours. The nation truly needs such brave hearts who work day in and day out for the upliftment of the society.
