Be the Change

"Be the change."

At Akanksha Foundation, this is not just a value--it is a call to action. It asks us to lead by example, take responsibility, and challenge the status quo. It nudges us to innovate, overcome challenges, and create meaningful impact in our communities.

It also happens to be a philosophy that profoundly transformed my own life by shaping my education, guiding my professional journey, and deepening my connection with my community.

During my school years, I attended the Akanksha centre in Mankhurd for two to three hours every day, where we received academic support. But the learning was never purely theoretical, it was always practical. We learned through projects, community drives, exposure visits, and discussions on social, economic, and environmental issues.

We engaged with complex topics like domestic violence not just by studying them, but by exploring them through drama and role play. Over time, these experiences helped us find our voice. We conducted surveys and participated in activities designed to break social barriers, including conversations around caste and inequality. This blend of academics and values created a noticeable difference.

When we returned to our regular schools, teachers could clearly see the change in our confidence, behaviour, and overall outlook. In hindsight, this is where the seeds of my confidence and sense of purpose were first sown.

After completing my Master's degree in 2020, I joined Akanksha full-time. At Akanksha, we continue to hold students' hands even after they graduate from school--guiding them through college and career choices. My work includes conducting career sessions, aptitude testing, counselling for junior college admissions, financial aid guidance, alumni engagement, exposure visits, and skill-building programmes.

I work closely with students facing financial and personal crises, many of whom go on to pursue higher education at reputed institutions. Seeing their progress--and their continued connection--reminds me why this work matters.

When I was 17, I worked on a community project on waste management in my locality in Mankhurd. In 2022, armed with a job and greater confidence, I decided to address the broader challenges in the area--pollution, safety concerns, and poor living conditions.

We participated in society elections, and my father became the secretary. We began by introducing financial transparency through monthly accounting updates and created an online payment system using QR codes. This helped build residents' trust.

With improved funds, we installed CCTV cameras to strengthen security. One of the most difficult challenges was addressing drug-related issues within the building. Drawing on my experience with RTI processes, I gathered data, met senior officials, and pursued the matter through formal channels. Eventually, the issue was resolved.

We also addressed infrastructure problems such as water pipelines, illegal encroachments, and public works accountability. Over time, residents who once criticised the society began taking pride in it. Today, the society functions independently, even without my constant involvement.

This experience taught me an important lesson: sustainable change cannot depend on one individual. It requires building systems and empowering others. We are the ones we've been waiting for.

Life has come full circle. From receiving support to becoming the first graduate in my family--on both my mother's and father's side--I am now able to guide and empower students like me. From possibility to purpose, the transformation feels complete.