(May 18, 2024) From research to journalism, teaching to entertainment and eventually to philanthropy, Dr Geetanjali Chopra’s experiences have been diverse but driven always by deep curiosity, the desire to learn and make an impact. She is the founder of Wishes and Blessings – a non-profit organization with over 20 centers in Delhi-NCR and a presence across six Indian states, which has positively impacted the lives of over 50 million people. Their work addresses a range of social issues, including education, healthcare, elderly care, skill development, and SOS relief. After starting as an academician and researcher, Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, switched gears to humanitarianism.
Growing up in a warm Punjabi household in Delhi, Chopra was deeply influenced by her family’s commitment to serve the needy. Her educational journey began at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School, where she laid the foundation for her academic pursuits and pursued her undergraduate studies at Lady Shri Ram College. She followed that up with a master’s in international relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “I wanted to broaden my horizons, so I went abroad to specialise in International Law, and studied at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Italy,” she says, in an interview with Global Indian.
Dr Geetanjali Chopra, founder, Wishes and Blessings
A varied journey
Studying abroad was a transformative experience that not only enhanced her academic understanding but also enriched her cultural awareness and global perspective. “It exposed me to different academic methodologies, diverse cultures, and a vibrant international community, fostering personal growth and expanding my worldview. Overall, the experience was challenging yet immensely rewarding, laying the groundwork for my dedication to making a positive impact on the world,” she adds.
Reflecting on her career journey prior to Wishes and Blessings, Chopra is clear that she has always been driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for exploration. Each step she took, whether it was in research, academia, journalism, teaching, or even entertainment, was fuelled by a desire to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact. “I have never been one to shy away from new challenges or opportunities, and I believe that versatility has been key to my success. Whether it was expressing my views on global platforms or revisiting my roots to help the needy, my career has been a blend of diverse experiences that have enriched my perspective and fuelled my determination to make a difference in the world,” she avers.
Wishes and Blessings
Establishing Wishes and Blessings was a natural progression, a platform to bridge the gap between donors and beneficiaries, and to extend help to all those in need, regardless of their background. According to Chopra, it is about spreading smiles, making meaningful connections, and fostering hope for a better tomorrow. The seed was planted when she celebrated Holi with visually impaired children. The experience sparked a moment of profound connection and understanding. “Witnessing their joy and hearing their simple yet heartfelt wish made me realize the power of small gestures in bringing happiness. It ignited a passion within me to dedicate my life to serving the marginalized and making a tangible difference in their lives. Despite facing scepticism from those around me, I knew in my heart that this was my calling,” Chopra recalls.
Wishes and Blessings now has over 20 centres in Delhi-NCR and reaches six states across India. Their impact addresses several challenges, including education, health, elderly care, skill development, and SOS relief. “The impact has been significant. Since our inception, Wishes and Blessings have positively impacted the lives of over 50,00,000 people,” Chopra explains. Initiatives like Sahas and our recent community kitchen exemplify our commitment to holistically addressing societal needs,” she adds.
Throughout her career, she has been deeply motivated by the transformative power of compassion and dedication. Witnessing the positive change that results from these qualities fuels my drive to make a significant impact. “What truly drives me is the tangible difference we can make in people’s lives. Seeing the smiles and profound gratitude on the faces of those we’ve helped, particularly those who are underprivileged and facing immense challenges, is the most fulfilling reward,” she says.
Her advice for women seeking to make a positive impact, is all about the strength that comes from both compassion and courage. “Do not be afraid to identify a cause you are passionate about, and then channel that passion into action. There are countless ways to make a difference, so don’t feel limited by traditional paths. Trust your instincts, embrace your unique skills, and find a way to contribute that feels authentic to you,” she says. When she transitioned from a well-established career in academics and research to a completely new dimension, she faced numerous setbacks. “Foremost among these was scepticism and concern from loved ones, who worried about my lack of experience in the new field. Their raised eyebrows served as a constant reminder of the uncertainty inherent in my decision. However, I chose to tackle these challenges head-on, relying on my determination and self-motivation,” she admits.
Learning curve
Learning everything anew was daunting, but she embraced it as an opportunity for personal growth. “My primary mentors became time and patience, as I navigated the unfamiliar territory. Despite facing fears and doubts, I remained steadfast in my decision and refused to dwell on the past. Instead, I focused on moving forward with conviction,” she says. One of the key lessons she has learned from this experience is the importance of resilience. Adapting to change requires a willingness to confront discomfort and uncertainty. She learned how to stay committed to her goals and discovered her own capacity for resilience. She also understood the value of self-reliance and resourcefulness. Without formal guidance, she relied on her own initiative to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as she built Wishes and Blessings. In hindsight, she has realised that setbacks are inevitable in any significant life transition. “However, it is our response to these setbacks that ultimately determines our success. By embracing change with an open mind and a willingness to learn, we can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side,” she says.
In her free time, she likes to cook, travel, write, play Candy Crush, and spend time with both family and friends. “Cooking allows me to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new recipes. Traveling exposes me to different cultures and landscapes, sparking my curiosity and sense of adventure. Writing lets me express my thoughts and imagination on paper, allowing me to explore new worlds through words. Playing Candy Crush is my guilty pleasure, providing a fun and relaxing way to unwind. And of course, spending time with family and friends brings me joy and strengthens our bonds,” she says. Moving forward, she is committed to expanding her reach to serve more underprivileged communities and increase the number of individuals her team can assist. “We plan to establish new centres and programmes to serve a wider range of communities. Furthermore, we are committed to significantly increasing the number of individuals we can support. This includes scaling up our food security initiatives, like our community kitchen, to ensure no one goes hungry,” she signs off.
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