Enabling empowerment
Parul Mehta, founder and trustee of Ishanya Foundation, Pune, ensures that the underprivileged stand on their feet, finds Radhika Sathe-Patwardhan
For as long as she can remember, Parul Mehta, 54, wanted to give back to society. She terms it a ‘value’ she grew up with. During her college days, as part of the student council, she had been part of an eye check-up camp which required getting those in need, operated. An old lady, after her cataract surgery, approached Mehta, showering gratitude as without help, her operation would not have happened due to lack of funds. This made Mehta realise the importance of selfless acts and their impact on people’s lives. She was determined to do more for the underprivileged. This led her to pursue Authentic Leadership Development programme from Harvard Business School in 2014 post a BA in Sitar, and upon returning, Mehta was looking at what direction to take next.
It was around this time she visited several NGOs in and around Pune to understand the sectors that were being catered to. Over time, she realised that donating is not the way forward, empowering is. “It’s easy to write a cheque, but we should work towards making the underprivileged independent. If you teach them a skill, you are educating them for a better life,” she says. Thus, was born Ishanya Foundation.
The organisation conducts several outreach programmes for women empowerment, livelihood, and health and education, in and around Pune, and in villages around Taloja in Raigad District.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.