Interviewer: Please describe about your journey
Dr Geetanjali: I am an academician, researcher, columnist, and philanthropist with over a decade of experience in research and academics. While I had the opportunity to work with a multitude of prestigious institutes like the Centre for Policy Research, I decided to give up on a well-established career and start afresh by establishing my NGO, Wishes and Blessings in 2014. I did so in order to fulfil a childhood dream of that of serving the underprivileged.
Interviewer: Why you started the foundation?
Dr Geetanjali: Although, my story of charity and social work officially started when I established my NGO, the roots of selfless care were imbibed in me and my family throughout my childhood. I would often visit a school for the visually impaired with my grandfather to celebrate my birthdays and other special occasions with them. On one such occasion, a little girl tugged her arm and asked, “When is my birthday?”. These soft, subtle, yet intriguing words seeped down into my soul and made a permanent impression on my curious mind. That abrupt question soon turned into the mission of my life and I decided to serve the underprivileged and people in need.
Interviewer: What are the challenges that you faced?
Dr Geetanjali: Naturally, leaving a well-established career in academics and research that sprang over a decade and transitioning into a whole new dimension was not a very smooth process, for me. I had to face raised eyebrows from loved ones as they were worried that I was about to embark on a journey I had 0% experience in. I learnt everything on my own, with time and my patience being the primary mentors. Facing all my fears and owning up to my decision, I went forward and never looked back.
Interviewer: What is the future prospect?
Dr Geetanjali: As of 2022, I am executing various centres of my NGOs across the country I single-handedly took my Delhi-based organization Wishes and Blessings to 8 states across India. Currently, I oversee the entire functioning of Wishes and Blessings and strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of all beneficiaries, donors as well as other individuals associated with the organization. I hope that I would continue to do what I am doing but at a much larger scale – spreading happiness, and working towards the vision and the mission of eradicating the word “underprivileged” from society.
Interviewer: What do you think in future for this NGO? Also mention about running projects.
Dr Geetanjali: I aspire to take my NGO, Wishes and Blessings to much bigger levels in order to provide essential aid to the people in need across the country. I came across a myriad of challenges in the past, but my determination and laser-sharp focus has led to an exponential growth of my organization in 8 states across India. My organization cuts across the spectrum of gender and age to help those who need it. In the same vein, we work for 6 causes among which are education, nutrition, care for elders, relief, customizable charity and the overall cause of happiness.
