Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, the heart and soul behind Wishes and Blessings NGO, embodies compassion and dedication to social change.
Transitioning from a prestigious role at the Centre for Policy Research to a life devoted to the welfare of underprivileged, destitute, and marginalized communities, her journey is one of deep empathy, transformative impact, and unyielding commitment. A woman of many hats, a golden heart, and dozens of accolades to her name, Dr. Chopra continues to weave a tapestry of hope and change, building an equal society for all.
Inspiration and Impact
Dr. Chopra’s profound flair for philanthropy ties back to her upbringing, where community welfare was the norm. A particularly moving incident during a Holi celebration charted her future in this space. Amidst the festival's exuberance, she found herself with visually impaired children, their joy and enthusiasm untainted by their inability to see the colors that others took for granted. “Listening to their heartfelt wishes and seeing their happiness made me realize how even the smallest gestures can have a monumental impact on someone’s life. It was a powerful reminder of how much difference we can make through simple acts of kindness and compassion,” she shares.
This epiphany, born from witnessing the purest expressions of happiness, ignited a passionate resolve within her. In 2014, she founded the Wishes and Blessings, driven by a deep desire to spread smiles and foster hope among the marginalized and underserved. The foundation’s mission is to bridge the gap between donors and beneficiaries, creating a network of kindness that transforms lives.
With a focus on education, health, skill development, and elder care, the organization strives to positively impact thousands, offering hope, dignity, and opportunities to those in dire need. It already has more than 20 centers across Delhi-NCR, a presence in 7 states across India, occasionally has carried operations in Nepal, and works on six causes: education, nutrition, care for elders, relief, customizable charity, and the overall cause of happiness.
Of Triumph and Hope
Among the many lives touched by Wishes and Blessings, Rani’s story stands out as a beacon of hope. A young girl from a family of daily wage earners in Delhi, Rani faced a bleak future living on the streets. Her academic potential was dimmed by her circumstances until Wishes and Blessings intervened. Through their ‘Street to School’ program, Rani received education, nourishment, and support. Her newfound passion for football, nurtured by the foundation, earned her a national-level spot as a football player in 2018 and a congregation beaming with pride. “The ripple effect of her newfound confidence and financial independence extends beyond the walls of the skill development center,” Geetanjali joyously expresses.
Approach in Action
The visionary catalyst’s approach entails balancing immediate needs with long-term impact, “Each immediate action is carefully planned with the future in mind, ensuring that while we meet urgent demands, we are also laying the groundwork for sustainable, lasting change.”
Personal Resilience and Growth
The Lady Robin Hood’s work in the social sector has emerged as the guiding principle of her life. “My biggest takeaway from working in social development would be the importance of resilience. Adapting to change requires a willingness to confront discomfort and uncertainty,” she observes. Balancing the emotional demands of her work with her personal life involves setting boundaries and carving out time for self-care. Her commitment to regular rejuvenation through hobbies and spending time with loved ones sustains her motivation and well-being.
Empowering Future Generations
Inspiring others, particularly the youth, to engage in philanthropy and social work is a central goal for the social trailblazer. She believes in making these fields accessible and relatable, “I try to inspire and empower others by sharing stories of impact and demonstrating how small actions can create big differences.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Geetanjali’s vision for Wishes and Blessings is one of adaptability and responsiveness. “Our primary focus is to continue refining our current efforts, enhancing their impact and sustainability, and reaching out to more beneficiaries,” she adds. The foundation’s plans to obtain an FCRA registration signify a commitment to expanding its reach and involving international supporters. This evolution will enable more comprehensive support and broaden the foundation’s impact beyond India. Additionally, it intends to roll out volunteering opportunities, bringing NRIs closer to grassroots-level charity initiatives.
Legacy of Compassion
“Through my work with Wishes and Blessings, I hope to leave a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and sustainable change. I want to be remembered as someone who not only addressed immediate needs but also worked to uplift communities through innovative solutions and dedicated support. As a changemaker, I aspire to be recognized for my commitment to social justice, ability to inspire and mobilize others, and relentless pursuit of meaningful transformation. I envision a future where the initiatives we have developed become models for others and where the values of empathy, integrity, and collaboration continue to guide the efforts of future generations,” she concludes.
Through every act of kindness and every life she touches, Dr. Geetanjali Chopra paves the way to a world where love and humanity prevail and where people are cherished as our greatest gift and most valuable asset.
