When wrapped up in our day-to-day lives, it’s not uncommon to forget the reality of the world around us. The fact that nearly 1 in 10 has no access to basic amenities in life, that of adequate food, clothing, shelter, clean drinking water and sanitation.
In this age of food wastage and excessive wealth, how is it possible that there are still 700 million people who go without two meals per day? We live in a world of global connectivity, so how are we so unconnected with our fellow humans living in abject poverty?
Our Trust hopes to do our bit to shake you out of complacency and into action. By donating to a trusted foundation of your choice, you can play your part in preventing human suffering. We understand that it can daunting knowing where to start – the issues are complex and it’s natural to have feelings of hopelessness.
Our choice of charities are India focused as the Trustees have strong connections and a sound understanding of the work that is being done at the grassroots by these foundations.
You can have the peace of mind that we have done all the due diligence to find projects which will make the maximum impact per dollar contributed to support communities which are classified as living in ‘extreme poverty’. The people behind these foundations know how to make a change, and we have established a strong rapport with them, as also a clear understanding of how the funds are being received by the people who need it the most.
Our chosen charities provide immediate alleviation for these families by supplying basic needs, but also support them with tools and training, which is a longer term solution to get them out of the vicious poverty cycle they are locked into. Many studies on poverty alleviation have demonstrated that giving handouts combined with upskilling of these people is a powerful synergy to achieve the best outcomes.
Our lives are richer when we share, and that great inner joy comes from helping others to better their lives.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.”
True joy lies in the act of giving, without an expectation of receiving something in return. In the yogic philosophy this is called ‘Atmabhava’. Truly giving from the heart fills our life with joy and nourishes our soul.
We have all experienced these special moments of joy when we have helped someone even with small acts of kindness, like helping an elderly person with their bags at the supermarket or helping a blind man cross the road.
I experienced one of these moments on a trip to India few years ago, where our family served a hearty dinner at an orphanage. The gratitude that sparkled in the eyes and on the faces of these innocent children has been ingrained in my memory ever since.
As I stepped out, I had tears rolling down my eyes; they were tears of joy, but also tears of disappointment, sadness and frustration. That’s when I started to wonder, how can we continue to ignore the underprivileged in our society on a daily basis? I hope that our Trust inspires you to ask these probing questions of yourself, and moves you into taking positive action to begin your journey of contributing and giving back to humanity.
Amal Karl, Founding Trustee
"At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back”
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About
Apnalaya was founded in 1972 by Tom Holland, the then Australian Consulate General in Mumbai, who set up a Daycare Centre for children of migrant labourers in the hutments of Nariman Point, Mumbai.
Current President, Geetanjali Jha Chakraborty has been involved with Apnalaya for several years. Geetanjali has held leadership and CEO level roles in Concern India Foundation, CHILDLINE India Foundation, and ARMMAN, and is currently on the board of Foundation for Mother and Child Health and a global advisor to Tech Care For All. She is passionate about child protection, urban inequality, and mental health.
