Our unique & innovative social enterprise represents a culmination of e-commerce, social impact, and fundraising, all aimed at empowering women facing financial hardships. Through Meerahi, we seek to provide stitching training to these incredible women, prepare them for the industrial market, and eventually provide them employment opportunities. We enable them to produce children’s cotton clothes and accessories using the traditional art of block printing. Additionally, with every purchase made, a portion will be dedicated towards various projects designed to enhance the quality of life for these women, enabling them to live more meaningful and happier lives.
My Story
Growing up, I was fortunate to receive a great upbringing, access to the best education, and a comfortable life. I was shielded from the poverty that had afflicted earlier generations of my family. Thanks to all the hard work of my family who worked rigorously to bring us out of poverty. However, amidst this privilege, I always felt a strong sense of compassion for those less fortunate.
Whether it was visiting orphanages and getting deeply moved by the condition of the children there, or having heartfelt conversations with our household staff about their struggles, I couldn’t ever shake off the feeling of gratitude for the life I’d been given. This natural empathy led me to seek ways to improve the lives of others.
One pivotal moment came during my MBA studies when I felt an inner calling, a realization that there was more to life than what I’m doing. This led me to connect with NGOs like Pravah, where we did a lot of grassroot work. Eventually, I became involved with another NGO, Faith, where I taught english and mathematics to HIV-positive children. These experiences deepened my urge to make a meaningful difference.
I remember discussing the concept of “Gharonda” (a hindi word for home) with a very dear friend of mine, envisioning a home with happy families, happy kids and happy faces around. Rather than offering temporary assistance, I desired to enable individuals to build better lives for themselves—a vision that grew clearer with time.
Despite a very comfortable life in the United States, marrying the love of my life, having a thriving career and being blessed with two beautiful daughters, I couldn’t ignore the persistent tug of that inner calling. It took me fifteen years to gather the courage to act on it. Although I had attempted to begin similar initiatives before, they ended up feeling like commercial ventures rather than meaningful endeavors. The words of a family member resonated: “You are well-equipped. If you can’t do it, then who will?”
With renewed determination, I decided to quit my job, booked my tickets and come to India along with my 3-year-old daughter, to turn my dream into reality. As I embark on this new chapter, I am grateful for the support of my family and friends, for the opportunities ahead and inspired and determined to create a positive change in the world around me.
My
Story