Embodying the spirit of passionate individuals dedicated to serving a social cause Harsimar D, the COO of Little India Foundation, is committed to making the world a better place. Harsimar’s journey is one of selflessness and dedication to fulfilling her lifelong desire to give back to society.
Harsimar emphasizes a leadership style rooted in the organization’s mission and guided by faith. Decision-making is characterized by an inclusive process that values input from all team members, regardless of seniority. This approach fosters a democratic environment where everyone’s perspectives are considered valuable, whether they are a seasoned senior member or a new intern. By leveraging the collective wisdom of the team, Little India Foundation ensures that decisions reflect diverse viewpoints and contribute to the organization’s overall mission and goals.
A Tale of Passion and Collaboration
Harsimar often recounts a pivotal moment in her journey, which she considers the catalyst for her current endeavors. It all began with her daughter’s wish to participate in Little India Foundation’s ‘Art for a Cause’ competition, an event supporting the NGO’s noble mission. Inspired by her daughter’s initiative, Harsimar became deeply involved with the foundation, eager to contribute in any way possible.
Collaborating with individuals like Salim, Harsimar embarked on various flagship projects, including the creation of the ‘Nari Shakti Awards’ to honor women who exemplify strength and inspire others. Fueled by their collective belief in the power of God and their own initiatives, they persevered in their mission.
Today, their efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals. Through initiatives such as providing food to the hungry and offering unique educational opportunities, they have empowered communities and brought countless smiles to faces. Harsimar’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact that passion, collaboration, and a shared vision can have on creating positive change in society.
Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
As a woman operating in the predominantly male-dominated field of philanthropy and charity distribution, Harsimar recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities this presents. She values the opportunity to make a difference and is committed to leveraging her position for positive impact.
The flagship projects undertaken by Little India Foundation, such as providing daily meals to the needy, reflect a larger goal of ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry. In line with their dedication to women’s empowerment, initiatives like the Nari Shakti Awards offer a platform to recognize and celebrate women who excel in entrepreneurship and other fields. Through these efforts, Little India Foundation aims to bring happiness and support to often overlooked segments of society, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
Core Mission of Feeding Hungry Children
This year, Little India Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to its core mission: feeding as many hungry children as possible. In addition to this essential initiative, the foundation has introduced innovative ways to enrich the lives of these children. They have integrated extracurricular activities into their curriculum, providing opportunities for the children to engage in group activities, games, and even a magic show to appreciate the art of illusion.
Furthermore, Little India Foundation has expanded its offerings by initiating remedial classes and providing training in a variety of skills, including circus arts, theater, sewing, and dance. These endeavors aim to empower both children and women, offering them avenues for personal growth and self-expression.
By broadening their scope of activities and opportunities, Little India Foundation continues to bring joy and enrichment to the lives of those they serve, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in their community.
Engagement and Motivation of Children
According to Harsimar, one of the biggest challenges faced by Little India Foundation is convincing parents to enroll their children in the foundation’s programs. Despite their willingness to send their children for classes, parents often have reservations due to personal goals for their children and other commitments. Additionally, even if children express interest, it can be difficult to keep them engaged and motivated to sustain their participation.
To address this challenge, Little India Foundation has implemented new remedial activities aimed at incentivizing and sustaining children’s participation. These initiatives are designed to overcome barriers and ensure that children and their families recognize the value and benefits of the foundation’s programs. Through ongoing efforts to engage and support both children and parents, Little India Foundation aims to overcome these challenges and continue making a positive impact in the community.
Engaging Social Media Presence
Harsimar believes that Little India Foundation’s most effective use of technology is through engaging social media platforms. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and employing SEO specialists to enhance their online presence, the foundation aims to reach a broader audience. This strategy extends beyond social media to include their revamped website, ensuring that they maximize their visibility and engagement across digital channels.
Recognizing the crucial role of sponsors in supporting their mission, Little India Foundation utilizes technology to connect with people and raise funds for their cause. Through strategic use of technology, the foundation endeavors to expand its reach, ultimately increasing its impact in providing meals and support to those in need.
Inclusive Education for Children’s Growth
At Little India Foundation, Harsimar emphasizes the importance of fostering not only numerical skills but also soft skills among the children they serve. Through a holistic approach to education and enrichment, the foundation introduces engaging activities such as painting, singing, and dancing, encouraging collective participation and creativity.
To further engage the children, Little India Foundation organizes events like magic shows and group games, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among peers. Additionally, the foundation has introduced remedial classes in various disciplines, including circus training, sewing, dance, theater, and art, catering to students of all ages who express interest in expanding their skillset and exploring new passions. Through these initiatives, Little India Foundation aims to provide comprehensive opportunities for growth and development, empowering children to unlock their full potential.
Recognitions and Honors
Little India Foundation takes immense pride in witnessing the smiles of children after they have enjoyed a nutritious meal or participated in engaging classes, considering it their greatest achievement. However, their efforts have also garnered recognition and honors from various esteemed platforms. Some of the notable accolades include:
- Women Who Win: Guest of Honour for Women’s Day
- Rajdhani Gaurav Awards: Best Supporter and Best Social Activist
- HBW News Global Achievers Awards 2021
- Women Icon Of the Year Award 2022
- International Women’s Day 2020 Pledge by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
- Gaurav Rajdhani Awards, Seasons 2 and 3
- The City Salutes You Award by Select CityWalk
- Krishna Social Welfare Award
- Jayan Foundation Award
- Inner Wheel Club of Delhi Vasant Vihar Corona Award
- Great Sports Cultural Club Samman
- Hari Narayan Memorial Trust Award
- United-Forum Peace and Harmony Award
- Agriti Ek Masahaal Award
- Shakti 2.0 Award
These honors serve as a testament to the impactful work and dedication of Little India Foundation in serving the community and empowering women and children.
Inspiration from Art for Cause Competition
The decision to join the collective initiative to feed hungry children through Little India Foundation was inspired by Harsimar’s daughter’s participation in the ‘Art for Cause’ competition. Witnessing the immediate impact of their efforts through the smiles they bring to children’s faces reaffirms their commitment to the cause with each passing day. As more like-minded individuals join their endeavor, their family continues to grow, driven by the tangible results and the fulfillment of making a positive difference in the lives of others. It is the visible outcomes and the shared sense of purpose that fuel their passion and dedication to continue their work.
Sharing Importance of Both Academic and Social Growth
At Little India Foundation’s ‘Learn with Fun’ centers, the emphasis extends beyond traditional academic skills to encompass the development of soft skills such as artistic expression, empathy, and teamwork. The organization believes in nurturing well-rounded individuals who recognize the importance of both academic and social development. In addition to conventional classroom education, children are exposed to extracurricular activities like school sports days, promoting a balance of physical and mental well-being. Looking forward, the foundation intends to broaden its offerings by introducing remedial classes in various creative disciplines such as dance, painting, acting, and sewing. These classes will cater not only to teenagers but also to women and older individuals seeking opportunities for personal growth and enrichment. The overarching goal remains to facilitate holistic development and foster a culture of lifelong learning for all participants.
Staying True to Oneself
Harsimar’s advice to women aspiring to enter this field is invaluable. She emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of setbacks and challenges, urging women to persevere even when faced with obstacles. Additionally, she highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritizing self-care, particularly in environments where women may face discouragement or societal pressures. By staying true to oneself, listening to inner guidance, and surrounding oneself with supportive and determined individuals, women can steadily progress toward their goals and make a meaningful impact in their chosen field.
