How Adhyan came to be
As a child, I was always taught by my mother that helping people in need was an important part of the human experience. The quantum of help didn’t matter, she would say, what mattered was the thought and what came from that intention. She led by example in this matter by donating her time, transcribing text for the visually handicapped, for as long as I can remember.
It was only after her passing eleven years ago that I started receiving messages, letters, and calls from her friends and family members all over the world narrating how much she had helped them over the years. Some in big ways financially, some in really small ways. But overall, people were grateful and inspired by her strength and courage. Though we were extremely close as mother and daughter, she had never mentioned to me most of the things she had done over the years. This left an indelible mark on me.
“If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward.” This quote by Catherine Ryan Hyde encompasses the spirit and vision of Adhyan. The story of Adhyan is Priya’s story. As a child, she was always taught by her mother that helping people in need was an important part of the human experience. The quantum of help didn’t matter, she was told, what mattered was the thought and intention behind it.
Being led, run and fuelled by women, we at Adhyan, understand the unique challenges faced by women and children in India and around the world. From violence and systemic marginalisation, to the gender pay gap and lack of social infrastructure, women and children are impeded from reaching their potential at every turn.
At Adhyan, we believe that enabling women to be their own changemakers can change the world. As women rise, so do our children, our homes, and our communities. It is this salient belief that motivates our purpose.