gestures from my heart

The *Baking Brigade* is an initiative I founded to empower women from low-income families by teaching them baking and entrepreneurship skills. The program includes workshops where participants learn to bake various goods and receive training in business fundamentals like budgeting and marketing. We also help them source affordable equipment and ingredients to minimize startup costs. After training, women can either launch their own home-based businesses or collaborate in a cooperative model. In its first year, *Baking Brigade* trained 15 women, with four successfully starting their own baking ventures. This initiative not only provides financial independence but also boosts confidence, allowing these women to contribute meaningfully to their communities and break the cycle of dependency.

Nritya Pragati is a dance group I established to offer free Bharatanatyam lessons to children from low-income families. These kids have a strong passion for dance but often lack the means to receive formal training. Through this initiative, I provide them with the chance to develop their skills while also fostering their cultural and artistic abilities. I finance Nritya Pragati with earnings from my part-time tutoring job, ensuring the group has the necessary resources for costumes, performances, and travel. This program allows me to give back to the community and support these young dancers in overcoming financial obstacles.

The Blanket Drive is a winter project I’ve been leading since I was 12, aimed at providing blankets to the homeless in and around Bangalore. Through dedicated fundraising efforts and generous donations, I make sure that blankets reach those who need them most during the coldest months. Alongside organizing the drive locally, I have encouraged other high school students to initiate similar projects in their own communities, broadening the reach of our efforts and instilling a sense of social responsibility among youth. This expanding network has allowed us to bring warmth and comfort to even more people each year.

I am currently collaborating with Seegehalli government school in Bangalore to enhance their educational facilities. To date, we have funded the construction of a new play area and supplied chairs and tables for the students, helping to create a more comfortable and engaging learning environment. This initiative holds special significance for me, as it continues the efforts of my brother, who worked with the school during his high school years. By pursuing this project, I can contribute to the community while building upon the foundation he established.