Running a Tech Company revolves around strategies, planning, execution, Top line, bottom line, digital transformation and what have you. But sometimes the most profound moments happen outside the boardroom. Take, for instance, my encounters with Snehalaya, a non-pro@t in Ahmednagar, India. The Transformers (no pun intended) then become the transformed!!
I first visited Snehalaya when a close friend Shashikant Satbhai invited us to discuss some projects Snehalaya was planning. I visited Snehalaya with a lot of curiosity about what it takes to run a non-profit and seeking answers for “The Why” for the people who work there. Non-profits in India come with controversies, skepticism, bad news, and overall bad PR.
But after spending a day there, I wasn’t thinking about sales projections or bottom lines; I was overwhelmed, humbled, and utterly inspired. Since then I have visited Snehalaya multiple times and have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the transformative effects of their work. In my mind, three things stand out when I think of Snehalaya.
Snehalaya isn’t just a place; it’s a catalyst for good. One memory that sticks with me is visiting their school, which made it the Top 3 finalists in the World’s Best School for Overcoming Adversity (Read the full article here https://www.snehalaya.org/post/we-are-top-three). Picture this: lunchtime, kindergarten classes, and the sound of
children’s laughter filling the air like sweet music. Oh Boy!, the children’s playful banter was such a sweet melody to the ears that you would want to just sit down and watch the kids play.
The second is when we (Intellore) were recognized for our contribution to Snehalaya’s digitization initiatives. In an interview, the representatives of Snehankur narrated the journey of Snehankur. It was evident that Snehalaya wasn’t just providing shelter or assistance; it was nurturing hope and restoring dignity to those who had been stripped of it. But a few stories of rescuing children who were victims of sexual assaults were heart-wrenching and left us with deep anguish about the world we live in.
But that fuelled our determination to help(I should be candid enough to admit that it was the volunteers and great team at Snehalaya that fuelled our determination).
And the third which struck me the most was the desire to digitize their operations, and their push for digital transformation. In a world where digital transformation is often associated with corporate profits, Snehalaya is leveraging technology to bring Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, and Trust to the work they do.
Today Snehalaya serves over 19,000 beneficiaries each year running 22 projects across four key areas, education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and awareness, that help beneficiaries thrive in life. Snehalaya is truly a beacon of hope for those who find themselves lost and hopeless. You can learn more about Snehalaya at www.snehalaya.org
And while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges we face as a society, organizations like Snehalaya serve as a beacon of hope, and agents of positive change reminding us that even the smallest actions can transform lives.
At Intellore Systems, we will be more than just a business (profits still guide us), but we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the world. By providing our technical expertise and resources, we hope to empower Snehalaya to reach even more people and make an even greater impact. As I reflect on my experiences at Snehalaya, I am reminded of the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said,
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Lastly, I would like to appeal to the generosity of individuals like you to continue its vital work. I urge you to support Snehalaya in whatever way you can. But before you do, please visit Snehalaya (Don’t take my word for it) and see for yourself.
Together, we can be catalysts for change, building a world where compassion triumphs over adversity and all individuals are allowed to thrive, without any fear or invisible glass ceilings. And, if you are short of time you can make a charitable heartfelt donation to Snehalaya at www.snehalayacrm.org/donateonce
Devendra Abhyankar
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