I Took U-Turn From A Successful Career Path To Serve Another Purpose

My life has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected drops. From navigating through daunting challenges to revelling in moments of triumph, my journey has been anything but predictable. I grew up in a Punjabi family filled with love and a strong belief in helping others. My family instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the world. This upbringing fostered a deep sense of compassion and empathy within me, motivating me to help those who are less fortunate.

It's Ok To Change Careers To Serve A Different Purpose

My educational journey began at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School. After that, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in journalism in Delhi, which provided me with valuable skills in communication and information analysis. My passion for understanding global issues led me to study International Relations in Delhi as well, where I also furthered my knowledge by earning a Doctorate in International Studies. To deepen my expertise in a specific area, I took specialized courses in International Law in both the Netherlands and Italy. These additional studies gave me valuable insights into the legal framework surrounding international affairs.

For over ten years, I have gained experience in various fields before settling into research and academia. My journey began in journalism, where I developed strong communication skills. I also explored teaching, radio, and even acting in a TV show. Throughout my career, I have consistently expanded my knowledge by writing both books and numerous articles. My dedication and willingness to try new things led me to a rewarding position at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. This opportunity has allowed me to share my research and insights with a wider audience at international conferences, roundtable discussions, and seminars around the world, including India, the United States, Europe, and Thailand.

Even as my travels took me across the globe, a tradition instilled by my family remained close to my heart: giving back to those in need. One particularly poignant experience occurred during a visit to a school for children with visual impairments. It was there, on the anniversary of my grandfather's passing, that I found myself deeply moved by the children's simple yet profound desire to celebrate Holi, a festival of colours. This seemingly ordinary request stirred within me a profound sense of purpose and reminded me of the importance of bringing joy to those less fortunate.

The encounter with visually impaired children catalyzed my decision to dedicate myself fully to helping those in need. Despite doubts from some around me, both family and friends, about my departure from a successful career path, I felt an unwavering conviction to follow my heart. In 2014, I took a leap of faith and established a non-profit organization committed to uplifting the lives of the underprivileged. This journey has been driven by my enduring passion to make a meaningful difference in the world.

My journey, though challenging, has been quite inspiring. Building trust, challenging misconceptions, and overcoming prejudices have been central to my efforts. The organization I lead has made significant progress under my guidance. I lead a capable team proficient in various tasks, both on the field and in management roles. I supervise the organization's operations diligently. In a decade, we have expanded our reach to seven states, positively impacting over 10,00,000 lives. 

My journey from a humble upbringing to founding and leading a non-profit organization has been a testament to the power of compassion and determination. I continue to strive towards making a meaningful difference in the world, guided by the values instilled in me.

Authored by Dr Geetanjali Chopra, Founder & President of Wishes and Blessings NGO