2023 was a year that unfolded like a treasure map, each step leading to a new delight. Yes, there were bumps, detours that left me fumbling for direction, moments of doubt. But each challenge taught me to navigate, improvise, and find beauty in the unexpected. This year’s grand adventure yielded more than gold – resilience, resourcefulness, and the quiet joy of surprise vistas. The year taught me: treasures hide in the journey, not just the finish line. Here’s to embracing the uncharted, the stumbles, and the victories, for they paint the most unforgettable chapters of our lives.
My most favorite memory at Wishes and Blessings was when I visited Mann Ka Tilak, our old age home, for Diwali. It stands out as an unforgettable memory for me. During the celebration, we danced, had a great time, and shared a meal with all the residents of our old age home. The joy and warmth exchanged during the celebration left a lasting impression on me. For me, it was more than just a visit; it was an experience filled with laughter, connection, and the spirit of togetherness. Witnessing the happiness on the faces of the elderly as we celebrated Diwali together created a special bond that I will always treasure. This memory highlights the meaningful moments that can be created through simple acts of kindness and sharing festive joy with those who may be in need of companionship.
One of my most cherished memories with Wishes and Blessings is from my first visit to our old age home, Mann Ka Tilak. I organized a kite making workshop for the uncles and ammas there, accompanied by a group of volunteers. Nirmala aunty eased my nerves by giving me a tour of the place and introducing me to everyone. Some ammas were initially reserved, as I was a new face for them, but I told them they’ll see me often now as I’ve joined Wishes and Blessings full time. I got to know Rashmi, who turned out to be a very supportive colleague. Veena amma sang beautiful Punjabi folk songs, and Vijaya amma danced with joy.
Amidst all the creativity, I connected with each resident, spending at least 20 minutes chatting with them. Despite being a newcomer, I felt a part of their stories, especially when I sang Rabindra Sangeet for Gayatri amma. Dayal uncle said he’s very happy that Geetanjali ma’am is giving such opportunities to young people.
In 2023, my most cherished moment at Wishes and Blessings revolves around the Diwali mithai distribution drive. Engaging in this festive initiative brought immense joy as I joined the efforts to spread sweetness and happiness to the lesser privileged. The act of distributing Diwali sweets and diyas, a symbol of celebration and goodwill, resonated deeply with the spirit of the occasion. It was a heartwarming experience to witness smiles light up faces as we shared the festive delight, fostering a sense of togetherness and connection. This memory summarizes the essence of the Diwali season, not just as a personal favorite but as a meaningful contribution to the collective celebration of joy, generosity, and shared blessings.
One special memory for me is the Jashn-e-Qawwali event put together by our organisation, Wishes and Blessings for Sahas, our skill development unit, at the Siri Fort Auditorium. It stands out as a cherished experience for me as I enjoyed the vibrant celebration of Qawwali music. This musical night of Qawwali featured the band Nizami Bandhu in order to raise funds for Sahas and commemorate the organization’s 9th anniversary. Also, the lively atmosphere of Siri Fort Auditorium added to the joy of the occasion. This memory will always be dear to me because it not only brought the beauty of Qawwali to life but also highlighted the positive impact of initiatives like Sahas. The event, with its cultural richness and purposeful essence, remains a favorite, summing up the spirit of celebration and skill development.
One of my fondest memories at Wishes and Blessings revolves around their delightful Potluck gatherings. The potluck, with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of dishes, has become a source of joy for me. The event is a mix of both culinary delights and the infectious energy of shared moments. From the moment I walk through the door, the air is filled with the tempting aroma of various cuisines, creating a sensory experience that mirrors the anticipation and excitement in the room. Each dish, a labor of love, is not just a culinary creation but a personal contribution to the collective experience. As colleagues come together to enjoy this culinary extravaganza, laughter and conversation flow effortlessly, creating a tapestry of warmth and connection.
In the realm of wishes and blessings, each day brought its own unique blend of joy, laughter, and dedicated work. While I can’t pinpoint a single standout day, a particular memory shines bright in my mind. It was the day Chandra Shekhar, not just a colleague but a true friend, surprised me with a special gift. In the dynamic landscape of a non-profit organization, where selfless gestures are rare in professional settings, his thoughtful act had a lasting impact. This experience shifted my perspective, revealing that colleagues could transcend the boundaries of mere coworkers and become valuable friends and team members.
My most cherished recollection at Wishes and Blessings revolves around our sports day. The experience was truly extraordinary, encompassing the entire process from organising the event to motivating the team. Engaging in the intricate details of planning and executing the sports day brought about a profound sense of fulfillment. Also, witnessing the collective efforts of the team, from coordination to active participation, made the journey exceptionally rewarding. The mixture of dedication, teamwork, and the joyous atmosphere created an overwhelming and lasting impression. This memory encapsulates not just a single event but a rich variety of shared enthusiasm and unity, making it a lasting part of my time at Wishes and Blessings.
My favorite memory at Wishes and Blessings has to be my visit to Madipur Village for a ration drive. I was overjoyed with all the love that the children showered upon me. They were so excited about seeing us! Being on the field, I also felt a little overwhelmed with the sad reality of life, but was happy to help distribute rations to those who needed it. While we were there to give out rations, what touched my heart the most were their stories of compassion and courage. That day showed me the power of small acts of kindness. It is incredible how something little can brighten up someone’s entire life. The memories of that day, the smiles on the children’s faces, and the stories they shared will stay with me forever.
My most treasured memory from my time at Wishes and Blessings is of our sports day. The vibrant energy and togetherness in the atmosphere during this event left an everlasting mark on my heart. Engaging in various sports and recreational activities fostered a sense of unity among the team, creating lasting bonds that extended beyond the confines of the event itself. The thrill of competition, coupled with the shared joy of participating in friendly matches, was very overwhelming. As we cheered on each other’s successes and rejoiced in the collective celebration of sportsmanship, that day became a symbol of the values and connections that defined our time together at Wishes and Blessings. It stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences in shaping meaningful and enduring memories.
In 2023, my fondest memory was visiting our old age home, Mann Ka Tilak, in Vrindavan. The Ammas there welcomed me with incredible warmth, and the blessings they bestowed upon me were immense. Seeing them all filled with enthusiasm, as if an old known relative had come to visit, they made me feel like I belonged. The kind and heartfelt connections formed during that visit made it truly special and memorable for me. It was more than just a moment in time; it became a lasting memory filled with warmth, gratitude, and the enriching spirit of the elderly residents. The generosity and the vibrant atmosphere of the old age home left a lasting impression on my heart, making it a treasured highlight of the year.
My favorite moment of 2023 at Wishes and Blessings was when I received acknowledgment for my efforts in organizing the Sports day event. It came as the most pleasant surprise, and the feeling of accomplishment upon receiving a certificate from Dr. Chopra was unparalleled. The entire journey of organizing the event, alongside my colleague Shekhar, stands out as the most memorable memory of the year for me.
Taking on the responsibility of preparing the children for their respective sports activities and ensuring everything fell seamlessly into place was a truly fulfilling experience. Witnessing the children’s enthusiasm and energy during the competitions was nothing short of inspiring. Their vibrant performances filled me with a renewed sense of motivation. Overall, the profound feeling from successfully executing the event to witnessing the children’s joy and participation made it an unforgettable and treasured moment of 2023 at Wishes and Blessings.
My most cherished moment is of April 31st, 2023, during the Jashn-e-Qawwali celebration. When the Vrindavan ammas visited Delhi, it felt like a joyous festival to me. We gathered, sharing stories about the distinctions between Delhi and Vrindavan – discussing food, people, and various aspects of life. Our time was filled with laughter, games, bhajans, cooking, and more. Together, we prepared for the event, singing songs as we organized everything. It was immensely satisfying when the ammas expressed their desire to stay longer, even considering residing in Delhi. Unfortunately, due to their food preferences, they couldn’t extend their stay. Nonetheless, their appreciation for Delhi left a lasting impression, making the entire experience even more special.
2023 at Wishes and Blessings was all about new beginnings and fresh starts. From relocating the head office to orchestrating the event of Jashn-e-Qawwali, the journey was a whirlwind of experiences. My most cherished memory is from the celebration of Jashn-e-Qawwali. Amidst the roller coaster of challenges, planning, executing, and participating in the Qawwali concert, the highlight was the profound sense of unity we shared during the festivities. The event symbolized the spirit of a transformative year. The joy and fulfillment I felt from the concert showed me how working with others can be a powerful tool, and it was really exciting to try new things.
It’s challenging to choose out just one special memory from the exciting 2023 journey with Wishes and Blessings. This year has been a roller coaster ride for our organization, filled with highs and lows. However, amidst this whirlwind, one particular moment shines brightly. It was the day when a beneficiary from our Sahas project, having completed her course, paid us a visit to share her success story. She spoke of how she had begun earning a livelihood by undertaking tailoring projects within her neighborhood. Seeing the real impact of our program in creating sustainable changes among our beneficiaries was incredibly rewarding. It’s a powerful reminder of the meaningful difference our efforts make in their lives. Under the compassionate guidance of Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, Sahas has been a story of resilience and empowerment since its commencement in January 2023.
2023 has truly been an amazing year, brimming with unforgettable moments! A standout experience was the remarkable Jashan-e-Qawwali event—the biggest I’ve been a part of since joining Wishes and Blessings. It was not only a source of valuable insights but also highlighted the positive impact of initiatives like Sahas, our skill development unit. The presence of my parents, witnessing my active participation, filled them with immense pride. The event became a significant milestone, contributing to a year rich in meaningful and joyful memories.