At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this, we invited Shama Soni for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Angel Investor, Speaker and Founder of Ashhwika Foundation. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Shama:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey and the inception of Ashhwika Foundation are deeply rooted in personal experiences that have shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for mental health awareness and holistic well-being.
As a Delhi-based entrepreneur, I have navigated through various challenges and successes in my professional life. However, it was my personal journey that led me to delve deeper into the realm of mental health. I witnessed first hand the impact of mental health issues on individuals and families, including my own.
My daughter, Ashhwika Soni, played a pivotal role in this journey. Seeing her mother, myself, go through emotional and mental challenges, especially during episodes of depression and anxiety, deeply affected Ashhwika. Her unwavering support, love, and resilience became my source of strength and motivation to overcome these challenges like a warrior.
Through Ashhwika’s eyes, I saw the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues. Together, we embarked on a mission to create Ashhwika Foundation, named after my daughter, to spread awareness and promote holistic well-being.
Our foundation aims to empower individuals to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We believe that holistic well-being is not just about addressing mental health issues but also nurturing every aspect of an individual’s life, including their emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.
At Ashhwika Foundation, we are committed to offering support, resources, and guidance to those struggling with mental health challenges. We conduct workshops, collaborate with experts, and advocate for mental health awareness at various levels, from communities to corporate settings.
Our journey has been transformative, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Together, with Ashhwika’s vision and my experiences, we continue to lead Ashhwika Foundation towards creating a world where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eliminated, and holistic well-being is embraced by all.
‘Ashhwika Foundation’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name “Ashhwika Foundation” holds a great significance as its my daughters name. The word “Ashhwika” is derived from the Sanskrit language and signifies happiness, peace and prosperity.
At Ashhwika Foundation, we are dedicated to addressing a crucial problem in our society – the mental health crisis. We recognize that mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being and that many individuals, especially children, youth, and working professionals, face unique challenges related to mental health.
Our mission is to empower individuals across different age groups and demographics to lead fulfilling, balanced lives by nurturing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We believe that everyone should have access to resources and support to maintain optimal well-being.
To achieve our mission, we have developed a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of mental health and well-being. Our priority areas include early intervention and prevention, teacher training and support, workplace mental health, mental health literacy, parental and family support, inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, access to mental health services, collaboration and partnership building, technology integration, and research-based practices.
We offer a wide range of programs and services, including educational workshops, social-emotional learning programs, corporate wellness initiatives, one-on-one counselling services, and support groups. We also actively engage in community outreach and awareness efforts through events, seminars, and social media campaigns.
Our vision is to create a world where mental health is universally recognized as a vital component of overall health, where individuals of all ages are empowered to cultivate resilience, and where communities actively support the holistic well-being of every individual.
At Ashhwika Foundation, we value collaboration and partnership. We work closely with educational institutions, corporations, non-profit organizations, mental health professionals, volunteers, donors, and communities to maximize the impact of our programs and services.
With the support of our volunteers and communities, we remain dedicated to transforming lives, igniting positive change, and building a more resilient, compassionate society where mental health and holistic well-being are prioritized and supported.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
Our organization is dedicated to addressing a crucial problem in society – the mental health crisis. We understand that mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, and our mission is to empower individuals across different age groups and demographics to lead fulfilling, balanced lives by nurturing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Rooted in empathy, inclusiveness, and innovation, Ashhwika Foundation aims to provide accessible resources and support to promote optimal mental health. We recognize that each demographic faces unique challenges related to mental health, and our programs are tailored to meet their specific needs.
Our focus areas include early intervention and prevention, teacher training and support, workplace mental health, mental health literacy, parental and family support, inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, access to mental health services, collaboration and partnership building, technology integration, and research-based practices. Through these focus areas, we aim to create a supportive environment that empowers individuals to navigate mental health challenges effectively.
Our offerings include educational workshops, social-emotional learning programs, corporate wellness initiatives, one-on-one counselling services, support groups, community outreach, and advocacy efforts. We leverage technology, partnerships, and evidence-based practices to deliver impactful programs and services.
As an organization, we are committed to expanding our reach, enhancing program quality, strengthening community engagement, leveraging technology for impact, and advocating for mental health awareness and policy change. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, we aim to make a lasting impact on mental health and holistic well-being.
In summary, Ashhwika Foundation is not just a name but a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and compassion. We are dedicated to creating a world where mental health is universally recognized as a vital component of overall health, and where individuals are empowered to cultivate resilience and well-being in their lives.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
In my journey as the founder of a mental health awareness NGO promoting holistic well-being, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that have shaped my perspective and approach to life:
Passion Fuels Purpose: I’ve discovered that following your passion isn’t just a cliché; it’s a guiding principle. When you’re passionate about something, whether it’s advocating for mental health or pursuing a creative endeavour, it ignites a sense of purpose that propels you forward even in challenging times.
Intent Matters: Success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about how you achieve them. Operating with good intent, integrity, and empathy not only brings personal fulfilment but also fosters positive relationships and trust within your community and beyond.
Holistic Well-being is Key: Through my work, I’ve come to understand the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health. True well-being encompasses all these aspects, emphasizing the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and fostering supportive environments for individuals to thrive.
These lessons have been instrumental in shaping my journey and guiding the mission of our NGO. They remind me that success isn’t just about external achievements but also about inner growth, positive impact, and nurturing a holistic approach to wellness.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
In my view, the keys to success are multifaceted and go beyond conventional measures. Here are the key principles I believe contribute significantly:
Persistence: Success often requires perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. It’s about staying committed to your goals, even when obstacles arise, and finding creative solutions to overcome them.
Continuous Self-Learning and Growth: The journey towards success is also a journey of personal development. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning, whether it’s acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, or expanding emotional intelligence, is crucial for staying adaptable and relevant in a constantly evolving world.
Emotional and Intellectual Growth: Success isn’t just about intelligence or technical skills; it’s also about emotional intelligence and maturity. Understanding oneself, managing emotions effectively, and cultivating empathy and understanding towards others are essential aspects of holistic success.
Wisdom over Intelligence: While intelligence is valuable, wisdom is often what guides us towards making us learn from both success and failures.
By incorporating these principles into our personal and professional lives, we not only enhance our chances of achieving success but also contribute to a more fulfilling and balanced journey.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey as a mental health awareness NGO founder promoting holistic well-being incredibly satisfying and exciting is the realization that success is deeply personal and subjective. Throughout my journey, I’ve embraced several guiding principles that have made this path fulfilling:
Focus on Your Vision: Despite any doubts or naysayers, staying true to my vision and passion for mental health advocacy has been paramount. Tuning out external opinions and staying focused on what truly matters has allowed me to make meaningful strides in my work.
Believe in Your Capabilities: Understanding that I am capable of achieving what I set my mind to has been a game-changer. This belief has propelled me forward, pushing me to explore new territories, take on challenges, and constantly grow as an individual.
Embrace Lessons, Not Failures: Every setback or mistake along the way has been a valuable lesson rather than a failure. Embracing these lessons with an open mind has led to continuous improvement and resilience in the face of adversity.
Personal Growth and Diverse Roles: One of the most exciting aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to take on diverse roles and challenges. Balancing my roles as a mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and caregiver has been both demanding and rewarding, contributing significantly to my personal growth and sense of fulfilment.
No Comparisons, Only Progress: I’ve learned the importance of focusing on my own progress and growth rather than comparing myself to others. Each individual’s journey is unique, and celebrating my own achievements without undue comparison has brought me immense satisfaction.
In essence, my journey is satisfying and exciting because it’s a continuous process of self-discovery, growth, and contribution to a cause I deeply care about. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from experiences, and finding joy in making a positive impact on individuals’ holistic well-being.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
