The Woman Who Turned a Child’s Question Into a Lifelong Mission
By Prerna, August 12,2025
For Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, philanthropy is not merely a profession or passion—it is deeply woven into the fabric of her being. Acts of compassion and service have guided her life from the very beginning, largely inspired by moments spent with her grandfather during childhood. These weren’t grand gestures, but deeply meaningful ones, such as celebrating birthdays at a school for visually impaired children. It was during one such visit that a little girl, holding Geetanjali’s hand, asked a seemingly simple yet haunting question: “Mera birthday kab hota hai?” (When is my birthday?).
That question stayed with her, long after the day ended. It planted a seed in her heart—a determination to bring dignity, joy, and visibility to lives often overlooked. What started as empathy in a young child gradually matured into a lifelong mission of service. Years later, this mission took concrete form with the founding of Wishes and Blessings in 2014.
Wishes and Blessings began with a simple idea: connecting people who have with those who don’t, fulfilling wishes and, in the process, spreading blessings. Initially focused on supporting visually impaired children, the organization quickly expanded its scope to address a spectrum of social challenges—from food insecurity and lack of education to healthcare, elder care, and disaster relief. Today, the organization has grown into a full-fledged platform for social transformation, operating over 20 centers across Delhi-NCR and reaching thousands across India.
Dr. Chopra brings to this work a solid academic and professional foundation. She completed her undergraduate studies in Journalism from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University, followed by a Master’s, M.Phil, and Ph.D. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Her academic journey didn’t end there. She pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in International Human Rights Law at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and another in Refugee and Humanitarian Law from the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in Italy.
Throughout her career, Geetanjali has represented India at numerous international conferences, seminars, and roundtables in countries like the United States, Thailand, and across Europe. She has worked as a journalist, columnist, radio jockey, television personality, and educator. However, despite her accolades and accomplishments across various fields, it was founding Wishes and Blessings that gave her true purpose. In her words, it allowed her to finally align her work with her soul.
Under her leadership, the organization has made a deep and measurable impact. One of its most notable initiatives was the COVID Relief Project, launched on March 25, 2020—the very first day of India’s national lockdown. What began as an emergency response for the homeless soon grew into a massive operation. The organization provided shelter, hygiene kits, and nutrition to thousands. At its peak, the project was delivering over 45,000 meals daily and reaching more than 8,000 families across seven Indian states. In addition to meals, they launched Relief Vans and Ambulance Services to ensure aid reached the most vulnerable, even in containment zones.
Beyond emergency relief, the NGO runs several long-term programmes that continue to transform lives. Daily Meals ensures three hot, nutritious meals for underprivileged and homeless individuals. Sponsor a Childhood provides educational support for differently-abled, HIV-positive, and orphaned children. Over 150 children currently benefit from this initiative. In 2018, the organization inaugurated its first old-age home, Mann ka Tilak, offering a safe and dignified space for abandoned senior citizens—completely free of charge.
Over the past decade, the numbers speak for themselves. More than 16.25 lakh meals have been served. Over 5,000 children have been granted access to education. Healthcare initiatives have touched 2,000 lives, while vocational training has empowered over 2,500 individuals. The organization has responded to emergencies and disasters, conducted winter drives for the homeless, and created joyful moments for over 50,000 lesser-privileged individuals through festive celebrations and excursions.
Dr. Geetanjali Chopra’s efforts have been widely recognized. She has received the Best Indian Social Enterprise Award by Action for India, the Rex Karamveer Silver Chakra, and the Womennovator 100 Women Faces award. She has also been honored as the Highest Fundraiser at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon for three consecutive years and is a proud TEDx speaker. Her NGO is also registered with NITI Aayog under the Darpan platform.
Today, as the founder and president of Wishes and Blessings, Dr. Chopra continues to lead with clarity, empathy, and unwavering purpose. Her journey is proof that a single moment of awareness—a child’s question, a tug at the sleeve—can spark a movement that brings light to countless lives. Through her work, she reminds us that in giving, we truly receive.
