“I often say my story isn’t just mine — it’s shaped by the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the values I grew up with. I was born and raised in Hyderabad, and my parents always made sure I understood the world beyond our home. They believed privilege wasn’t something to feel guilty about but something that came with responsibility. I remember studying alongside the children of our house help, sharing textbooks and stories. Back then, I didn’t see any difference between us. It was only later that I realised the world did.
My grandmother, Damayanti Bai, has been a huge influence in my life. She spent her days caring for others, and I grew up wanting to do the same. When COVID hit, I was 16. Schools moved online, but I kept thinking about kids who didn’t have access to smartphones or laptops. They weren’t falling behind because they didn’t want to learn — they just didn’t have the means. I couldn’t ignore it, so a few friends and I decided to do something about it. That’s how Raha Foundation started, though we didn’t have a name for it then.
At first, we worked under the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up initiative, but as we expanded our work to education, healthcare, employment support, and gender equality, we realised we needed to stand on our own. That’s when Raha Foundation was born — Raha means ‘path’ or ‘journey,’ and that’s exactly what we hoped to offer.
One winter, while working with families in Hyderabad’s adopted slums, we realised many didn’t have access to hot water. Something as basic as a warm bath was a luxury for them. We raised funds and donated over 100 water heaters. I still remember a mother telling me how her child, who had asthma, was finally able to sleep better because the cold no longer triggered his breathing problems. That moment made me realise that change doesn’t always have to be big — sometimes, it’s as simple as helping someone sleep peacefully.
Over time, our work has grown in different directions. We partnered with Telangana State Police’s She Teams to organise self-defence workshops for girls, helping over 180 young women feel safer. We’ve also supported Hyderabad’s transgender community, helping them access medical care, jobs, and spaces where they feel seen. Some of the most powerful moments have been listening to their stories and seeing their resilience.
One project that’s especially close to my heart was working with kids of house helps who wanted to start small businesses. They had the ideas but didn’t know where to begin. We broke down simple concepts like budgeting and marketing, and within a week, they had received over 35 orders. Seeing them believe in themselves was something I’ll never forget.
Today, Raha Foundation is run by a team of 30 students aged 13 to 19. Some of our best ideas have come from the youngest members, which constantly reminds me that age doesn’t define impact. We’ve also worked on financial literacy, environmental sustainability, and volunteered at animal shelters like Jeeva Vatsalya Animal Rehabilitation Center.
Right now, we’re planning a fashion workshop to teach rural girls embroidery and tailoring, hoping to connect them with stable job opportunities. Balancing all this with my studies hasn’t been easy, but my parents always encouraged me to start my day early — waking up at 5:30 AM has become my space to reflect, plan, and stay grounded.
Raha Foundation, to me, is more than just an organisation — it’s a promise. A promise that no one should be held back by circumstances beyond their control. I know I can’t change the world alone, but small steps add up. Sometimes, all it takes is a little warmth, guidance, or hope to help someone move forward. And for me, that’s what Raha is all about.”
- Pakhi Agarwal, Founder, Raha Foundation