There are moments in life when logic quietly steps aside, and something deeper begins to guide us. For me, that moment came after 31 years of living and working in Denmark—a country that gave me professional growth, stability, and dignity. Yet, deep within, there was always a voice shaped by my childhood and the words of my father, who believed that true purpose lies in giving back to those who need it most and especially to one’s motherland.
And so began the journey of the Stree Arogya Rural Foundation (SARF). Starting a foundation may sound noble. But sustaining it—especially as a Section 8 company—is an entirely different reality. There are regulations to follow. Compliances to maintain. Limitations on funding. Foreign donations and CSR contributions remain restricted in the early years due to regulatory requirements. Every step demands patience, paperwork, and perseverance.
And then there is the reality on the ground.
Understanding the needs of rural women is not just about medicine—it is about trust. It means breaking through years of silence, stigma, and neglect. It requires showing up again, even when progress feels invisible. There were moments when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. If not for the unwavering strength and commitment of my colleague, Dr Kusum Moray, along with the support of my family and friends, this journey may not have continued.
The Quiet Strength of Support
I often reflect on what truly sustains an initiative like ours.
It is not just expertise.
It is not just infrastructure.
It is not even just intent.
It is support—emotional, moral, and financial.
Coming from Denmark, where a significant portion of income goes toward taxes, I could not fund this mission alone. But something remarkable happened—when the intention stayed firm, the right people began to appear.
I met individuals with very limited means who gave generously, without a second thought. Their contributions were not measured in money, but in compassion and understanding of what it takes to live on two continents and yet persist in the mission.
There was a cost I paid on my family front, travelling frequently, but at the end, when I returned, it all felt so much well given and rewarding.
I also met those with an abundance of power, influence, and resources—who chose not to give. That too became part of the journey—quietly teaching its own lesson.
And then some gave simply because we asked. Not because they had studied our financial reports or analysed impact metrics, but because they trusted us. That trust—that instinctive belief—is what I call the true heart of a donor.
People Who Redefined Giving
Giving is not about capacity. It is about compassion, involvement, and the ability to see beyond oneself. Each of us defines giving differently.
For some, it is an obligation.
For others, it is optional.
And for a few, it becomes a deeply personal calling.
But when giving comes from the heart, it transcends charity. It becomes a force—one that transforms not only the lives of those who receive, but also those who give.
In the last three years, working with rural women, I witnessed something deeply humbling: giving came so easily, not in the form of money or anything so defined.
It came as a smile.
A warm meal prepared at home.
Fresh vegetables from a farm.
A simple “thank you.”
A tight hug.
And most importantly, it came as trust.
That trust is the foundation on which real change is built, and that giving is what sustains an initiative like ours.
A Reflection—and an Invitation
Thus, as I reflect on our journey, I feel a profound sense of gratitude.
Gratitude for resilience.
Gratitude for trust.
Gratitude for every individual who chose to give—not out of abundance, but out of empathy.
To all those who carry this silent yet powerful force within them—the heart of a donor—I offer my deepest respect. Because it is this heart that keeps hope alive. If this story resonates with you, I invite you—not just to donate money—but to connect. To become part of a journey that is slow, challenging, yet deeply meaningful, because real change does not happen overnight. It happens when hearts come together—with intention, trust, and compassion.
Committed to improving preventive healthcare access for rural women in India.
17 thoughts on “The Heart of a Donor”
Believing in yourself and the work you do get you thru all hurdles with all the warm hugs and genuine smiles . These come straight from the hearts and minds who love you and will always support thru this beautiful cause of giving back to the motherland and this satisfaction will grow in leaps and bounds! Congratulations on this noble cause and the tireless efforts that you and your passionate team and family are putting in this dream . We are one step behind you all the way !
Thank you very much 🙏🏾🙏🏾
It’s heartwarming. God Bless.
Thank you very much Aunty 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I have been struggling to find the words that would adequately express the thoughts your writing has evoked. Truly it is a journey of the heart and you inspire us to do the same.
Thank you very much 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thank you dear Rahat 👌🏽🙏🏾
Dear Priya
I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on the incredible initiative you’ve embarked upon. Starting a project dedicated to empowering rural women in India is not only admirable—it is truly inspiring. The fact that you are doing this with such selflessness, without any desire for personal gain, speaks volumes about your character.
Your kindness, determination, and deep sense of purpose have always stood out, but this endeavor reflects them on an entirely new level. It takes immense courage and commitment to step forward and create meaningful change in the lives of others, especially in communities that need it the most.
I am also deeply touched to hear about the support from your parents. Their generous contribution of land is not just a gift to you, but to an entire community that will benefit from this project for years to come. It’s a beautiful example of shared values and collective compassion.
You have chosen to give back despite being well-settled in life, and that decision alone makes this journey even more remarkable. I have no doubt that your efforts will uplift countless lives and create lasting impact.
Please know how proud I am of you. The world needs more people like you—people who act with heart, purpose, and quiet strength.
Wishing you all the success, strength, and fulfillment as you move forward with this noble mission.
Warmest congratulations once again.
Raju and Hanne
Thank you my dear “ family “ from Denmark , it’s all these kind words and your support that has kept me going . Deepest respect and gratitude from me 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Very heartwarming and inspiring!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much 🙏🏾🙏🏾
What a journey! Great work that you can be proud of.
Special kudos to young Dr. Kusum Moray for her passion and dedication.
Heartfelt thanks for your appreciation. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
What a journey! Great work that you can be proud of.
Special kudos to young Dr. Kusum Moray for her passion and dedication.
Thanks a lot, Ma’am. Grateful for the opportunity to do the work I am passionate about.– From Kusum
Thank you dear Chitra , friends like you are my support system 🙏🏾🙏🏾
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