I was born in a small village in Rajasthan, India, where drought, food shortages, and hunger were all too familiar. For seven long years, our village faced drought, teaching me how vital food and nutrition are for everyone's growth and well-being. These experiences shaped my education and career choices.
After studying Food and Nutrition at Delhi University and Public Health at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, I worked for over four years on issues like malnutrition and sanitation in different parts of India. Although I liked my work and had a good team and work-life balance, something felt missing—a desire to help those most in need. However, I was unsure of the next steps.
Life unfolded its chapters. In 2018, I met Nikhit, my life partner, and was married in the Supaul district of Bihar—arguably one of India's most socioeconomically backward districts. Here, poverty and health problems are widespread, worsened by periodic floods. Unsurprisingly, there is little presence of big companies or non-profit organizations to address these challenges. All these ignited the flames of bringing change here. But I was unsure where and how to begin in the region I barely knew.
Soon after, I received a great opportunity—the prestigious Chevening scholarship from the British Government for a master’s program in London, UK. Studying Global Public Health and Policy at Queen Mary University of London expanded my knowledge and reinforced my determination to improve public health and nutrition in India.
Somehow, I found myself in the job market again. However, when locals visited to see me, curious about my experience in London, their questions reinforced my nascent desire to bring change. They asked, “Ab aap bahar se padh ke aayein hain, apne Bihar ke liye kya karengi” ("You've studied abroad, what will you do for our state Bihar?" ). The decision became easier—I had to do something of my own. I declined job offers from various firms in metro cities, started the organization, and came up with “ZealGrit Social Welfare Foundation.”
With ZealGrit, I and Nikhit who is completing his Ph.D. at UCLA, have set forth on a mission to empower adolescent girls and women. The response has been overwhelming —appreciation, love, support, and encouragement echoing from every corner. As a public health professional, I had heard horror stories of public school principals not allowing external interventions in their institutions. However, I have been given almost free reign to visit schools and interact with students (more on this in another blog).
ZealGrit is more than a name; it's a force driven by community support. Our journey has begun with health and nutrition sessions for girls in government schools. Each session isn't just a class; it's a step toward empowering these often overlooked girls—public health considers them a window of opportunity to bring meaningful change. With hope guiding us, we're excited about what comes next.
Join and support us as we create the story of ZealGrit—a story of hope, strength, and change in rural India. We will appreciate any heartfelt support—your time or resources. Could you write to me at saroj@zealgrit.org and join our journey?