One Senior's Journey of Community Impact
An inspiring story of Anita Nautiyal (Khyaal Community Member)
“My name is Anita Nautiyal, and I am 65 years old. Born in Delhi, grew up in Hyderabad, I now reside in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. I pursued M.A. in Hindi from Hyderabad. Teaching has been my passion, and I have worked at several schools, including those for underprivileged children. In my teaching journey, I have been part of various educational initiatives, specifically the Geo-Map Society, which conducts events to simplify geography for students. I have also collaborated with ISRO and the Survey of India to organize events in Hyderabad.
I formally retired from my job in 2018. However, my desire to serve the community did not let me sit still. I found joy in simpler, impactful ways. I began visiting schools, distributing fruits as a healthy alternative to junk food, and sharing life lessons with children. I visit old-age homes to spend time with the elderly. These small acts of kindness bring me immense happiness.
Eventually, my son encouraged me to start my own NGO. We soon registered the NGO under the name 'Himvalley Social Foundation'. Our NGO operates from home, with family members and minimal staff contributing to the cause.
Through this, I conduct remedial classes for children. I teach and guide children from grades 1 to 7, every day between 4 to 6 pm. The sessions are flexible, and children from different classes sit together. Those struggling with specific subjects are given extra attention until they gain confidence in their basics. I use creative teaching methods like storytelling, picture compositions, and short stories to enhance their imagination and comprehension skills to keep the kids engaged positively. I teach Hindi as a foundation while integrating English and Sanskrit to help them grasp concepts easily. As a social worker, I have been invited to national television channels to participate in debates on women’s empowerment and the work of our foundation. I have also had the honor of being interviewed on All India Radio to speak about the importance of Hindi and its cultural significance.
We conduct workshops to teach traditional art forms like Madhubani and Garhwal painting, which allow children to connect with their cultural heritage and explore their creativity. In these workshops, we teach children to use natural materials like turmeric, cow dung-treated paper, and kajal to create authentic artwork.
Over the last eight years, we have conducted various initiatives, including State level Map Quiz for school children and free educational sessions for underprivileged children. Despite limited resources, I have received immense support from schools, local businesses, and community members who believe in the cause. Funding has often come from well-wishers who appreciate our work, and I feel blessed to have their support. Through this journey, I have learnt that the true measure of success lies not in teaching high achievers but in empowering students who struggle academically.
In addition to promoting art, we work on raising awareness about sustainable menstruation through the use of biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fibres. Women in rural areas are trained in manufacturing these pads, empowering them economically and promoting eco-friendly practices. This project named 'Saukhyam' involves sourcing materials from Kerala and establishing local production units in Uttarakhand. We aim to create a self-sustaining system that benefits both women and the environment.
For me, this foundation is not just an organization; it is about bringing meaningful change, empowering children and women. Despite the profound loss of my 34-year-old son recently, I have chosen to keep moving forward with resilience and determination. I believe that life must go on, and my family has been my pillar of support. Through my NGO, I aim to reach as many children as possible.
While my community work keeps me engaged, I also value the connections and experiences I gain through Khyaal. Their Yoga sessions help me stay fit and active, and I thoroughly enjoy playing Tambola regularly. Khyaal’s efforts in building a vibrant community of seniors are commendable. To my fellow seniors, my advice is simple: serving others with love and humility is the greatest source of joy and fulfillment.” - Anita Nautiyal (Khyaal Community Member)