We all have dreams and passions, but not everyone takes that extra step to turn them into action. Rashi Anand is one of those rare people who did — and ended up changing thousands of lives.
Today, Rashi is the founder of Lakshyam, an NGO that has touched over one million lives across India. From helping street kids get an education to empowering women with skills, her work is about giving people the chance to live better lives.
But her journey started much earlier.
It All Began at Home
When she was just 18, Rashi joined the board of her mom’s NGO, Lakshya, which worked with tribal women in Jharkhand. Her mom, Poonam Anand, was a strong voice against naxalism and worked in areas many people stayed away from. Rashi saw up close what poverty and lack of education looked like — and decided to do something about it.
In 2012, she started Lakshyam, with one mission: to help children and women from underprivileged backgrounds get access to education, support, and opportunities.
Lakshyam’s Work at a Glance
1. Butterfly – This program helps children who live on the streets or in slums. It focuses on giving them proper education and emotional support so they can build a brighter future.
2. Rooh – This one’s for women. It teaches them skills like stitching and making handicrafts so they can earn money and live with confidence and independence.
3. Toy Library – Rashi noticed something heartbreaking: street kids were playing with garbage, while privileged kids had toys they never used. So she started collecting toys and books from schools. What began as a small drive became huge, with over 2,00,000 toys and books given to kids in slums, red-light areas, and even refugee camps.
More Than Just an NGO
Rashi didn’t stop at Lakshyam. She went on to launch:
- Travel4Change – A travel platform where your trips help support social causes.
- Holy Cow Lakshyam – A conscious living brand that sells eco-friendly products and supports Lakshyam’s work.
Through these, Rashi found creative ways to raise funds and bring more people into her mission.
Spreading the Message
She’s been invited to speak at events by the British Council, universities, and top summits. She talks about women’s rights, child welfare, education, waste reuse, and gender equality.
Her unique campaigns like Fashion for a Cause, where kids from red-light areas walked the ramp, not only raised funds but also helped change how people see these children, not as victims, but as stars.
Recognitions Along the Way
Rashi has received several awards, including:
- Social Entrepreneur of India – Entrepreneur India Summit 2013
- Youngest Social Worker – Navratan Foundation
- Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All – World Economic Forum, 2023
She’s also been featured on the BBC, national newspapers, and other media platforms.
Her Simple Mantra
“If you work hard towards your goals, there is nothing that cannot be achieved.”
And she proves this every single day — with her work, her passion, and her never-give-up attitude.