Even before formally establishing Upkriti, I was working independently
with tribal communities and people in remote areas across Karnataka.
Those experiences shaped my understanding of ground realities.
The distance between policy and people, the gaps in awareness,
and the silent strength of communities that continue to survive
with dignity despite limited support. Working closely with them
taught me that real change does not come from sympathy,
but from sustained presence and trust.
My journey took a defining turn during the COVID-19 pandemic,
when I had the opportunity to serve as a Volunteer at the Department
of Information and Public Relations under the leadership of Major
Marivannan, IAS. That phase was transformative. Amid a global crisis,
I witnessed governance at its most human level. Under his guidance,
I learned invaluable lessons about civil services, public communication,
crisis response, and most importantly, how non-profit organizations
and government bodies can work together to reach communities effectively.
It gave me clarity, impact multiplies when intent and systems align.
With this understanding and conviction, I formally founded Upkriti
on 21 August 2021, starting the organization independently.
The early days were filled with uncertainty, learning,
and relentless effort. But they were also filled with purpose.
Every visit to a community, every conversation with a child or a family,
strengthened my belief that this path though challenging was necessary.
One of the most meaningful milestones in this journey was the launch of Upkriti’s flagship initiative, the Sakala Mitra Survey & Awareness Programme, made possible with the support and guidance of Dr. Mamatha Gowda, IAS. Through this programme, we successfully covered the entire T. Dasarahalli Zone, reaching citizens at the grassroots level to create awareness, collect insights, and bridge gaps between public services and the people they are meant to serve. This initiative reaffirmed my belief in collaborative action and system-driven change.
This journey has been deeply humbling. I feel proud — not because the journey has been smooth, but because it has been honest and rooted in service. Every challenge has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of listening. The stories of communities we work with continue to motivate me and remind me why Upkriti exists.
My long-term vision for Upkriti is grounded in education access, sustainability, equity, and systemic change. I believe education is the foundation of empowerment, sustainability ensures lasting impact, equity restores dignity, and systemic change transforms lives at scale. Through Upkriti, my aim is to build inclusive models that empower communities, strengthen awareness, and enable people to shape their own futures.
“Upkriti is not just an organisation I founded..it is a reflection of every lesson life taught me early, every community that trusted me, and every story that refused to be ignored. If our work can restore dignity, create opportunity, and spark hope, then this journey is truly worth it.”
