Ikhtiyaar Founder speaks about their organisation’s journey and the power of youth

Their journey began with a simple realization that they could be a catalyst for change. They believed that through collective action and a shared vision, they had the power to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who needed it most. This belief became the driving force behind their decision to start ‘Ikhtiyaar’.

Kanika Banerjee, the Founder of Ikhtiyaar saw first-hand the challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by Covid, hunger, poor sanitation practices and lack of basic human needs, and they believed that they couldn’t turn a blind eye to their struggles. The people behind the idea of creating Ikhtiyaar recognized that by creating an organization focused on this cause, they could fill that void and work toward sustainable solutions. It was a calling that ignited our passion and compelled us to take the first steps toward founding Ikhtiyaar.

“We are driven by the belief that together, with the support of our dedicated team and partners, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Kanika
She added, “One instance, I remember was during Covid with few locals, I used to go and distribute food, groceries, sanitisers etc. Once the lockdown was removed a large number of people were unemployed as they lost their jobs. After the lockdowns eased a bit, the local residents stopped going and distributing food, groceries due to their own jobs and being corporate people they had to join the jobs from the office. But I realized the needs and the position of those people haven’t changed hence that scenario inspired me and gave me the thought to start a youth organization as the power lies in the hands of the youth, they just need a direction.
“We at Ikhtiyaar, as a youth organization, start by identifying the key problems prevailing in our society and how we can raise awareness and conduct a drive to bring a change around them,” said Kanika.

She further said, “Ikhtiyaar has a team structure that includes event managers, outreach specialists, marketing heads, creative heads, volunteers, and other relevant roles. Each team member is assigned specific responsibilities based on their expertise and the requirements of the campaign. The process starts with campaign planning. The team collectively sets campaign goals, objectives, and a detailed strategy. This strategy should be aligned with the organization's mission and values. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member involved in the campaign. This includes task assignments, deadlines, and accountability measures.”
The charities that Ikhtiyaar has helped so far are Jeevan Jyoti Aashram, The Eternal Hope Charity Mission, Desire Society, and Girija Welfare.

The Ikthiyaar team consists of Kanika Banerjee – Founder, Gauravi Dubey – Co-founder, Aditi Jhariat – Co-founder, Sayudh Chakroborty – Co-founder, Kashish Gaikwad – Marketing Head, Anuska Gupta – Event Planning Head, Manav Guota – HR Head, and Vidhi Pathak – Media Head.

Ikhtiyaar is united by a shared mission and a set of core values. These principles guide the organization’s activities and provide a sense of purpose for all involved. Ikhtiyaar brings together people who are dedicated to making a positive impact on society. It is a collaboration of individuals and teams with a shared vision, working toward a common goal, and often relying on the support of volunteers, donors, and partners to achieve meaningful results.

“Our Goals for 2024 are to raise awareness about the organization's mission and the problems it seeks to solve. Use various communication channels, including social media, public events, and partnerships, to reach a wider audience.

Plan and execute campaigns and initiatives that have a significant impact on the issues the NGO addresses. Such as menstruration awareness drive, blanket and mosquito net distribution, long-term Sustainability goals, strengthening existing partnerships and establishing new collaborations with like-minded organizations, governmental bodies, and businesses to amplify the impact of projects and campaigns. These goals represent a general framework of Ikhtiyaar for 2024,” informed Kanika.

When asked about how Ikhtiyaar is making a difference in the world, Kanika said that they focus on addressing critical social, environmental, or humanitarian challenges, such as poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, healthcare access, or human rights. They implement on-the-ground projects and initiatives to provide direct assistance to communities in need. This may involve providing clean water, healthcare, education, or other essential services. They engage and empower communities to be active participants in their own development. We encourage self-sufficiency, local leadership, and sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, Kanika gave a message to the youth, she said, “I personally believe that the youth has the potential to shape the world. The ideas, energy, and passion are catalysts for transformation. Young voices matter. Advocate for issues that resonate with you, be it education, climate change, social justice, or any other cause. Speak up, and demand the change you want to see. Youths are natural leaders. Embrace leadership opportunities and lead by example in promoting positive values and actions. Stay curious and continue learning throughout your life. The world is ever-changing, and your adaptability is a strength.”