Creating Change - Boston Nonprofit Leader Ajita Bhat Shares Key Lessons from Akshaya Patra Foundation and More
“Women empowerment happens when one can become stronger and more confident in their own life. It could also mean helping others to become stronger either mentally, socially, or economically.” Today’s woman dreamer, Ajita Bhat, has been working with NGOs for over 30 years, and is currently the Co-Chair of Akshaya Patra Foundation Boston Chapter, and is the President of Chinmaya Mission Boston. She reflects on her journey with these empowering organizations and shares her top tips to women looking to get involved in nonprofits and leadership. A true changemaker - we are excited to share her story!
1. You are the co-chairman of the Akshaya Patra Foundation Boston chapter, and are actively involved with philanthropy. Tell us your story, what inspired your passion for giving back?
My grandfather was a physician in India. He went to the villages to serve their community and accepted very little in return - he has been my role model ever since I was young. Since then, giving back to my community has been my greatest joy. The power of money is best used when utilized for bigger causes and to raise the spirits of the community. It adds more meaning to my life.
For the past 30+ years, I’ve worked for NGOs or schools in some way or the other. I do what I can, and that could be different year by year depending on the need.
2. What are your top tips to women looking to get involved with their communities and with charities?
To quote Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you. That's what I think a meaningful life is.” Use your moments wisely and derive more joy in life by giving, without expecting returns. Finding the charity or commitment whose cause appeals to you the most - even a few hours every week - could make a huge difference in the life of others and in your own as well.
3. You are also involved with the Chinmaya Mission Boston temples. Tell us more about your involvement there.
As a family, we have been members of the mission since the past 16+ years. Our kids have gone through Bala vihar classes and we have sat through the adult satsangs. The mission teaches ancient Hindu philosophical values which helps us think clearly, and thus makes us happier individuals. I have helped with the overall management of the mission, such as by running the executive committee, organizing events, doing Seva, and coordinating summer camps for high school kids. More recently, I have been overlooking the general workings of the mission as well as some fundraising. Again, this has been a way to give back to the community to help people understand their own inherent nature, thus aiding them in becoming their own best and happier individuals.
Finally, the mission has taught us that we should produce more than we consume and give more than we take.
4. As the platform for women dreamers, how do you define women empowerment, and how do you seek to empower women?
Women empowerment happens when one can become stronger and more confident in their own life. It could also mean helping others to become stronger either mentally, socially, or economically. Women empowerment comes about when women are given the opportunities to be educated and have the right to speak their thoughts when they choose to do so. It is important that women are able to have jobs where they can be self-reliant and can support themselves and their families in the process. Creating communities for women where we can discuss and solve each other’s problems and support each other to grow is vital.
Thank You Ajita for Sharing Your Inspiring Story With Us! We are Excited to Have You In Our Global Network
Bio: When she is not working for non-profit organizations, Ajita enjoys spending time hiking in the mountains, taking care of house plants, and spending time with her family. She resides in Andover, MA with her husband; they have two daughters.
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