25 portraits
The story of Karuna is not only that of an organization, it is above all that of all those who participated in this movement: the benefactors, the local partners, the volunteers, the teams and, of course, the people we support. Each one contributes their stone to the building, demonstrating that it is in interdependence that lasting changes are born.
Personal stories that illustrate this common trajectory. These stories allow us to explore the past to understand the foundations of Karuna, the present to measure the impact of its actions, and the future to imagine a more united and peaceful world.
PORTRAIT 1
Shobha Devi
At the wheel of change
For the past 10 years, Shobha has been plying the roads in her e-rickshaw, ensuring the financial stability of her household. As the first female driver in her village, she has bravely faced criticism and prejudice, proving that women deserve a place in public space. By becoming the economic pillar of her family, she has inspired other women to follow her example and take the road to independence.
PORTRAIT 2
Sunita Sharma
A model of kindness in action
Sunita embodies the quiet strength that makes Karuna-Shechen shine in Nepal. Having started her career with passion and determination, she is now the country director. Her kindness guides her steps, whether it is to inspire her team, break down gender barriers or support vulnerable communities. Her story is a tribute to the power of servant leadership.
PORTRAIT 3
Paule
From yoga to commitment to raise funds for Karuna
Between commitment and transmission, Paule embodies a vision of the world where solidarity and concrete action take on their full meaning. Through her yoga classes and her personal values, she inspires us and has turned her personal commitment to Karuna into a collective adventure with her students.
PORTRAIT 4
Manju Devi and Taramuni Devi
When reading and writing restore dignity
At 40 and 52 years old, Manju and Taramuni, two women from Bihar, have found in non-formal education far more than the ability to read and write. Thanks to Karuna-Shechen’s program, they have gained independence, confidence, and autonomy. Their journey, marked by courage and resilience, has inspired other women in their community to begin learning and claim their own empowerment.
PORTRAIT 5
Doctor Jaya Moitra
Caring with passion, acting with conviction
Dr. Jaya Moitra joined Karuna-Shechen after several years working for various NGOs. Deeply humanistic and empathetic, she decided to join us in the Sechen clinic in Jharkand, a region of India where medical infrastructures are lacking and access to care remains difficult for a large part of the population.
