I have written a blog entitled “what a year it has been” where I looked back at the year gone by through my Project Why lens. It was indeed a very special year one that will usher a transformation for Project Why.
But today I would like to take a walk down memory lane and share what 2025 was for me.
The one thing that comes to mind is my health that was abysmal to say the least for the larger par of the year gone by. Several health issues practically grounded me and locked me up within the four walls of my home. This was understandably extremely disheartening as I was unable to visit the Project and interact with the children and my team.
My lifeline to the Project was the WhatsApp group where the teachers diligently share pictures of various activities in all centres. And pictures do speak a thousand words. Regular Zoom calls kept me in touch with the staff and the lead team.
2025 saw sea changes in Project Why thanks to our funder turned mentor AdishJi who helped us address the elephant n the room: the long time sustainability of Project Why. To this end he suggested seminal changes in our way of functioning. Change as he warned us was ALWAYS painful as it entailed giving up comfort zones and embracing the unknown. I watched my staff struggle through the changes and could feel the resistance but hats off to them they soldiered on. I am confident that 2026 will bear the fruits we seek.
2025 did not only usher changes in the management structure that graduated from the mom and pop culture where everything grew organically and somewhat haphazardly. Today we have three verticals: programmes, Administration and Finance and Marketing and PR. The idea is to free Project Why from the shadows it was relegated to, mostly because of my reclusive personality, and showcase its achievements and successes. An aggressive marketing and social media thrust and a series of YouTube films showcasing our success stories were the highlight of the this new avatar. I must admit that even I did not realise how much we had achieved. This sentiment was echoed by many after they watched our silver jubilee celebrations on November 1st. It was an incredible show!
2025 also saw our entry into the digital world of learning with the setting up of our very own state-of-the-art recording studio where lesson were recorded fr most of the subjects of classes 9 and 10. This will launch Project Why to a wider audience.
It was also the year where I finally felt that we had addressed the elephant in the room that loomed large for several years. It finally felt that Project Why will live beyond me and that is all thanks to Adish Jain our donor turned mentor and friend. He ensured that we present a cohesive and trustworthy image to the world. My gratitude to him knowns no bounds.
All in all 2025 was a great year in spite of my health hiccups!
I look forward to 2026.
I will end with the new year wishes I sent this yer:
Let the past rest softly,
let the present breathe deeply,
and let the future unfold with hope.
Wishing everyone a beautiful New Year ✨