An academician, researcher, columnist and philanthropist, Geetanjali Chopra is all of these rolled into one. With over ten years of experience in research and academics, Ms Chopra has also been a journalist, acted in a TV show, tried her hand at radio jockeying, had an impressive stint in the teaching profession and received laurels and awards for her books and other publications. However, highly-paid and well-cushioned jobs, along with prestige, did not bring her contentment. It was in 2014 when Ms Chopra set up Wishes and Blessings, a New Delhi-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), she reveals that she finally experienced complete satisfaction. Sharmila Chand chats up with Ms Chopra and returns amazed at the way she and her NGO are working earnestly to spread joy among the unfortunate people of this country.

How do you define yourself?
A daring dreamer

What is your philosophy of life?
I listen to my heart, but I don’t forget to take my brain along. I believe in balancing idealism and practicality.

What is your passion in life?
My passion for spreading smiles always drives me to do more for society.

A business leader you admire the most...
I cannot name any one business leader. I admire every person who has risen beyond her or his circumstances.

What is your management mantra?
I believe in managing the day as it comes because no two situations are alike. So my mantra is very dynamic and changes day
to day.

Your source of inspiration...
My beneficiaries, the people who look up to me with hope in their eyes and those who feel that I can help them

You are a tough, serious boss or…
I don’t consider myself to be a boss, and I don’t consider people working for Wishes and Blessings to be employees!

What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?
Good company, holidays, little things like a game of Ludo and spending time with my family and friends are always good refreshers.

Your mantra for success...
Follow your heart, but remember to take your brain along.

Your dream...
I want to expand my organisation’s reach to the farthest corners of the country. 

Ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I honestly don’t know! Ten years ago, I didn’t know that I would be heading an NGO. One doesn’t know what one will be doing in the next 10 days, forget 10 years! But yes, I do hope that I would continue to be doing what I am doing, but at a much larger scale.