W.I.S.H. NETWORK
(Women’s Independent Self-Help)
Teambuilding & Networking
Team building and networking activities strengthen students’ sense of belonging and expand their community support systems, fostering unity, confidence, and mutual encouragement. One of the most meaningful outcomes of the WISH Network is the development of strong peer relationships and a spirit of collective support, especially for those facing personal or family challenges. Through shared experiences and group participation, students learn the value of cooperation, empathy, and standing together as a community of young women committed to growth and resilience.
The WISH Network continued to grow through collaboration with social workers, colleges, and alumni. Promotional materials reinforced a sense of belonging to a vibrant and supportive community of young women working to uplift their lives. Students received backpacks, hats, and uniforms for use in social work activities, helping to strengthen their identity and visibility within the community. These organizational experiences nurtured peer unity, self-confidence, and teamwork, laying a strong foundation for their future roles in society.
Village Outreach and Community Engagement
Village Change Agents
Hariharananda Vocational Training Center graduates return to their villages as confident role models, inspiring other young women to pursue education and independence through shared stories and community outreach. Students are recognized within their communities for their new skills and leadership developed through their training and association with the wider WISH Network.
Graduates openly share their experiences and encourage others to join the program, helping to shift attitudes toward education and self-reliance. Their stories spread through family networks, mobile phones, and social media, creating a ripple effect of awareness and motivation. As knowledge is shared, more young women are inspired to pursue their dreams. Through this process, WISH students become dynamic change agents at the grassroots level, strengthening community confidence and promoting positive social transformation.
New Pattamundai Field Office, Kendrapara District
In 2024, Grassroots India established a new field office in Pattamundai, Kendrapara District, to strengthen village outreach and community awa
reness efforts within a focused geographic area. The location also provides convenient access to the Hariharananda Balashram School, which serves more than 500 underprivileged students and refers graduating students for mainstreaming into vocational and higher education programs. Close proximity to the school supports a gradual and appropriate transition into society while offering WISH students opportunities to serve and share experiences with younger peers.
The Pattamundai field office significantly increased the number of admission applications to the Hariharananda Vocational Training Center by improving visibility
and trust within surrounding rural communities. Grassroots India social workers also conducted regular visits to students’ native villages to document case histories and gain deeper understanding of family circumstances and social environments. These visits fostered strong relationships with families, friends, and key community members, creating a supportive network that encourages student participation, continuity in education, and long-term community engagement.
Upahar: Gifts of Love
Through the Upahar Project (“Upahar” meaning “gifts of love” in Odia), tailoring students share the garments they create in class with children in need, transforming their learning into acts of kindness and service.
This experience fosters confidence, empathy, and a deeper sense of purpose, while strengthening students’ connection to the communities they serve. Along with handmade clothing, children receive books, art supplies, and small gifts of food, bringing comfort and joy to those facing hardship. Students also gain valuable experience in organizing events and speaking publicly, helping them develop leadership and communication skills.
Through Upahar, learning becomes love in action—encouraging young women to recognize their ability to uplift others while building pride in their own skills and accomplishments.
W.I.S.H. Annual Foundation Day & Reunion
Grassroots India hosts the annual WISH Foundation Day each year on February 10th. This WISH reunion is a special gathering that brings together senior WISH alumni, current students, and staff to celebrate achievements and strengthen the sense of community. Participants share encouragement and support, and certificates are awarded to recognize academic progress and personal accomplishments. Popular guest speakers present topics of interest to young women, followed by a shared vegetarian lunch.
Throughout the year, additional special events and guest lectures are organized at the institute on subjects relevant to education, personal development, health, and women’s empowerment, enriching the students’ learning experience and strengthening their confidence and aspirations.
Pilgrimages, Special Events & Field Trips
Grassroots India organizes pilgrimages, special events, and educational field trips to provide students with meaningful cultural, spiritual, and recreational experiences beyond their daily routines. These outings expose students to new environments and learning opportunities, many of which are their first experiences outside their home villages and often become highlights of the year. Visits are made to temples, local parks, museums, cultural and historical sites, and social service projects. Sacred journeys and inspirational lectures add a spiritual layer, while picnics promote relaxation, helping students’ bond in unique experiences and refresh their body, mind and spirit.