Alekhya Sengupta Banerjee

Very early on in my life, my dad would take me to various orphanages and NGOs to expose me to the world of under-priviledged which made me realise how fortunate I was. I always wanted to engage with them, be by their side extending whatever help and support they would need..

My active journey started when I was in Grade 8. In the Summer of 2019, I taught kids at Gubbachi, an NGO that focuses on a bridge education program for the children of migrant labourers.  Though I was only 12, I was overwhelmed by my experience.  And I never looked back.

In 2022 Summer I started two initiatives, MPower Yourself and H2P2.

MPower Yourself

During Covid, when salaries for househelps had to be given digitally I found out that all our female support staff were taking their salaries in their husband’s bank accounts or wallets.  On enquiring I found that they don’t have their own bank accounts and they have never been exposed to any kind of Financial literacy program. Thus MPower Yourself was born.  I started this initiative, right after my IGCSE exam, where I provide Financial Literacy sessions for the economically weaker sections of women and handhold them in their chosen path of savings and investment.  I partner with Corporates, NGOs, Building Societies, Banks to provide the training and handholding.  The program continues to impact lives and I am currently working on creating online video modules in multiple languages that will be easily accessible to all to extend it’s reach.

A Few Testimonials

Nupur Singh,
Founder Connecting Smiles Foundation
Jenny D'Souza,
Founder, Sandesh India

Our Team’s reactions - few comments from the team

‘Throughout my life, I've learned that beauty lies in perceiving and appreciating the extraordinary in the ordinary, finding joy in the simplest of things. But witnessing the true beauty in the hearts of the women we meet in our MPower Yourself sessions, are absolutely captivating. Their stories open my eyes to a whole new perspective on beauty—a beauty that stems from strength, independence, and resilience. Despite the challenges they face, they radiate strength and optimism, not only inspiring themselves but also countless other underprivileged women. These women endure economic hardships, limited education, and societal prejudices. Yet, they strive to discover their own potential and improve their circumstances. What amazes me most is when I see the sense of empowerment in some of them. They come to learn about savings, investment, insurance in simple terms. They proudly speak of their financial contributions, their dreams to support their children's higher education, and helping them break free of the cycle of servitude. MPower Yourself reinforced my belief in the power of education, empowerment, and the immense potential within every individual, regardless of their background. Their stories serve as a reminder that with the right opportunities and support, people can overcome adversity and create a brighter future for themselves and those around them. Today, I realize that a woman's beauty is not defined by outward appearances but can be seen in her eyes—the doorway to her heart, where love resides.’

‘Through MPower Yourself,  I have realized the gravity of what is reality for countless people. I could visualize the true meaning of perseverance, what it means to be valiant, what real strength encompasses, all through the wonderful, charismatic women I had the honor to meet in various sessions. I never gave the world beyond my own surroundings much thought. I was aware that many faced harsh cruelties each passing day, but only today did I comprehend what all that could entail.  It made me realize how learning and honing a skill can turn someone’s life around for the better, and how crucial education is to move forward in today’s world. This skill set is but a door to a new world. These women not only want to become more financially independent, but they want to gain respect, liberty, and happiness. The smiles on their faces, at the end of the sessions, make me believe how powerful knowledge is and how important it is to impart some. ‘The people I meet in our MPower Yourself sessions all have one thing in common.  They are passionate about making their life better. What the participants teach me in an hour are way more than what any article or news story could have told me. They all have, and continue to, face an abundance of struggles in their lives, but their devotion towards changing their circumstances left me in awe.  They were determined to change their lives for the better. Classific ation: Confide ntial Each and every one of these women are a beacon of inspiration. For those alongside them, for those struggling through similar situations, and for people like me, who have been sheltered through life, hidden away from the realities of the world. Hard work, passion, and a little bit of guidance can be revolutionary.’

‘It strongly irked me to be exposed to the cruel realities of the world we live in. Most of these women live in a world which is unpromising.  Mostly their brave fights seem to be overlooked.  I am always pleasantly surprised by their determination.  Many times I see their inner wounds, a mere evidence of the pain they go through, and yet, their perseverance I find is commendable.. Some of them are not much older than I am, yet the things they go through are so immense.  They are survivors, even though everything seem to be stacked up against them.  Awe-inspired by their courage and true inner beauty, I feel gratitude to have gotten the opportunity to help propel them to financial independence, something that is ever so pertinent in this day and age, and my newfound resolve to be able to make a change in such communities, no matter how big or small. It taught me to keep fighting, and to cling to the most fragile threads of faith when things get difficult. For it is not always that life dances to the tunes we play, yet we must trust it enough to work hard to ameliorate the remedial of the bitter situation.’

H2P2

This is another initiative born out of my passion and a social/ environmental need .  I love art and have been practising art since I was 5 years old.  During the Covid lockdown months, one of my favourite pastimes was to paint things around me….it ranged from painting painting garden pebbles to painting our solarium wall that included old and worn out non-stick teflon pans.

While Plastics in its various forms are being deliberated for discontinuation from our daily use, there are a few that have slipped our attention. One such thing is the non-stick coating made of synthetic fluoropolymer called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon.

In 2022, I started HappyHandsPots&Pans (H2P2), to collect worn out Teflon-coated cooking pans which are health and environmental hazards.   H2P2 recycles the pans for safe, sustainable use, simultaneously benefitting the under-privileged.  I collect these pans from different households and train under-privileged kids, women, and mentally challenged people to paint on them and make exquisite wall hangings.  These items are sold as home-decor, and the net proceeds are remitted to the associated NGOs for the benefit of their members  impacting their lives and our environment.

A Few Testimonials

Kameshwari
Founder, Hosa Belaku Artisans Foundation
Jenny D'Souza, Founder, Sandesh India

Introducing Bharatnatyam at Neev (NGO):

I strongly believe that Bharatanatyam, the dance form which I am passionate about, should be accessible by all including the lower income section of people. As a step in this direction I have taken this dance form to the children who otherwise did not have access to it.

TISB Girl Up club

I moved to The International School of Bangalore for Grades 11 and 12 from Greenwood High and I was selected shortly by the school management in 2022 for the position of the President of TISB Girl-Up Club, where I lead a group of 40 student members to actively work on women empowerment and women welfare.  Throughout the year we do multiple events right from fundraising, to awareness building to supporting and enhancing life and academic skills of the less privileged women. My stakeholders include not only the 40 students that I lead, but also the school management, school administration and the entire community of students of Grades VI to XII and the beneficiaries. It has given me an opportunity to manage their expectations, project manage the events, demonstrate leadership skills as I understood their nuances, learning and growing all the way through. I express my gratitude to my school authorities for this enriching experience.

Social Charities Prefect

Soon after we began our second term in Grade 11,  I was chosen as the Social Charities Prefect for my school, The International School of Bangalore (TISB).  I consider it to be a great acknowledgement of my passion and hard work in this space. This gives me yet another opportunity to create more impact in this area working closely with my fellow students and my school authorities.