Meerut's Own Upasana Singh Shines on Global Stage with 'Woman of Impact' Award 

In a remarkable testament to the power of grassroots initiatives, Upasana Singh, the founder of the Virina Foundation based in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious 'Woman of Impact' award in London. This recognition, as reported by The Haryana Story, shines a spotlight on the transformative work being done in the heart of India to empower women and girls. 

A Vision of Empowerment

The Virina Foundation, under Singh's leadership, has impacted over 100,000 lives across India through its multifaceted approach to women's empowerment. The foundation's work goes beyond mere resource provision; it's about breaking barriers and creating opportunities that foster independence and self-sufficiency.

Upon receiving the award, Singh expressed her gratitude, saying, "This honor is not solely mine; it belongs to every woman who has inspired us through their courage and resilience. It affirms that we are on the right path—a path toward equality and empowerment."

Innovative Programs Driving Change

The Virina Foundation has implemented several innovative programs that address key issues facing women and girls in India: 

1. #BacktoSchool Program: This initiative focuses on menstrual hygiene management across Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that girls don't drop out of school due to period-related challenges. It's a crucial step in breaking the cycle of gender inequality in education.

2. Second Chance Program: Recognized by the Jail Minister of State, this program provides valuable skills and employment opportunities to women prisoners. By teaching them to stitch footballs and other skills, the foundation is helping these women build a better future upon their release. 

3. Health Initiatives: The foundation has adopted 21 female TB patients, providing them with high-protein rations and other essentials until they fully recover. This aligns with the national goal of a TB-free India by 2025. 

From Meerut to Melbourne: A Vision for the Future

Dhirendra Singh, director of Virina Foundation, shared an ambitious vision: "Our goal is to elevate these skills to a level where the footballs made by these women can reach from 'Meerut to Melbourne.' We are committed to continuous skill development and producing world-class products in our Bharat."

This vision not only empowers women within their communities but also contributes to India's 'One District, One Product' mission, showcasing the incredible talent and resilience within local communities. 

A Milestone in the Journey of Empowerment

Upasana Singh's 'Woman of Impact' award is more than just recognition; it's a milestone in the journey towards women's empowerment in India. It highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives in creating lasting change and serves as an inspiration for others working towards gender equality. 

 As the Virina Foundation continues its impactful work, from distributing flags under the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' program to organizing medical camps for the elderly, it stands as a shining example of how local initiatives can create global impact.

The story of Upasana Singh and the Virina Foundation reminds us that every step, no matter how small, counts in the journey towards a more equitable world. As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to the continued positive changes that such dedicated efforts will bring to communities across India.