"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts"

Hi, I’m Kaanchi, and today I want to take you on a little journey, not just any journey, but one through the pages of books that have shaped who I am and the work I do at Utpat Foundation. Books, for me, are more than words on paper. They’re a connection, a thread that ties together diverse cultures, voices, and experiences. As a co-founder of the Utpat Foundation, I’ve learned that stories can do something magical. They bring us closer, help us understand each other, and make the world a little smaller and a lot kinder. But let me start at the beginning, where my love for stories all started.

A Childhood in Two Worlds

I grew up in a world that felt like two places at once. My home was filled with the sounds of my mother telling tales from her homeland, stories that felt like warm sunshine after a rainy day. But outside, I was in a completely different world. School was filled with books from other cultures; some were so different, but they were exciting at the same time. One day, I’d be reading stories about magical forests in far-off places, and the next, I’d dive into books that told me about lives I could never imagine but somehow deeply related to. The best part? Each story, no matter how different, had the same thing in common, and they made me feel connected.

Books were my escape, my best friends, and my teachers. It didn’t matter if the author was from another country or culture; their words made me understand my own world better. And that’s where the seed for my work today was planted. I realized that we’re all so much more alike than we think. No matter where we come from, our stories can bring us together.

The Moment It Clicked

Fast-forward to a few years ago. I was working with the Utpat Foundation, focusing on empowering young girls and women, when something hit me. One of the most powerful tools we had to bring people together was right in front of us: stories! Not just any stories, but ones that shared diverse cultures and made you feel the world through someone else’s eyes. It was one of those lightbulb moments, the kind you don’t forget.

We knew we needed to tap into this power. If we could use books to connect young girls from different backgrounds, we could create empathy, understanding, and, most importantly, unity. Suddenly, our workshops weren’t just about wellness; they were about sharing stories, about showing young girls how their experiences, though unique, could resonate with someone across the globe. It wasn’t just about telling them that they weren’t alone; it was about showing them through real stories.

The Power of Shared Stories

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering, how exactly do books bring cultures together? It’s simple: stories create empathy. When you read a book, you step into someone else’s shoes, live their life, and understand their struggles, joys, and dreams. And when we focus on stories from different cultures, we open our minds to new ways of thinking. You learn that what’s normal for you might be extraordinary to someone else, and vice versa.

For instance, one of my favorite books is The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. It tells the story of an Indian-American boy growing up in the U.S. and struggling with his dual identity. While the story is specific to Indian culture, it resonated with so many people from different backgrounds because the theme of trying to fit into two worlds is universal. That’s the magic of storytelling: it’s about the human experience, which we all share, regardless of where we come from.

At Utpat Foundation, we use stories like these to connect young girls and women. In our workshops, we read books from various cultures, encouraging the girls to discuss their own experiences and how they relate to the characters. One time, during a session, we read I Am Malala, and the discussions that followed were incredible. Girls from different backgrounds talked about their dreams, their fears, and how Malala’s courage inspired them. It didn’t matter where they were from; they all connected over the shared theme of standing up for what you believe in.

How Books Change Lives

Books don’t just connect cultures; they also empower individuals. At Utpat Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how stories can change lives. Many young girls come to our workshops feeling isolated and unsure of their place in the world. But after engaging with stories from different cultures, they begin to see themselves differently. They start to realize that their voice matters, that their story is worth telling.

We had a girl named Zara attend one of our sessions. She was shy, barely spoke a word. But after reading Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, she found her voice. The book, which tells the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, resonated with Zara on a deep level. She shared her own story of growing up in a conservative household, and for the first time, she felt heard. That’s the power of books – they give us the courage to speak up, to share our truth.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In today’s world, where divisions seem to be growing, it’s more important than ever to find ways to connect. And what better way to do that than through stories? At Utpat Foundation, we believe that by sharing stories from diverse cultures, we can build bridges between communities, foster understanding, and promote unity. Our work is about more than just wellness; it’s about creating a world where young girls and women can embrace their identities, share their stories, and connect with others on a deeper level.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re passionate about connecting cultures and empowering young girls through stories, there are so many ways you can get involved. You can join one of our workshops, where we read and discuss books from different cultures. Or, you can donate books to our foundation, stories that you believe have the power to connect people. Every book is a chance to change someone’s life, to open their mind to a new way of thinking.

If you’re a young girl or woman reading this, I want you to know that your story matters. Your experiences, struggles, and dreams are all part of a bigger picture. By sharing your story, you’re contributing to a world of understanding and empathy. So, pick up a book, share it with a friend, and let’s start building those bridges together.

Let’s Share Our Stories Together

As a co-founder of the Utpat Foundation, I’m proud of the work we’re doing to promote wellness and awareness for young girls and women. Through our nonprofit, we organize educational workshops and launch social media campaigns to normalize conversations around periods and other wellness topics. But more than that, we’re building a community where stories are shared, cultures are connected, and voices are heard.

Join us in this mission. Let’s continue to create a safe and empowered environment for young girls and women to embrace their identities and share their stories. Visit my website for more information and learn how you can get involved.

Grab a good book, share your story, and let’s keep connecting cultures, one page at a time, with a little help from the Utpat Foundation.