Shivani Sharma steps into social work with launch of ShivaniSharma Foundation

Mumbai: Actress and entrepreneur Shivani Sharma is adding a new dimension to her professional journey with the launch of the ShivaniSharma Foundation. The initiative is aimed at working with communities on issues related to education, healthcare, women and child empowerment and wider social welfare.

Sharma, who has worked in entertainment, modelling and fashion and is also associated with entrepreneurship, says the foundation comes from a belief that professional success should also have a social purpose. The foundation’s approach is centred on creating opportunities for people who may not always have easy access to resources and support.

“We Don’t Wait for Change, We Build It, Together” is the foundation’s vision. Its mission is based on the belief that inequality can be addressed through education, opportunity, dignity and collective effort. The organisation hopes to work towards a situation where women are able to move ahead with confidence, children have access to education and healthcare is more accessible.

Focus areas

The ShivaniSharma Foundation has identified a number of areas for its work, including child empowerment, women empowerment, education, health, sports for development, rural transformation, disaster management, urban renewal, arts, culture and heritage, as well as environment and animal welfare.

The foundation has already started taking up initiatives at the community level. At its Mumbai launch, laptops and sportswear were distributed to 50 students. The initiative was intended to support students in their education as well as encourage participation in sports. The foundation is also looking at extending its work to other regions, including Ranchi.

For Sharma, the move into social work is an extension of a journey that has so far included acting, modelling, fashion and business. Rather than keeping these areas separate, she wants to use her public presence and entrepreneurial experience to support causes that can have a direct impact on people’s lives.

The Mumbai launch brought together people from different fields, including politics, social work, entrepreneurship and community service. Among those present were Hon. Sachin Ahir, Deputy Chairman, Maharashtra Legislative Council; Hon. Sanjay Dina Patil, Member of Parliament; Hon. Suhail Khandwani, Managing Trustee of Mahim Dargah and Haji Ali Dargah; Hon. Yogi Priyavrat Animesh, Founder, OOJ Foundation; social worker Ratna Bhushan; Aishwarya Sangeeta Sachin Ahir, Founder, Maitree Foundation; Hon. Amit Tiwari, Youth Leader, Entrepreneur and Social Worker; Hon. Sunil Ahir, Former Corporator, BMC; and Hon. Manisha Tupe, Trustee, Shri Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple Trust.

The foundation’s message, “Small Step, Big Impact”, sums up the approach Sharma hopes to take forward. The idea is to begin with practical initiatives and gradually build a larger network of support for women, children and communities.

With the ShivaniSharma Foundation, Sharma is now looking beyond her work in entertainment and business and towards a role in community development. The coming initiatives will determine how the foundation expands its work, but the stated objective remains clear: to turn small efforts into useful opportunities and meaningful support for those who need it.