From September 26 to Oct 3, 2026, about 100 of my colleagues from around the world will trek in the Balkans through Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania, to raise funds and awareness for a range of mental health related charities. I've chosen Pratham, an established non-profit in India. For nearly three decades it has helped over 7 million children and youth across India learn to read and gain skills that create for a chance to dream of a good life.

While not directly a mental health charity, Pratham's work sits at the roots of it. Education and access to economic opportunity gives hope for a better future and the organization attempts to give that foundation to young people.

As an Indian, I wanted to support an organization back home. This cause is also personal to me. Education has been my way out of many inconvenient phases of life. I've never done anything like this, and I already anticipate fighting mind and body in the mountains. However, it would be motivating to know every step of the way is for a good cause, and my friends and colleagues are cheering on.

I’ve set a modest target as an achievable psychological limit, but small or big, every donation will count. Every rupee/dollar/pound raised is “you” enabling someone else's chance to feel capable, confident, and secure in their own future. Surpassing the 1k mark means more happy smiles.

My greatest joy in life has been gaining friends through all walks of life, and you all span the globe, so please spread the word far and wide. This campaign will close out with the end of the trek on Oct 3.

A big thank you in advance to all 🙏. I'll share progress photos from the trek once it's underway. In the meantime, please start giving 🫴.

To learn more about Pratham, visit: https://www.pratham.org/

Note 💁‍♀️: You can avail tax relief by noting the Donation ID provided once you've made the transaction. The money directly goes to Pratham through Justgiving.

Pratham UK is for the organization to be registered for international donations. This organization works among Indians in India.