About Us

Being born in India and moving to the United States at the age of three shaped my early years, with most of my life unfolding in the U.S. However, my family's periodic visits to India kept my Indian roots a crucial part of my identity. During our visits, I witnessed the stark contrast between the privileges I enjoy in the U.S. and the difficulties many families face living in rural areas of India. Seeing how the scarcity of water, food, and basic necessities impact every aspect of life, from sanitation to nutrition and the ability to sustain families left a lasting impression on me.

Drawing inspiration from conversations I had with my peers, community leaders, and individuals in underserved communities in both India and the U.S., I created Life Basics with four focused initiatives: Periods of Power, Sewn for Success, H2O for Humanity, and Cozy Covers. The goals of these initiatives are to empower the communities we serve to educate, teach, and sustain the programs we implement independently. While the majority of Life Basics' initiatives are centered in India, we are actively leading local efforts in Houston and extending our reach to other countries, including Ethiopia.

For me and my team, Life Basics is more than a nonprofit; it's a personal commitment to bridge the gap between privilege and need, culture and compassion. Through these initiatives, we aspire to not only address immediate challenges but also create a foundation for self-sufficiency and empowerment within these communities. As we move forward, the journey is not just about making a difference—it's about inspiring lasting change and building a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.

• Community-Centric Collaboration: We prioritize close collaboration with individuals belonging to the communities we serve to understand their unique needs, strengths, and aspirations.

• Empathy and Respect: We approach every interaction with empathy and respect, recognizing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and challenges of the communities we serve.

• Inclusivity: We foster an inclusive environment that welcomes diverse perspectives, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued when designing projects and initiatives.

• Adaptability: We remain flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, recognizing that community needs evolve, and being responsive to emerging challenges.

• Education as Empowerment: We emphasize the importance of education as a means of empowerment, providing accessible and relevant educational programs that align with the community's goals and needs.

• Skill Development: We prioritize skill development programs that equip community members with practical tools and knowledge, enhancing their ability to be self-sufficient.

• Sustainability: We integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of community development, considering environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

• Transparency: We foster transparent communication with the communities, sharing information about initiatives, progress, and resources available.

• Collaborative Decision-Making: We engage in collaborative decision-making processes that involve community members in shaping the direction and priorities of programs and initiatives.

• Long-Term Impact: We focus on creating lasting, positive impacts by building a resilient infrastructure of education, skills, and programs that empower communities to thrive independently.