Smt. Gita Shroff, a renowned dedicated social worker and President of A.Ni.S. (Apmrutyu Nivaran Sahay), has dedicated her life to empowering women and children. Through her groundbreaking initiatives like Aadhyashakti, Beti Bachao Santulan Banao, Bachchon Ki Duniya, and many more; she has been a tireless advocate for education, leadership, and emotional well-being.
In an exclusive heartfelt conversation with Nilesh Shukla, she shares about her journey, dreams, challenges, and her unstoppable vision for the future.
Q: Can you tell us about the “Aadhyashakti” course and its key objectives?
Gita Shroff : –”Aadhyashakti” is not just an educating and training course; it is a revolution.
This is a course designed to help women reconnect with their inner strength, understand their roles in society, and gain confidence to take initiatives in their personal and community lives. Its core objective is to prepare women to take up strong roles in public life especially in politics and governance.
The women are trained in political education, leadership skills, emotional resilience, public speaking, societal engagement, legal rights, and financial independence creating leaders who don’t just participate but lead boldly and responsibly in the new India.
Q: Why did you choose the name “Aadhyashakti” and why is it designed specifically for women?
Gita Shroff : –
The name “Aadhyashakti” refers to the primal energy, the divine feminine force. It reflects the belief that women are the original source of energy and power.
For centuries, women have driven silent revolutions inside homes and communities. Now it’s time to bring that strength into public leadership. This program is crafted exclusively for women to empower them to lead with compassion, wisdom, and strength in every arena, especially politics. This course is my way of reminding them who they truly are.
Q: How has the response been from univesities and organizations you’ve approached regarding this course?
Gita Shroff : –
The response has been beyond encouraging!
Currently, “Aadhyashakti” is about to take a successful closure with the first batch of 110 students at IP College for Women in New Delhi, where the enthusiasm is palpable.
We are in active talks and quick implementation of the same in states like Gujarat, Kashmir and Haryana. Prestigious institutions like Kashmir University and Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) and Auro University from Gujarat (Surat) have expressed strong interest.
The realization that women must be groomed for leadership is growing across India — and it’s heartening to witness. I’m hopeful that more institutions will come forward once they see its impact.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope the “Aadhyashakti” course will make in the long run?
Gita Shroff : –
I dream of a generation of confident, aware women as leaders who uplift her family and communities and drive a social change, create fairer policies, and leave a lasting legacy. I hope to see women not just entering politics but changing its very nature bringing integrity, compassion, and true service into governance. I believe this course will plant seeds of change across generations.
Q: What is your vision or dream for the empowerment of women in today’ society?
Gita Shroff : –My dream is to see a society where women are not just participants, but leaders, creators, and changemakers creating an equal balance in society between Genders roles. I want every girl and woman to know that her dreams are valid, her voice matters, she is strong enough to shape her own destiny and her possibilities are endless. True empowerment, to me, means creating an environment where women can soar fearlessly, supported by education, opportunity, respect and equality.
Q: Have you worked with children in your social work journey? If so, can you share something about those initiatives?
Gita Shroff : –
Yes, working with children is very close to my heart.
Through our pioneer projects like “Beti Bachao, Santulan Banao”, “Bachchon Ki Duniya” and such more; we try to roll out a balance for every child in society. We focus on creating safe spaces where every child learns not just academics but life skills, emotional strength, and empathy. Creating a safer society for every child irrespective of their gender has always been in my vision. Through playful learning, storytelling, and mentorship, we try to shape young minds who will grow up with kindness, curiosity, and courage. Children, after all, are the future, and investing in them is investing in a better tomorrow.
Q: What challenges have you faced while promoting social programs, especially those focused on women?
Gita Shroff : –
Changing mindsets is the hardest challenge. Convincing families to send women into leadership roles, dealing with societal stereotypes, and securing consistent funding have been constant hurdles and patience, empathy, andcommunity support always help overcome hurdles. But every woman who breaks a barrier makes it all worthwhile.
Q: How do you stay motivated to continue working for the betterment of society?
Gita Shroff : –It’s the small victories — the rescued girl who becomes a teacher, the widow who builds a business, the child who dreams and soars high without fear. These moments give me energy on the darkest days. A single smile, Every positive shift in someone’s life – are my biggest rewards. Real change takes time but it is the most beautiful journey one can undertake.
Q: Can you share a story or moment from your work that left a deep impact on you?
Gita Shroff : –
There’s one experience I carry in my soul.In the early days of my career, I counselled a young woman who battled suicidal thoughts. Through many sessions, she stabilized, rebuilt her life, and even got married. But during a personal trip to Australia, when I was briefly unreachable, she went through a relapse. She tried calling me but couldn’t get through. Tragically, she attempted suicide again and lost her life. When I returned, her grieving father shared: “She kept asking for Gita Mam… If she
had spoken to you once, she might have survived.” That moment shook me to the core. Since then, I have made a promise to myself — I give multiple numbers to every woman I work with. And I never switch off my phone. Even if a call comes at 2 a.m., I answer because sometimes, simply being there can save a life. Her memory is my silent prayer, guiding every action I take.
Q: What message would you like to give to young women and social workers who wish to follow your path?
Gita Shroff : –
To every young woman:
Never doubt your powers. Step into spaces that need your voice especially where leadership is male-dominated. Be fearless, be compassionate, be the leader you once wished you had.
To every aspiring social worker:
True service is silent, sincere, and deeply soulful. It will test your patience and courage, but the reward seeing lives change is priceless. Start small, stay consistent and believe every step you take matters.
In a world searching for authenticity and strength, Smt. Geetaben Shroff stands as a beacon of hope.
Through initiatives like Aadhyashakti; she is not just empowering women — she is reshaping India’s future, one courageous woman at a time, truly igniting inner strength in women, creating a silent revolution of empowerment. Her story inspires us to believe that even one determined individual can light up countless lives.
Her journey is a reminder that real leadership begins not with ambition, but with service.
