Spotlight on GAAP coordinator: Mohini Sharma

by | Jun 27, 2023 | ShiftHappens

At The Pollination Project (TPP), there is a remarkable group of individuals who embody the spirit of service and are committed to making a positive difference in the world. These dedicated changemakers are made up of grantees, volunteers, advisors, and others who join TPP with a deep desire to serve their communities and causes close to their heart. One such inspiring individual is Mohini Sharma, a vegan activist from Delhi, India, who has been actively raising awareness since 2016 about the suffering of animals.

Mohini’s journey with TPP began as a volunteer in 2021, and her contributions have since expanded to her serving in an advisor, evaluator, and coordinator role, where she plays a crucial part in reviewing applications, evaluating reports, and supporting grassroots farmed animal activists in Asia.

“I believe the work I do with TPP is the extension of my work as an activist as I discuss activism ideas with potential grantees, support them with all their queries and doubts, evaluate reports that make me learn new things, and assess new applications that fill my heart with hope and gratitude for all the great projects that people are working on.”

Mohini’s work at TPP has coincided with a growth in the animal rights movement in India. Over the past decade, the number of vegans and activists in the country has grown exponentially, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior and awareness. Additionally, large companies are now venturing into the plant-based market, highlighting the changing landscape and increased demand for ethical alternatives. Activists are working hard on awareness programs and legal enforcement projects to bring about a shift in people’s lifestyles and ensure the proper implementation of laws safeguarding farmed animals.

As part of her roles at TPP, she has connected with like-minded individuals worldwide. Attending festivals and summits, like most recently Veg Festival Indonesia, she saw firsthand the growing vegan movement across so many countries including China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia. Engaging with activists from different backgrounds and cultures offered invaluable insights into the diverse and impactful work being done in these regions. Mohini also attended the Plant-Based Summit in Delhi where she connected with new vegan companies and numerous NGOs working for farmed animals. 

“In-person conferences are of utmost importance as such events give a platform to like-minded people to come together and discuss their work and ideas that could play a pivotal role in expanding the movement.”

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📣 Spotlight on Impact: Sahas Foundation's Journey Continues!
In the heart of rural India, our 2017 grantee  Foundation is transforming lives through their innovative Sahasi Girls Program. Founded by the visionary Mona Yadav, this youth-led organization has been breaking barriers in gender education since 2016.

Their latest initiative in Khushipura village, Aligarh, is creating waves of change! Through education, health, life skills, and sports programs, they're empowering rural girls with essential knowledge about their rights and reproductive health. 

Since August 2024, 160+ girls have joined forces with 6 dedicated Sahasi leaders across 3 groups, participating in 10 dynamic meetings and reaching 30 families.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Since receiving TPP grants in 2017 and 2018, Sahas has reached:

✴️ 3,500+ adolescents (ages 10-16) across Delhi-NCR and Panipat
✴️ 2,000+ young people
✴️ 110+ teachers
✴️ 100+ police trainees
✴️ 300+ women across 11 cities in 6 Indian states

Together, we're building a world free from gender-based violence, one community at a time. 
More info and updates about Sahas at their website https://sahasfoundation.org.in 
Here below the video we dedicated to Mona Yadav and her Sahas Foundation few years ago 📽️ 

#SahasiGirls #GenderEquity #YouthLeadership #Heartivism #India
#grants #gratitude #heartivism 🧡
🐥 From NYC street rescue to global impact! Meet Camille Licate, whose chance encounter with a tiny chick named Bree sparked a movement.

As the heart behind @kidsforpositivechange , Camille turned this beautiful friendship into something magical - bringing you the heartwarming "Bree & Me" book and "Wake Up with Bree" platform! ✨

The numbers speak for themselves: 5,000+ kids and 10,000+ parents reached, all learning about kindness and animal care. Talk about a small chick making BIG waves! 🌊💕

#animalrescue #kidsforchange #teachingkindness #makeadifference #animalwelfare #childrenseducation #nycstories #impactstory #heartivism #sowingchange