Introduction: Born for a Reason
My name is Kirti, and from the very moment I became aware of my surroundings, I felt an invisible, unshakeable presence—a divine energy, a guiding superpower that shielded me and showed me my path. I have always believed that I was born for a purpose far greater than myself. This wasn’t a vague sense of ambition—it was a deep, spiritual knowing that I had a duty to serve, to build, to uplift.

Life has been a journey of highs and lows, of profound losses and tremendous gains. Yet, through every chapter, I’ve held tightly to that divine thread. My story is not only about achievements—it is about resilience, transformation, and using pain as fuel to fulfill a higher calling.

I was born on May 14, 1980, in Jam, a small village in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, India. My childhood was simple but rich in values, culture, and connection. My father, Mr. Dhote, was the most significant figure in my life. More than just a parent, he was my mentor, my guide, and my greatest influence. A man of discipline, compassion, and wisdom, he taught me to live with integrity and never compromise on truth.

My mother, a woman of strength and quiet determination, has always been my emotional anchor. She is my best friend, my safe space, and the first person to celebrate my victories and pray through my challenges. My siblings were my closest companions. Their love and presence were deeply cherished, and though they are no longer with me, I carry them with me in every thought, every prayer, every accomplishment.

From a young age, I was drawn to stories of bravery, resilience, and service. I found my earliest heroes in the pages of history. Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inspired me immensely. Her role in shaping a visionary warrior echoed my belief in the strength of maternal guidance. Rani Lakshmi Bai’s valor, Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom, Mother Teresa’s compassion, Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolence, and Indira Gandhi’s leadership left lasting impressions on my developing mind. These iconic figures shaped my ideals and set the standard for the kind of woman I aspired to be—bold, wise, and committed to service.

Marriage and Family Life
At 21, I married Mr. Sudhanshu Jamkar, a man who has been my best friend, my confidant, and my partner in every endeavor. Our marriage has been a union of minds and missions. From the very beginning, he supported my dreams—even the most impossible ones—with unwavering belief. He’s been a silent strength through every storm, and a cheerleader for every leap I took.

Together, we’ve been blessed with two beautiful children: Granth, our son, whose sharp intellect and gentle heart make us proud; and Aayra, our daughter, whose very name became the emblem of my entrepreneurial spirit. They are my greatest accomplishments and my daily inspiration to be better, stronger, kinder.

Family has been the core of my journey. The love we share gives me strength, and the legacy I hope to leave behind is rooted in the values we uphold at home.

My First Professional Chapter
In 2003, I entered the workforce as an insurance agent—a modest beginning, but one that taught me priceless life lessons. This job introduced me to people from all walks of life. I learned to listen, to empathize, and to develop the skills that would one day help me lead and manage large teams and businesses.

The early years were filled with struggles, long hours, and rejection. But I pushed through, motivated by a vision of something greater. By 2010, I had risen to become the Branch Head of Birla Sun Life Insurance in Nagpur. What started as an occupation had become a ladder to leadership.

My financial growth mirrored my professional success. In 2004, I filed a yearly tax of just ₹400. By 2010, I was proudly paying ₹12 lakhs in taxes. More than the figures, this journey represented transformation—from a girl in a small village to a respected businesswoman with community recognition.

The Birth of Aayra International: A New Identity

In 2010, I made a bold decision. I no longer wanted to work for others. I wanted to be the architect of my own destiny. With the solid backing of my husband and the confidence earned through years of experience, I launched Aayra International on May 14, 2010—my 30th birthday. The name was more than symbolic—it honored my daughter and stood for a vision of empowerment, excellence, and ethical entrepreneurship.

Initially a propwriter farm and 100% export unit, Aayra International marked my transformation from employee to entrepreneur. It was a leap of faith into a world where I had to build systems, lead teams, and navigate challenges on my own terms.

My husband, who had started his business journey in 2004 in the woven sack industry, had attempted to expand into Tanzania in 2007 and Congo in 2009. These ventures didn’t succeed as planned, but the lessons we both learned were invaluable. His experiences became my case studies. His support became my launchpad.

As I transitioned out of insurance, my network expanded. I met powerful business leaders whose stories inspired me further. Friends and mentors—though geographically distant—guided me. By 2010, I was confidently operating my own office, driven by passion, faith, and fierce determination.

In 2011, we made the life-altering move to Nigeria. It was a country of contrasts—filled with challenges but overflowing with opportunities. We saw immense potential, and with courage in our hearts, we embraced it fully.

In 2012, we registered Aayra International Limited in Nigeria. This marked the beginning of a new chapter—one defined by adaptability, multicultural understanding, and relentless innovation. Over the years, our presence grew, and we eventually registered eleven companies, each addressing different market needs and societal gaps.

Nigeria didn’t just expand our business; it expanded our worldview. It taught us resilience in new ways, connected us with inspiring communities, and became the ground on which many of our most meaningful projects would take root.

Rotary International: A Calling Beyond Business
While our businesses were growing steadily in Nigeria, my inner voice continued to nudge me toward something deeper—service to humanity. In 2012, I joined Rotary International, drawn to its motto “Service Above Self.”

I found myself volunteering in numerous initiatives, including health outreach programs, school donation drives, and Rotary’s renowned Polio eradication campaign. I met people whose lives were transformed not by money, but by kindness, time, and genuine human connection. These experiences reignited something inside me—a dream I had long carried—to create my own foundation rooted in sustainable, impactful change.

In 2017, I faced one of the darkest periods of my life—the sudden and devastating loss of my youngest brother at the age of 35. His death shattered me. For months, I walked through a fog of grief. But within this pain, I found a doorway to spiritual awakening.

I began to question everything: the fragility of life, the weight of time, and the real meaning of success. I realized that even our strongest foundations—like family—could vanish in a heartbeat. This awareness changed me.

In 2019, my father’s passing shook me once more. He was my guiding light. Losing him made me question again, “Why me?” But soon, I found clarity. I was not being punished—I was being entrusted with a purpose. I resolved to create a foundation that would reflect my father’s principles and the lessons I had gathered through years of living, learning, and leading.

On July 15, 2019, the Kirti Kare Foundation (KKF) was born. It was not a charity in the conventional sense. I envisioned KKF as a self-sustaining organization, capable of social change without depending entirely on donations. From July to December 2019, I began reaching out to social workers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across India and Nigeria, eager to learn what worked and what didn’t.

Initially, I surrounded myself with people I thought shared my vision. But I soon realized some were there for convenience, not commitment. I faced setbacks, misunderstandings, and even betrayals. But these trials refined my clarity. They helped me identify what KKF must stand for: dignity, inclusivity, sustainability, and grassroots empowerment.

On January 5, 2020, KKF hosted its first major public event, KKF MOMENTOUS, at my alma mater—Sarswati Shishu Mandir in Chhindwara—where I completed my 12th grade in 1998. Returning there after 20 years was profoundly emotional. I had come full circle—from student to servant-leader.

Just five days later, on January 10, 2020, we launched the KKF CRECAT LEAGUE, our first youth sports program, uniting students from across the region in a celebration of fitness, unity, and empowerment through sport. These events planted the foundation for long-term community relationships and reaffirmed that KKF was on the right path.

In March 2020, as the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw not just crisis, but opportunity—a divine pause to reassess and reset.

In February 2020, we had officially registered KKF in Nigeria, making it a fully international organization. During India’s lockdown months, I connected with stakeholders in Chhindwara, laying groundwork for new programs and planning the launch of the KKF office, which officially opened in August 2020.

Despite the pandemic, we carried out one of our most touching initiatives: the distribution of 2,200 Ganpati idols to households across Maharashtra. People were hesitant to visit public places, but faith could not be locked down. With devotion and determination, our team brought Ganpati into homes, reminding families of hope, blessings, and unity.

I couldn’t be physically present for the KKF office inauguration, but I joined virtually and made sure the event was not just ceremonial—it was directional. I encouraged our team to think big. I shared my personal goal: to aim for global recognition, perhaps even a Nobel Prize someday—not for glory, but for impact. KKF, I declared, must pursue international excellence in service.

Recognition and Innovation: World Book of Records and Environmental Campaigns

The vision I had for KKF wasn’t just rooted in service—it was also driven by creativity and sustainability. In August 2020, KKF was honored with its first World Book of Records (WBR) recognition for our impactful and innovative approach to community development and education. It was a proud moment, a validation of our grassroots work gaining international recognition.

On August 15, 2021, we earned our second WBR certificate, this time for a bold environmental initiative. We created a massive portrait of Mahatma Gandhi using 20,000 live plants—a tribute to peace, sustainability, and national pride. This project wasn’t just an installation; it was a movement. It brought together volunteers, environmentalists, artists, and school children in an act of green patriotism.

Creative Social Engagement and Awareness Campaigns

KKF evolved rapidly, branching into multifaceted projects that combined art, education, health, and empowerment:

• Art Exhibitions provided platforms for local artists and school children to showcase work, building self-confidence and cultural identity.

• Free Classrooms were established for underprivileged children in remote and urban-poor neighborhoods. These spaces became sanctuaries of learning and hope.

• Gali Pathshala (“street classroom”) was born—a movement that encouraged women in the community to become educators for children who couldn’t attend formal school due to distance, poverty, or family obligations.

• We launched the KKF Menstrual Health Campaign, a series of awareness camps designed to educate adolescent girls about periods, hygiene, and self-care—breaking age-old taboos.

• To support this initiative, we created and published “AAYRA: Ek Jigyasu Kanya”, a cartoon-based educational book featuring a curious girl named Aayra. The book used storytelling and visuals to make menstrual health accessible, friendly, and understandable.
  These programs were united by one goal: empower the community from within, by fostering awareness, education, and pride.

Leadership in Rotary: Chartering a New Era
My journey with Rotary reached a historic milestone in 2021 when I became the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Town in Nigeria. With 51 founding members, we made history—setting a record for the highest number of charter members in our region.

As a club, we didn’t waste time. We immediately aligned our efforts with Rotary International’s priorities—healthcare access, clean water, literacy, and youth development. KKF and Rotary became dual engines powering a shared mission.

Everything changed for me when I entered Orile, a modest community in the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos. We organized the KKF Football League, inviting local schools to participate in a community-wide tournament. The enthusiasm was overwhelming. The winning school received a ₦500,000 prize, and hundreds of children found joy, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

I spent three months immersed in Orile, not as a visitor, but as a learner. I walked the streets, sat with families, observed children in their daily lives. These moments reshaped my thinking. I realized that to make real impact, I had to go beyond offices and awards—I had to be present where help was needed the most.

This experience convinced me to shift KKF’s focus more intentionally toward Nigeria. Though India is my motherland and remains close to my heart, Nigeria had become the land where I saw God’s plan for my mission unfolding in real-time.

Following my time in Orile, I was introduced to Makoko, a sprawling, floating slum in Lagos known as the “Venice of Africa.” But what I found there was far from scenic. The conditions were unimaginable. Entire families lived on water, struggling daily for food, safety, and dignity. Yet the children smiled. The women greeted me with warmth. I felt something shift in my soul.

For six months, I immersed myself in Makoko’s realities. I visited all seven schools, assessed their needs, and committed to action. We provided:

• Uniforms, school bags, and shoes

• Books, pencils, and blackboards

• Tables, benches, and food supplies

• Boats, so children could safely cross the water to attend school

This support wasn’t publicized—it was quiet, heartfelt, and consistent. Every moment I spent in Makoko became a spiritual exercise. I realized that service is not about changing the world overnight; it’s about changing one corner of it with full sincerity.

What continues to amaze me is that I’ve never had to ask for help. I’ve never made appeals for donations, never run a campaign asking for funds. Instead, people saw what we were doing and offered support—financial, material, and spiritual.

Many organizations came to us requesting assistance. When possible, I gave freely—even when the efforts weren’t branded under KKF. I believe God sees all, and He keeps track of every silent act of service. That faith continues to guide my decisions.

Today, KKF stands at a powerful crossroads. We’ve impacted hundreds of lives, collaborated with local and international partners, and gained recognition from global institutions. Yet, we’re only just beginning.

I dream of transforming KKF into a global model for community-led development:

• Healthcare: Accessible clinics, mobile medical units, and telehealth in underserved regions

• Education: A scalable Gali Pathshala model across Africa and India

• Women Empowerment: Microgrants, vocational training, and digital literacy

• Sustainability: Tree plantation drives, waste recycling initiatives, and green architecture

At 45 years old, I look back not with regret, but with reverence. My life has been a tapestry woven with faith, failure, grit, and grace. From Jam village to Lagos lagoons, from insurance policies to international recognitions, from personal tragedies to global vision—my story is proof that when purpose meets perseverance, miracles happen.

My faith in Lord Ganpati remains unshaken. He is the first I thank and the last I remember in every endeavor. KKF is not just an NGO—it’s my prayer in motion, my offering to humanity.

I was born for a reason. That reason is to uplift, to serve, and to lead—not from above, but from within the community. And I will keep walking this path, one step at a time, until every corner I reach is touched by hope.