Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Tariq
Hello everyone! 👋 I hope you’re all doing great. 🙂
Today, I want to share a special story about a remarkable woman I recently had the privilege to meet: Sanjjanaa Galrani.
Many of you might know her as a talented South Indian film actress, but there’s so much more to her than meets the eye.
Sanjjanaa is also a dedicated philanthropist, and her work through the Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation is truly inspiring.
I had the chance to sit down with her and learn more about her journey, her foundation, and the incredible impact she’s making on society.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let me take you through this heartwarming encounter. 🙂
Meeting Sanjjanaa: A Humble Beginning
When I first met Sanjjanaa, I was struck by her humility and warmth.
Despite her celebrity status, she exuded a down-to-earth charm that made me feel instantly comfortable.
Sanjjanaa shared stories of her early life in Bangalore, where she grew up in a modest family and faced her fair share of economic challenges.
These experiences, she explained, shaped her into the person she is today and fueled her passion for helping others.
“I’ve always believed in giving back to the community,” she told me.
“My childhood struggles taught me the importance of compassion and support. That’s why I founded the Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation in 2019 – to make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.”
The Birth of Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation
Sanjjanaa’s foundation was born out of a genuine desire to support people affected by natural calamities and those living in underprivileged areas.
Since its inception, the Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation has been involved in numerous social welfare activities, from organizing vaccination and blood donation camps to distributing food and essential supplies during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our vision is simple,” Sanjjanaa explained.
“We strive to actively support people when they need it the most. Whether it’s providing physical and emotional support or arranging crucial resources, we’re committed to making a positive impact.”
Leveraging Social Media for Good
One of the foundation’s greatest strengths is Sanjjanaa’s strong social media presence.
With a following of 4 million people, she has the power to mobilize resources and volunteers quickly and effectively.
During our conversation, she highlighted the importance of using social media as a tool for good.
“Social media can be a double-edged sword,” she said.
“But if used correctly, it can create incredible positive change. I’ve always used my platform to stand up for social initiatives and raise awareness about important issues. It’s amazing how quickly people respond when they see a genuine cause.”
Standing Up for Social Initiatives
Sanjjanaa has been vocal about various social initiatives, often using her influence to advocate for causes close to her heart.
One such initiative is the ‘Cauvery Calling’ campaign by the Isha Foundation founded by Sadhguru, which aims to revive the Cauvery River and support farmers.
“Protecting our environment is crucial,” Sanjjanaa emphasized. “I’ve always been passionate about Mother Earth, and joining hands with the Isha Foundation was a natural choice. We need to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.”
Projects That Make a Difference
Hearing about the foundation’s projects was truly inspiring.
Here are a few highlights:
1. Vaccination and Blood Donation Camps
The foundation has organized several vaccination and blood donation camps, ensuring that vital medical resources reach those in need. Sanjjanaa shared how these camps have saved lives and brought communities together.
2. Food Distribution During COVID
During the pandemic, the foundation stepped up to distribute food to those who were struggling. “We served at least three lakh meals during COVID,” Sanjjanaa recalled. “It was heartwarming to see how a simple meal could bring a smile to someone’s face during such challenging times.”
3. Ration Kits for the Underprivileged
Understanding the importance of basic necessities, the foundation distributed ration kits to underprivileged families. “No one should go to bed hungry,” Sanjjanaa said passionately. “We wanted to ensure that families had enough to eat and could focus on rebuilding their lives.”
4. Project Punya
Project Punya is another remarkable initiative where the foundation collects and donates clean clothes, bed sheets, blankets, and household items to those in need. “It’s a small gesture, but it makes a big difference,” Sanjjanaa explained. “Everyone deserves to live with dignity.”
5. Eradicating Hunger
In an ongoing effort to eradicate hunger, the foundation has been sending groceries to families in need. “Hunger is a silent crisis,” Sanjjanaa said. “By sending groceries, we aim to provide some relief and hope to those who are struggling.”
6. Supporting Flood Victims in Coorg
The foundation also extended its support to the people of Coorg who lost their homes due to natural calamities. “We donated food packets and daily essentials to help them rebuild their lives,” Sanjjanaa shared. “It’s our way of standing with them during their most difficult times.”
A Personal Message from Sanjjanaa
During our conversation, Sanjjanaa opened up about a challenging phase in her life that deeply impacted her.
She was entangled in a controversial legal case that, despite being quashed, had left a lasting mark on her career and personal life.
Her resilience and positive outlook were truly inspiring.
“Life is about moving on,” she said. “Nobody is bothered if you are down and low. Just doing lots of work is the only remedy to this situation. The case dragged me down, but I found strength in my family and my work. My husband, Dr. Azeez Pasha (practicing as a Vascular Surgeon, at Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road Banglore), and my parents were my pillars of support. My son, my miracle angel, came into my life at the right time to heal me from the psychological trauma.”
The Importance of Family and Community
Sanjjanaa’s story is a testament to the importance of family and community support.
She emphasized how her family’s unwavering support helped her navigate through the toughest times.
“I’ve understood the real meaning of pain and need,” she said.
“That’s why I started working aggressively with the foundation. Helping the needy gives me immense mental satisfaction. The 17 orphan kids I know are a part of my life. They call me once in 2-3 months, asking, ‘Akka, where are you taking us out next?’ It’s moments like these that make everything worthwhile.”
A Call to the Media
Sanjjanaa also took this opportunity to address the media and clarify her position.
She expressed her gratitude for the media’s support throughout her career and her desire to rebuild those relationships.
“The media has been instrumental in my journey,” she said. “I wish to rectify my relationship with each and every media house in our country. I have nothing personal against anyone and I wholeheartedly wish that we all come together again like one big family.”
Moving Forward with Hope and Determination
As our conversation drew to a close, Sanjjanaa shared her hopes for the future.
Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and determined to continue her work in the film industry and through her foundation.
“I am looking forward to the release of my Telugu OTT film ‘Mani Shankar’ this year and also to ‘Kundarandiyappes’ with Sreenath Bashi,” she said. “I’m also doing a couple of social media national brand campaigns every month. Now that the case is quashed, I hope to clear the air and get back to doing more work in my career.”
A Heartfelt Thanks
Before we parted ways, Sanjjanaa expressed her heartfelt thanks to her lawyer, senior counsel Hashmat Pasha, for standing by her and her family during the difficult times.
She also reiterated her commitment to not doing any more video or audio interviews about the case, as she continues to heal from the mental trauma.
“I will always be available to discuss any other futuristic films and positive thoughts with you in other matters,” she said. “Thank you for understanding.”
Final Thoughts
Meeting Sanjjanaa Galrani was a truly enlightening experience.
Her resilience, compassion, and dedication to making a difference are incredibly inspiring.
The Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation is a testament to what one can achieve with a genuine desire to help others and the power of community support.
I left our conversation feeling uplifted and hopeful, knowing that there are people like Sanjjanaa who are making the world a better place, one small step at a time.
If you want to learn more about the Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation, get involved, or even make a donation to help this cause, I encourage you to visit their website and follow their social media channels (Facebook | Instagram).
Together, we can all contribute to a brighter, more compassionate world.
Thank you for reading, and until next time, let’s continue to spread kindness and make a positive impact in our communities! 🙂
