At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Manisha Bhatia for an exclusive interview with us. Manisha is an Entrepreneur and Founder & CEO at Abhinandan Educational & Welfare Society. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Manisha:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My journey has been a blend of learning, responsibility, and purpose. I come from a background where education and values were deeply respected, and that foundation shaped how I view life and my role in society.
As I grew professionally and personally, I became increasingly aware of the gaps around me—especially in access to education and opportunity. This awareness emerged from the simplicity of my household and gradually evolved into action.
That transformation marked the beginning of my association with Abhinandan Educational and Welfare Society, where my commitment to social responsibility truly took shape.
The path has not been straight or easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling. Every step has strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and reinforced my belief in the power of consistent, honest effort.
Today, my journey continues with the same conviction—that even small actions, when driven by purpose, can create meaningful and lasting change.
Abhinandan Educational & Welfare Society’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
Abhinandan means to welcome, to acknowledge, and to celebrate potential—and that meaning deeply reflects the value system I come from, as well as what the society stands for today. The name was chosen consciously, with intention, because every child and every family we work with deserves to be welcomed with dignity, not sympathy.
At Abhinandan Educational & Welfare Society, we address a very real and pressing gap—the lack of access to quality education, guidance, and basic support for children from underprivileged backgrounds. Many of these children possess talent and ambition, but they often lack the right environment, exposure, and confidence to move forward.
Our work focuses on building strong educational foundations, nurturing life skills, and instilling values so that children don’t just study—they begin to believe in themselves. We are not here to offer short-term relief; our commitment is to long-term change—helping children and families break cycles, not merely cope with them.
At its heart, Abhinandan is about respect, consistency, and hope—welcoming every child into a future they truly deserve.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going are the children, women, and their families—their honesty, resilience, and quiet determination, as well as the promise I made to stand by them and help solve their challenges.
When things get tough, I remind myself that even one child gaining confidence, staying in school, or daring to dream a little bigger makes every challenge worthwhile.
I also draw strength from the small moments of progress that often go unnoticed—a child beginning to ask questions, a parent starting to believe in the power of education, or a family choosing hope over fear. These moments remind me why my work truly matters.
Above all, it is my belief that consistency creates change. Even on the most difficult days, I know that showing up—again and again—can slowly but surely transform lives. And that belief is what keeps me moving forward.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Life has taught me many lessons through lived experience. From this journey, three truths stand out.
First, consistency matters more than grand gestures. Real change does not come from doing something big once; it comes from showing up every single day, especially when progress feels slow or invisible.
Second, listening is as important as leading. When you truly listen—to children, families, or your team—you understand their realities more deeply. That understanding leads to decisions that are not only effective, but also humane and grounded.
Third, purpose gives strength. When your work is driven by a deeper purpose, it carries you through doubt, fatigue, and uncertainty. Purpose does not eliminate challenges, but it gives you the courage to face them and move forward.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
In my view, success is built on a few simple yet powerful principles.
First, clarity of purpose. Knowing why you do what you do gives direction to every decision and anchors you during uncertainty.
Second, discipline and consistency. Talent and ideas matter, but it is the ability to stay committed—especially when results are slow—that creates real progress.
Third, humility and a willingness to keep learning. The moment we believe we know everything, growth stops. Remaining open to feedback, change, and diverse perspectives keeps success meaningful and sustainable.
Finally, success is not defined by personal achievement alone, but by the impact you leave behind. When your growth lifts others along the way, success becomes deeply fulfilling and enduring.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
I don’t think this generation is always open to advice. Still, if I were to offer one, it would be this: focus first on building a strong foundation. Learn your basics well, and don’t rush success. The early years are meant for learning, making mistakes, and discovering your strengths.
Stay curious and open to learning beyond textbooks. Skills, communication, and attitude will often take you as far as—if not further than—formal qualifications.
Be patient and consistent. Careers are not built overnight, and constantly comparing your journey with others only distracts you from your own growth.
Most importantly, stay rooted in your values. Success feels meaningful only when it aligns with who you are. When you work with honesty, discipline, and purpose, growth follows naturally.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying and exciting?
What makes my journey truly satisfying is the sense of purpose it brings to me every single day. Knowing that our work can change the direction of a child’s life or give a family renewed hope is deeply fulfilling.
What keeps it exciting is the fact that no two days are ever the same. Every challenge teaches me something new, and every small success feels personal and meaningful. Watching children grow—not just academically, but in confidence and self-belief—is a constant reminder that this journey is alive and continually evolving.
Most of all, it is the feeling of being part of something larger than myself. This combination of impact, learning, and human connection is what makes the journey both satisfying and truly exciting.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
