Karina Pandya

  It was a regular Wednesday at Angel Xpress Foundation, but it was the last day of the year for both the teachers and the children until school reopened after the summer holidays.  There was no agenda for the class on that day, just a day when class photographs were taken, and the kids could just play whatever games came to their minds. There was no bell that day, just cheerful faces.  If you thought it was the last day before the summer holiday, you wouldn’t even believe it. There were no quiet goodbyes or even speeches. Just loud laughter and noise. Kids were shouting in their groups and laughing away. It was messy, loud, but cheerful. It shouldn’t have been any other way.  We played games, and what stood out wasn’t who won or lost—it was how seriously they celebrated everything. A small win felt like a big achievement. A silly moment turned into five minutes of uncontrollable laughter. There was no self-consciousness. No “what will people think.” Just…being....

  Children are the backbone of our society and the pillars of a progressively stronger, evolving world. Yet for many, life can be difficult and deeply challenging. We live in an era where genuineness and compassion often feel rare. Success is frequently measured by titles, timelines, targets, and income. And yet, some individuals choose a different path—one defined not by external achievements, but by empathy, purpose, and human connection. This conversation explores Anubha’s transition from the structured certainty of the corporate world to the deeply human space of social impact. It reflects on what it truly means to pause, listen inward, and follow a calling—especially in a world that rewards speed over sensitivity. Through her journey with Angel Xpress Foundation, Anubha shows how compassion is not a diversion from ambition, but its most authentic expression. This is a story of courage—of choosing meaning over comfort, service over status, and authenticity over convention. Q1. ...

There are some books you read, and then there are some books that quietly sit with you long after you’ve turned the last page.   Happiness   by Danielle Steel belongs to the latter. It doesn’t rush you, it doesn’t overwhelm you—it simply unfolds, gently, honestly, and at times, painfully. At first glance, the novel feels like a loss story. Sabrina Brooks, successful, composed, and seemingly fulfilled, loses everything in a single, devastating moment. The sudden death of her husband and children is not just an event in the story—it becomes a lingering silence through every chapter. What struck me most here is how Steel doesn’t dramatise grief; she lets it breathe. Sabrina’s inability to return to her career, her quiet withdrawal from the world—these don’t feel exaggerated, they feel human. But the story doesn’t stay there. As Sabrina moves from New York to California, the narrative begins to shift—almost imperceptibly. This isn’t just a change in setting; it feels like watching...

  We have with us an inspiring leader—an experienced co-founder of Angel Express Foundation, an organisation dedicated to transforming lives through education. With a strong background in business development, negotiation, and team building, they have successfully combined professional expertise with a deep commitment to social impact.   Karina Pandya gets candid with Beenaa Advani Q1: What motivated you to take on the role of co-founder? It didn’t begin as something big—it began with a simple intention to make a small difference. When we started with just 18 children, none of us imagined it would grow into what it is today. But somewhere along the journey, I realised this wasn’t just an initiative—it was a responsibility. Q2: Can you walk us through your journey over the past 15 years? It has been a journey of growth—not just for the children, but for all of us involved. From one centre to many, every step has been filled with learning, gratitude, and deep connection. Q3: Was...

The Bhagavat Gita says, “Yoga is the journey of the self to the self and through the self. It indeed has many layers and finally completes its journey at a higher plane.   From Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Yoga, to even Bikram Yoga, there are many different types of yoga to cater to different postures and breathing techniques. There can be no single best type of yoga. Each style suits different needs, fitness levels and personalities. While some styles are dynamic and physically intense, others are slow, meditative and restorative.    Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness. Having originated thousands of years ago, it has evolved into a global wellness practice. It is about creating a connection between your body and mind.   Yoga is beneficial as it helps to improve flexibility and posture, build strength and endurance and increase energy levels. It also helps to reduce stress and anxie...

When I first went to Jindal Naturecure Institute, it felt like a battle half won—but in reality, the battle had not even begun. Getting admission was not easy. I had been struggling with epilepsy and recurring seizures, and my first application the previous year was rejected. This year, after being seizure-free for one full year, I reapplied—and was finally granted admission. But my challenges went far beyond epilepsy. Years of poor habits, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle had slowed my metabolism. Alongside epilepsy, I was also dealing with hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, and prediabetic markers. Most importantly, I carried a distracted mind—a mind that wanted results without committing to the discipline required to achieve them. Turning 40 felt like a wake-up call. I knew I needed a complete reset—physically, mentally, and emotionally. A Simple but Structured Daily Life Life at Jindal followed a simple yet meaningful routine: Wake up at 5 AM Engage in yoga and kriya...