Rukhsana Izhar is a philanthropist who believes in collective action for community relief. What star
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Lahore
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the beginnings
My journey starts with a simple wish, a wish for change. In the beginning, it was the desire for change in the domestic sphere, that the child of my domestic help does not have to become domestic help in future. It was to be done by educating them and empowering them so that they can achieve some form of social mobility. Hence the mission began. Let me remind you that in that time, my husband was not some wealthy landlord who could spend lavishly on philanthropic projects just because his wife said so. It was as unrealistic and fictional an idea; it may sound to you today. I think it was my sheer faith in Allah and my passion to give my fullest that his dream did come true. So the gardener, driver, cleaning lady and laundry man were given enough resources and guidance that they were able to provide quality education to their children. As time passed, my own family was growing and we were moving quite a bit but this mission did not halt. The new generation was more or less more socially mobile than the older one.
Here is a thing about victory and success, no matter how big or small it is, it makes you do more and dream more. As you achieve one goal, another one sculpts into shape, then another and isn’t this what keeps you going? That’s what happened with me as well, I decided to open my kitchen for anyone and everyone who is hungry. This started off as an informal, warm and fuzzy invite by my children whom I would line up in the street and instruct to invite anyone, who crossed the street, for a warm meal. The word spread and gradually everyone knew that this house will always have a meal to offer to anyone at any time. This was the beginning of the Rukh Foundation venture, who knew where this ride will take me and those who will become part of this journey.
Today, we are a dedicated group of people, who are passionate about community relief and want to make a model of sustainable and holistic change in every community. Our work ranges from education, daily lunch, subsidized health facilities, microfinancing, monthly stipends, advocating minimum wage for domestic workers, advocating abolition of underage domestic help and much more. When I look back, the way I see it, it was just seeing unrealistic yet heartfelt dreams for putting smiles on everyone around me. I knew I did not have enough in my pocket, am away from my indigenous city, do not belong here but my Allah is with me and He will never disappoint me. There may have been difficulties and hiccups but it was all worth it, for now I only feel content at heart and I know that I can do this many more times.
