The inspiring story of an entrepreneur supporting her fraternity Rise

A few years ago, Anusha took part in a volunteer program with an NGO. For 3 months, she lived in a village where she constructed toilets, and gave workshops on sanitation and hygiene.

“The experience opened my eyes to how riddled our nation was with issues related to even the most basic facilities. My perception did a 180-degree flip and I wanted to make a difference.”

She was determined to find her purpose and started doing extensive research by travelling across the country.

“I remember visiting one hostel where I saw young girls preparing for their civil exams in terribly cramped conditions without even a decent bathroom! The experience haunted me. How could anyone live in such a terrible environment?”

That’s when she had the idea to start her own hostel called ‘She Stays’.

“I was guided by the belief that young women of India had amazing potential – they just needed a healthy space to thrive.”

But bringing her idea to life was challenging – many vendors and workers were hard to bargain with. They wouldn’t take her seriously because she is a girl. But Anusha’s determination overpowered everything. She worked hard and soon, opened her first hostel.

“Within 45 days of opening, requests flooded in from everywhere. I felt immensely proud. I still remember getting a phone call from a girl who was being bullied at her residence. I felt so happy to be able to give her a safe space to live!”

Today, her hostel continues to support young women and has grown bigger and better. It has become a space where young women can find opportunities and learn from each other. It hosts award winning speakers, lessons, and workshops whenever possible.

“I hope the girls take away friendships of a lifetime and experiences that will stay with them forever. Because they are the future of our nation and they deserve to be cared for.”

To Anusha, nothing matters more than helping people and making India the place it’s meant to be. She believes that these girls deserve every opportunity and considers it her duty to help them as much as she can.

#Mahindra salutes the challenger spirit of people like Anusha who are doing their bit to make Bharat #Aatmanirbhar. #PeopleWhoRise #HappyIndependenceDay!