The unsung hero of covid-19, Ramzan shaikh, founder of HopeMirror foundation

The onset of the year 2020 has left the entire global community reeling with the covid-19 pandemic. In India, the lockdown was imposed on 25th March 2020, leaving millions of people hungry, unemployed & helpless. That’s when Ramzan came up with the idea of HopeMirror. In tough times like such, when people lost all their hopes in life, intending to be reflectors of hope, he started this journey with unshakable conviction. 

A 27- year old Civil Engineer turned social activist says, “Since childhood, I have seen people suffering for survival essentials. I always had a dream to serve, uplift & empower those in need. Pandemic allowed me to fulfil my lifelong ambition. As the lockdown was announced, I started with distributing cooked meals in the impoverished slum areas. And seeing the heartfelt smile after receiving the food packets is something that motivated me to establish the HopeMirror foundation.” 

HopeMirror foundation is a Non-governmental organisation registered in June 2020. Team adages, “Reviving lost hopes, Rebuilding broken lives”. Till now, HopeMirror foundation has served thousands of underprivileged with Dry rations, cooked meals, Blankets, Umbrellas & Clothes. The team regularly conducts menstrual hygiene awareness & Sanitary napkin drives to empower women both in rural & urban areas. HopeMirror organised Job fair campaign & connected 100+ people to several well-known companies, thus making them financially independent. To express gratitude to our frontline workers, the team distributed snacks to the police officers on duty. On completing one year of their service, Hopemirror foundation planted 200+ trees in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. 

Ramzan shaikh initiated with a team of 2 members, which now has grown to a family of 32. He is a passionate & determined individual with a positive approach & the will to change the world for betterment. He always dreamt about enhancing the quality of life for all by breaking the vicious cycle of poverty, social isolation and restoring hope for a better future. “I am enveloped with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, reflecting on the path HopeMirror has traversed over a year. Before the pandemic, I pursued my career as a Civil Engineer and an entrepreneur, but then I had a sudden urge to commit myself to social welfare. At first, I was worried about my family getting contaminated, but seeing the vulnerable condition, I could not control myself but to chip on the ground.

Looking at the joy and effortless smile on the faces makes me feel content & it’s worth everything” he said. 

With one step at a time, he aims to help the entire country without being biased in any terms. Team plan and execute drives to distribute essentials to the underprivileged in various districts of Maharashtra. HopeMirror foundation motivates, guides & supports youth to indulge in welfare, giving them an opportunity to volunteer, thus making them responsible & aware citizens. Throughout their journey of one year, they have been seeking new avenues to contribute to society. Indeed with your support, the organisation will continue to work tirelessly towards social welfare with the hope of a brighter future.

Website- www.hopemirror.org
Links-https://instagram.com/hopemirrorfoundation?igshid=173z7rmnuge07
https://instagram.com/ramzanshaikh.rdr?igshid=imb3vnu1sb8n