Vadodara: A few years ago, she saw some children walking without shoes on the road in a village in the Dabhoi taluka of Vadodara. Concerned about their condition, Padmajaraje Gaekwadthe elder daughter of the royal family member Radhikaraje Gaekwad, thought of helping such poor children.
The 17-year-old launched the “Heart to Feet” initiative in May this year as part of the Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya“I started collecting money to buy new shoes for the poor children and needy. People responded positively and donated generously,” Padmajaraje told TOI. Within three months, Padmajaraje distributed over 8,000 shoes in and around Vadodara.
“Since we were children, my mother always told me to be grateful for all the things we have in our lives. As I got older, I noticed this more and more when I saw children running around without shoes,” she said.
Padmajaraje, who is currently studying in a school in the UK, has raised nearly Rs 100,000 for the initiative and has received donations from India, Australia, Bahrain and other countries.
She plans to take the initiative to a bigger level in the coming years and also address the other needs of the underprivileged community. Padmajaraje also collaborated with Lakshya Trust and donated shoes to the LGBTQ community.
“The project has given her the confidence to help people. It will also help her stay rooted and connected here in the community,” Radhikaraje said.
The Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya already helps poor women and offers them further education courses.
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