Founder - SUNANDA NADARAJAN
As a woman living with HIV, and being part of a group that includes divorced women, widows, trafficking survivors, and mothers of special children, I have come to realize that a woman is often alone from birth to death. My life has been filled with struggles and challenges, and I know that these will never truly end. However, I believe that these challenges make me stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. Each woman in our group, including myself, has a unique story, but we share a common struggle to earn a minimum income to meet our daily needs. We have learned to adapt to our circumstances, but sometimes we lose hope. Yet, we refuse to give up.
While we may not possess technical skills, we have an unwavering belief in our ability to succeed. We strive to utilize every opportunity available to us. Our income generation unit aims not only to make women financially independent but also to empower them to self-acceptance, recognizing that true change begins within.
“My Aim is to establish a sustainable income generation unit, enabling women to earn a steady income, gain respect within their families and communities, and develop leadership skills. Ultimately, I aim to cultivate a team of women leaders who can autonomously manage and run the unit, ensuring long-term success and self-sufficiency.”
About the Organization
Ek Jeevan Hamari Prerana was registered as a Charitable Trust in 2017 to provide services and assistance to marginalized people. The Trust exclusively supports poor women from diverse backgrounds, including those infected and affected by HIV, widows, single parents, low-income women, and mothers of special children, to improve their lives through skill-building trainings and livelihood opportunities. For the past 7 years, 1100 women (60% of whom are infected or affected by HIV) have benefited from various services
At Ek Jeevan Hamari Prerana, we believe that every life holds the power to inspire, and every struggle carries the seed of transformation. Born from the unwavering courage of our founder, Sunanda Nadarajan—a woman living with HIV who chose hope over despair—our organization stands as a living testament to the strength of the human spirit. What began in 2017 as a humble initiative has blossomed into a vibrant support network for hundreds of women and children in Delhi who are battling not just poverty, but also the deep-rooted stigmas of society. From survivors of trafficking and HIV-positive mothers to widows, single parents, and abandoned children, we serve those whose voices are too often silenced. We offer more than just assistance—we create pathways to independence, dignity, and leadership. Through community-based programs that provide vocational training, income-generating opportunities, counseling, life skills, and essential supplies, we empower women to rewrite their stories with pride, courage, and resilience.
What sets us apart is not just what we do, but how we do it. Our approach is deeply personal and community-led, built on empathy and shared experience. Every woman who walks through our doors is not seen as a beneficiary—but as a sister, a leader, a changemaker in the making. Many of the women we support go on to mentor others, run programs, and advocate within their own communities. Over 1,100 lives have already been touched by our work, with nearly 60% being HIV-affected individuals who once felt invisible but now stand tall as breadwinners, caregivers, and local heroes. Our programs don’t just teach skills—they build identity, self-worth, and financial autonomy. Whether it’s crafting beautiful handmade goods, learning digital skills, accessing healthcare, or receiving menstrual products and educational support, our efforts are guided by the belief that change begins when women are empowered to dream again. At Ek Jeevan Hamari Prerana, every life matters, every voice counts, and every day is an opportunity to rise together.
