Anita Holani
A Journey of Empowering Teachers and Transforming Communities
When Sunaayy Foundation began its journey in 2009, it was a small learning initiative under a tree. By 2011, when Anita Holani joined as a volunteer, the foundation was still in its early stages—working with just 30–40 children, driven purely by the belief that education could change lives.
Anita quickly became a vital part of this vision. With a deep belief in the power of consistent, compassionate engagement, she began supporting the grassroots educational program, working closely with underserved children and teachers to build their capacities.
Over the years, as Sunaayy grew from a handful of students to over 15000 across multiple learning centers, Anita’s role also evolved. She moved from directly supporting classroom sessions to becoming a mentor and guide for Sunaayy’s teachers—the key pillars shaping young minds.
Adapting Through Adversity: The Covid-19 Transition In 2020, when the pandemic forced physical centers to shut down, Anita adapted seamlessly to a new, critical role.
Recognizing that teachers needed ongoing support during this uncertain time, she began mentoring them virtually. Each week, Anita would introduce teachers to important new topics—ranging from health awareness like breast cancer, to financial literacy and savings practices. Her sessions were designed not only to build knowledge but to empower teachers to become confident community educators themselves.
Through regular interactions, Anita created a platform where teachers could ask questions, share experiences, and develop the confidence to address challenges beyond the classroom.
A Mentor beyond the Classroom Today, Anita continues to mentor and nurture Sunaayy’s teaching community. Her work ensures that the impact of education ripples far beyond textbooks—building resilience, awareness, and self-reliance among both teachers and students.
Her approach has always been rooted in three timeless values: humility, compassion, and consistency. These values have shaped Anita’s journey at Sunaayy and continue to inspire everyone who works with her.
“When you invest in a teacher, you invest in hundreds of futures,”
says Anita, reflecting her unwavering belief in the multiplier effect of education.
A Lasting Impact Anita Holani’s volunteering journey at Sunaayy Foundation is a powerful reminder that sustainable change begins with empowering those at the grassroots. Her work as an educator and mentor continues to strengthen Sunaayy’s mission—to create communities where every child, and every teacher, can thrive with dignity, knowledge, and hope.
Across Continents
Ananya and Her Family’s Journey of Giving
At Sunaayy Foundation, every small act of kindness creates ripples. Some grow into waves of change. The story of Ananya, a 17-year-old Indian-American volunteer from New York City, and her family is one such wave—a beautiful reminder that compassion, when shared within a family, can cross oceans and build lasting connections.
How It Began
The family’s journey with Sunaayy Foundation began with Arjun, Ananya’s father. During a visit to Delhi, Arjun learned about Sunaayy through his friends and was moved by the foundation’s commitment to empowering underserved children through education and nourishment. He returned to New York with stories of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of opportunity.
Inspired by her father’s experience, Ananya decided to see Sunaayy’s work firsthand during her next visit to Delhi in 2022. While spending time with her grandparents, she volunteered at one of our learning centers—and found herself deeply connected to the children’s spirit and eagerness to learn, despite the many obstacles they faced.
“It’s the children’s spirit that keeps bringing me back,” Ananya shares.
What started as a one-time volunteering experience quickly grew into a commitment that spanned continents and seasons.
A Growing Commitment
Since that first visit, Ananya has made Sunaayy an integral part of her trips to India. Each time, she returns to the learning centers—to teach, engage, and most importantly, to learn alongside the children.
Her impact didn’t end in India. Back home in New York, Ananya has organized bake sales, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns at her school to raise resources for Sunaayy’s children—supporting everything from meals and school supplies to learning materials. Her younger brother has been also actively supporting her in endeavor.
Through her dedication, she has helped bridge two worlds: connecting her community in New York to children thousands of miles away.
As her father Arjun reflects, “Seeing the impact firsthand made me feel incredibly proud—not just of my daughter, but of the work Sunaayy is doing.”
A Legacy of Service
Ananya’s story, supported by her family’s encouragement, reflects what we at Sunaayy Foundation believe deeply: that change doesn’t need grand gestures. It needs consistent, heartfelt actions—shared across homes, generations, and geographies.
Through small steps and shared purpose, Ananya and her family have become part of Sunaayy’s ever-growing circle of kindness—a reminder that service, once sparked, continues to light up many lives.
