KANAN SHAH
Trustee
since 2008
since 2008
A group of young women who have pledged their time
to make a meaningful difference.
ANGELS LINK FOUNDATION is a registered public charitable trust led by a dedicated group of women committed to creating a meaningful impact in society. With a shared vision to spread joy, instill hope, and uplift the lives of the less fortunate, the foundation has been actively working toward positive change since its inception.
What began in 2008 with a focus on Human Welfare has steadily evolved into a broader mission. In 2024, the foundation expanded its efforts to include two additional verticals: Environment and Animal Welfare, reflecting a holistic approach to compassion and sustainability.
In 2026, Pre-Loved was introduced -an initiative that promotes conscious living through repurposing pre-owned items while reducing waste and supporting communities in need.
To create a compassionate world where kindness is intentional, dignity is preserved, and every life—human, animal, and the planet we share—feels seen, supported, and valued.
To transform compassion into action by creating meaningful, dignified interventions that support people, protect animals, nurture the environment, and encourage responsible reuse, building a more empathetic and sustainable world, one initiative at a time.
Kanan Shah and Monika Bhonsale, school friends from Villa Theresa High School in Mumbai, India, graduated in 1991. Coming from humble family backgrounds, they grew up in environments where generosity was a way of life, celebrations were cherished, and spreading joy came naturally.
Their formative years in a missionary school deeply influenced their values. Visits to old-age homes and orphanages instilled empathy and compassion, while the convent’s guiding motto—“to truth through love” and “service before self”—became a lasting principle in their lives.
Kanan is a versatile individual and the creative force behind several ventures. Alongside her role as a homemaker and mother, she is a social entrepreneur and artist, as well as a passionate folk dancer and singer. An environmental enthusiast and devoted animal lover, she brings conscious living and compassion into every aspect of her life.
Kanan is a versatile individual and the creative force behind several ventures. Alongside her role as a homemaker and mother, she is a social entrepreneur and artist, as well as a passionate folk dancer and singer. An environmental enthusiast and devoted animal lover, she brings conscious living and compassion into every aspect of her life.
It all started with a simple yet profound experience that Kanan had with the family of quadruplets—an experience that stayed with her long after. Moved by its impact, she approached her best friend Monika with the idea of building something personal, something that could extend that same support to many others. Monika immediately embraced the idea. Although they had the passion, they lacked direction. In that moment, Monika thought of her friend’s grandmother, Mrs. Saroj Apte, who was then the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Council.
A dynamic woman in her seventies, elegantly dressed in a sari, she carried a radiant smile and an aura that was both warm and inspiring. She drove us to Asha Sadan—an orphanage and adoption centre where she served as President. During the drive, she shared powerful stories that kept us deeply engaged, inspired, and in awe of her life’s work.
We shared our intention of starting a charitable organisation, admitting honestly that we didn’t yet have a clear direction. Our initial thought was simple: we would raise funds and donate them to support her charitable initiatives.
But Mrs. Saroj Apte transformed our entire perspective. The golden words she shared with us became the foundation of everything we stand for—even today:
“If you young girls are starting something new, give your time, not your money.”
These words became the ethos of our foundation. They continue to guide us, shape our work, and remind us of the true spirit of giving. We speak of her wisdom with pride and remember her words with deep gratitude, time and again.
We organize ENTERTAINMENT cum need-based events, programmes and activities once every month
Rooted in the belief that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility, this initiative focuses on creating long-term environmental impact through community-led, practical solutions.
Guided by empathy and responsibility, this initiative is dedicated to protecting, caring for, and improving the lives of animals especially those that are abandoned, injured, or vulnerable.
Rooted in the belief that caring for the planet is a shared responsibility, this initiative focuses on creating long-term environmental impact through community-led, practical solutions.
2008-Sheetal Kothari, Nimisha Vora, Nisha Shah, Rinku Dalamal, Monika Bhonsale, Kanan Shah and Farida Sheikh
In 2008, Kanan saw a photograph that stopped her heart: a young mother sitting on a hospital bed with four newborns in her lap. Jyoti Shinde had just given birth to quadruplets, and had no support, no money, no diapers, even the basic hospital bill was unpaid.
Kanan and a friend drove to Kalyan, 90 minutes outside Mumbai, with bags full of baby clothes, diapers, toys, and essentials. They met Jyoti and were overwhelmed by the helplessness in the room but also the strength in her smile. That night, Jyoti’s husband called to say, “Your gifts brought back hope to our family.”
That day, Kanan sent out a message to her friends, asking for more help. The response was immediate and overwhelming – within a week, they were able to secure a home, cover medical costs, and arrange long-term support for the family.
The experience taught Kanan that there were so many who wanted to help but didn’t know how. That was the spark that made her say: “Let’s be the link between good hearts and real needs.”
On 13th December 2007, a simple newspaper article sparked a life-changing journey.
Kanan came across a story in Mumbai Mirror about Jyoti Shinde, a woman from Kalyan who had given birth to quadruplets at Cama Hospital. The article highlighted the family’s dire situation—Jyoti’s husband was unemployed, and they did not have a home of their own.
At the time, Kanan was raising two young children, aged six and two. Feeling lucky and blessed to have a strong support system at home, she found herself deeply moved by Jyoti’s story, wondering how a mother in such challenging circumstances would care for four newborns.
