KANAN SHAH

When Monika and Kanan introduced me to ALF, there was no question I would let such a blessing go by. Their passion was contagious. There was a precondition of attending 3 events before joining as an angel, but after stepping into that world, I knew this was where I belonged. On 27th September 2010, I attended my first event, and 15 years later, I feel so blessed to be part of ALF. I always say that I take back more than I give, and every event reinforces this truth.

My first experience was at Pragati Vidyalaya (a school for the deaf and mute) during their Diwali celebration. It was like witnessing magic unfold. The once gray, lifeless school were filled with colour and joy, as if transformed by an invisible force. Children were smiling and laughing, engaging in everything from painting to games, and I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being part of that moment.

The following event was at the Children’s Home in Umerkhadi, at that time, the angels link women were immersed in conducting a lot of activities there, and seeing these angels go in and just make them smile was both heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. It made me realize just how blessed I was and how important it is to give back to society.

The third event was at ADAPT (formerly Spastics Society of India), a school for special children; that experience just melted me. I was never exposed to this side of the world. Seeing how little we need to give to really make someone smile made me feel like this is where I truly belonged. I felt that this was where I would take back true happiness and the true essence of living life. And so, my journey began.

At first, it was just curiosity to see what these angels were up to. However, after attending 3 events, there was no way I wasn’t going to give my time here. If anyone listens to Kanan Shah and her passion and drive, she is an inspiration. Her positivity and energy are beyond anyone else’s. She has truly understood how to share happiness and double it as we share it. When we spread joy, the amount of joy we take back is immeasurable. She is my best friend, my confidante, my source of energy, and my inspiration. She has a heart of gold. Love you, Ka!

There are so many memories but more than any individual moment, it’s the collective energy of ALF that has transformed my life. Through the years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how ALF has touched the lives of so many, and how it’s reshaped my own understanding of what it means to truly live with purpose. I’ve learned that giving isn’t just about material things—it’s about giving your heart, your time, and your attention.

After 15 years, I can confidently say that the lessons I’ve learned from ALF, and the beautiful souls I’ve met along the way, have made me a better person. Today, in 2025, I feel immense pride that Kanan and Monika trust me to be a part of three verticals of ALF—Pink, Green, and Animals and to oversee the operations behind the scenes. I know that my work with ALF will never truly end, as I am constantly growing and evolving.

This is not just my NGO – this is my heart, my space. And I know that ALF’s work will continue, growing beyond me, beyond us, and touching the lives of generations to come. I hope that younger women will join this journey with the same passion and zest that we have, and continue to carry the torch forward.

Nikita Patel

“Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and will be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away.” — Abraham Lincoln