Meera Gandhi, born in Mumbai, India, is a beacon of inspiration whose journey from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the global stage is nothing short of extraordinary. With an Irish mother and an Indian father, her multicultural roots laid the foundation for a life dedicated to compassion and philanthropy.
At the tender age of 16, Meera’s life took a transformative turn when she crossed paths with Mother Teresa. Their collaboration at Asha Dan, Mumbai, ignited a spark within Meera, leading her to establish the Giving Back Offices with projects spanning India, New York, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the UK.
A Global Education
Meera’s pursuit of knowledge took her to prestigious institutions, including The Cathedral and John Connon Schools in Mumbai, Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific in Canada, and the University of Delhi, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Her academic journey continued with an MBA from Boston University School of Management and an Executive Education diploma from Harvard Business School. Currently, she serves on the board of the Laxmi Mittal South Asia Institute at Harvard University.
The Heart of Giving
Meera Gandhi is the visionary founder and CEO of The Giving Back Foundation, an organization dedicated to alleviating illness, poverty, and suffering. Her focus extends to education issues affecting women and children globally. The foundation supports charities with strong female leadership programs, inspired by role models like Hillary Clinton, Cherie Blair, and Meera’s own mother.
The Meera Gandhi Giving Back Award, presented annually at the Woodstock Film Festival, recognizes individuals in the film industry promoting social change and philanthropy. Notable recipients include Mark Ruffalo, Tim Blake Nelson, and Mira Nair.
Meera Gandhi: Touching Lives Globally
Meera Gandhi is actively involved in various charities, including the Happy Home and School for the blind in Mumbai, the Robert F. Kennedy Centre for Justice & Human Rights, and the Cambodian Landmine Relief Fund. Her foundation has also contributed to educational institutions, exemplified by funding a state-of-the-art telescope at the Harrow School in London.
A Medium for Change
In 2017, Meera Gandhi launched “The Meera Gandhi Show,” a platform addressing essential life-changing topics. The show features one-on-one interviews with influencers from diverse fields, offering insights into success, spirituality, and current trends.
Her products, such as “The Giving Candle” and “The Giving Fragrance,” embody her commitment to philanthropy and are available on GivingBackFragrance.com and Amazon.com.
Creative Expressions for Change
Meera Gandhi’s artistic endeavors include the production of a musical CD titled “Giving Back” and a coffee table book along with a documentary film, both named “Giving Back.” These projects showcase the philanthropic efforts of inspiring individuals, including interviews with Bono and others.
A Personal Touch
Meera Gandhi, a resident of NYC, balances her life with a historic townhouse that once belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt. She has three grown children, one of whom is the renowned musician Kiran Gandhi, also known as Madame Gandhi.
Awards and Recognition
Meera’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, with numerous awards recognizing her humanitarian efforts. These include the Marc Anthony Maestro Cares Foundation Global Humanitarian Award, the Ellis Island Gold Medal Award, and the NYC Mayor Award, among others.
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