From the desk of Dr. Ritu Arora

It is often said that charity begins at home, and for me, this has been a lived experience. My mother set a beautiful example in our household. In those days, it was natural that no laborer, sweeper, or visitor would ever leave our home without being offered water, food, or help in whatever way possible. These simple gestures of kindness created a deep impression on us as children. My parents instilled in us the belief that helping others, even through small acts of care and positivity, can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

As I grew older, this thought stayed with me and gradually became stronger. I began to feel that compassion should not only remain a thought but should transform into action.

A turning point came when a woman named Meena, who lived in the EWS area of Uttam Nagar, approached me through a common acquaintance. She was suffering from Retinoblastoma, a serious eye condition involving malignant growth. Her family was struggling to find a way to control the disease. A small medical instrument needed to be implanted in the affected area to control the malignancy, but the treatment required an amount of ₹8.5 lakhs, which was far beyond what the family could afford.

When I shared the situation with my father, he immediately handed me a cheque of ₹2 lakhs and simply said, “Go ahead and do what needs to be done.” His instant support strengthened my belief that this effort was worth pursuing.

I then reached out to some wonderful people around me—friends and well-wishers who have always believed in supporting meaningful causes. I contacted Manish, Mr. Mukesh Gupta, Rajeev Garg, Mr. Thukral, Sandeep Garg, and many others who willingly came forward to help. Within twenty days, through collective effort and goodwill, we were able to raise ₹10 lakhs. After many challenges and efforts, Meena finally underwent the operation.

Unfortunately, her vision could not be saved, but her life was saved.

This experience was both a challenge and an awakening. It made me realize how limited our capacity can be when we try to help alone, and how powerful we become when we work together.

I began to think deeply about how such efforts could continue on a larger and more organized scale. The thought kept returning to me until one day it felt as if the answer was already there — why not work as a team, just as we had done in Meena’s case?

With that idea, a simple plan emerged: if people could contribute ₹2000 per month, even a small group could create a meaningful pool of resources to help those who cannot afford medical care or other essential support.

I shared this thought with friends and well-wishers, and within minutes messages of encouragement, support, and “thumbs-up” responses began to arrive. That small idea quickly turned into a collective mission. Since our goal was simple — to bring a smile to everyone we help — the initiative was named Smile For All, inspired by the deeper spirit of compassion and love reflected in Prem.

Thus, in September 2023, the journey of Prem & Smile For All began with a small group of 20 members who shared the same vision: to work together for those who need help the most.

Our aim has never been limited to providing medical assistance alone. The mission extends to education, health support, and reaching people in places where help does not easily reach.

Over time, this small circle of volunteers grew into a stronger community. Today, we are around 40 members, united by the same spirit of service. I feel deeply grateful to have such dedicated people walking alongside me in this journey. Among them are Vineet, Sanjeev, Ruchi Mohan, Sonia, Ashok, Atul, and many others. A special mention must be made of my sister Renu, who has been my backbone and constant support in every step of this initiative. Without her encouragement and strength, this journey would not have been possible.

As the work expanded, the need for a formal structure became clear. With the collective efforts of the team and the blessings of everyone who believed in this vision, Prem & Smile For All was officially registered on 13 March 2025 under the Registrar of Societies, India. We now also have a formal bank account with 80G certification, enabling supporters to contribute more easily and transparently to this cause.

What began as a single act of help has now grown into a shared mission — to extend compassion, dignity, and support to those who need it most, and to ensure that no one is left without hope or help.