In a rare interview released earlier this week, Shloka Mehta opened up about her social welfare initiative, ConnectFor. Appearing on The Krish Kothari Show alongside co-founder Maniti Shah, Mehta discussed the purpose, impact, and success of their non-governmental organization (NGO).
A Peek Inside Antilia
The interview provided an exclusive look into Antilia, the Ambani family’s opulent Mumbai residence. Shloka Mehta, 34, is married to Akash Ambani, the eldest son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, who reside in the lavish home known as one of the world’s most expensive private residences.
The Origins of ConnectFor
Launched in 2015, ConnectFor is a corporate social responsibility initiative backed by the Rosy Blue Foundation, the philanthropic branch of Mehta’s family business. The platform was designed to match volunteers with NGOs, addressing the growing need for resources in the nonprofit sector.
During the interview, Mehta recounted how the idea for ConnectFor was born during a casual card game. A friend returning to India after studying in the U.S. sought meaningful ways to engage before starting a corporate job. She found it challenging to connect with nonprofits, which sparked the idea in Mehta.
Having worked with the Rosy Blue Foundation, Mehta noticed a pattern: many grants were funneled to the same NGOs repeatedly due to the stringent CSR law requiring audited and annual reports. “There are so many talented individuals who could contribute to nonprofits that lack the resources to hire professionals for reporting,” Mehta explained. This realization solidified the concept of ConnectFor, paving the way for its eventual launch.
Stories of Transformation
Discussing the impact of ConnectFor, Mehta shared a transformative experience that reinforced her commitment to the initiative. “Every time we start feeling a bit restless, we hear another story of transformation,” she said. One particularly memorable story came from a phone call with a woman who signed up for volunteering early in ConnectFor’s journey.
“I remember telling her, ‘Hi, you’ve signed up. I’m connecting you with this children’s shelter home,’” Mehta recalled. The woman expressed her desire to volunteer three times a week. Initially, Mehta did not think much of it, but a year later, she received a heartfelt email from the woman.
The message revealed that the woman had joined ConnectFor during a challenging time following her husband’s passing from cancer. “She shared how volunteering at the children’s shelter brought her joy and purpose,” Mehta recounted. The shelter also praised the woman’s contributions, affirming the positive impact on both her and the children.
The Vision Behind ConnectFor
“That was the intention behind starting ConnectFor,” Mehta reflected. Despite the nonprofit being relatively small, with only about 50 children, the change it facilitated for both volunteers and recipients was profoundly inspiring.
Through ConnectFor, Shloka Mehta and Maniti Shah aim to create a more connected and supportive community, ensuring that volunteers can make meaningful contributions to the causes they care about.
