A development network initiative, STRIVE, encourages kids from marginalized backgrounds to participate in sports and learn positive life skills. Founded in 2018, the realm is furthered by Sibling Synergy Raisah Ila Panda – Founder, Strive and Raemana Rashna Panda – CEO, Strive, sports enthusiast and social responsibility aspirants.
A special Coach for children with special needs reflects social-inclusiveness as ‘sports for all’. Project Vrddhi endeavours to raise the spirit of Basti Women into learning something resourceful, take time out for themselves and refresh their monotonous life.
The bond between the two sisters is truly inspiring. It's beautiful to see how the elder sister, Raisah, laid the foundation for Strive, and the younger sister Raemana was deeply influenced by her passion and dedication. Their unification, leadership skills, and commitment to social impact make them as role models for many young individuals.
Inclusion in team sports transforms Children’s confidence, sense of belonging & skills.
Capacity building initiative facilitating social and financial inclusion for inter-generational change.
Inspire! We bring together underprivileged children and women from the slums to reflect on their experiences in life.
Promote! We implement sports based and livelihood initiatives which will help the underserved communities to brighter futures.
Advocate! We teach our participants gender equality and inclusiveness through participation.
Opportunity! We give them a platform to foster, develop and promote competitive sports, life skills and livelihood skills.
Enable! We enable vulnerable women towards Atmanirbharta (Self-reliance).
Project Vrddhi – is a capacity building program with the objective of “Empowering Slum Women towards self-reliance by imparting requisite skills on Tailoring & SHG development”.
Raisah Ila Panda is a young enthusiastic and passionate advocate for social change. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities, she believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. This conviction has driven her to build STRIVE, a development network initiative at Ambedkar Basti, New Delhi, that not only provides sportive support to marginalized children, but also empowers women to take charge of their lives. Founded in 2018, with the ethos, "Involve to Evolve," STRIVE's team sports transform children's confidence, sense of belonging, and skills. As the founder, she has poured her heart and soul into creating the that truly makes a difference.
In India, girls often face numerous social taboos and restrictions that limit their opportunities for physical activity and sports participation. Raisah's initiative aimed to break these barriers, providing a safe and supportive environment for girls to engage in sports and develop their skills. She took on the challenge of empowering girls in Ambedkar Basti. With the motto "Sports for all," she introduced a holistic model that championed gender inclusion, sparking a diversity revolution. Raisah has remained steadfast in her commitment. The outcomes of her objectives are a testament to her vision and perseverance: hundreds of children have developed essential life skills through sports, women have gained economic independence, and communities have come together to support one another.
The younger sister, Raemana, inspired by her sister’s dedication, she was motivated to join hands and contribute her unique strengths to the cause. Raemana became one of the youngest donors, contributing from her piggy bank savings.
As Raisah pursued offshore higher studies, in its fifth year (2023) the realm was furthered by her younger sister Raemana Rashna Panda, a sports enthusiast and social responsibility aspirant. An avid soccer player herself who has captained her school’s U-17 football team, played at the Delhi state championship level and a member of a football club. Raemana is known for her adroitness, conscientious planning, and soft qualities. She aspired to spearhead the humble beginning of her elder sister and do things differently at STRIVE 2.0.
Like all changes at the helm, Raemana, as the CEO (Community Enthusiastic Officer), added her own creative twist. Building on the motto "Sports for all," which Raisah had introduced to promote gender inclusion, Raemana expanded it further by encouraging children with special abilities to join, thereby making the group bigger and stronger. She believed that every child is born with inherent talent, contributing to a diversified team. This persuasive effort reflects Raemana's endeavour towards social inclusiveness, which has brimmed with a ray of hope for these children, making them feel recognized and involved.
She observed that while children played outside, their mothers often sat idle on their doorsteps. Raemana consulted Raisah on how to seize this opportunity, and together, they devised a livelihood program to approach the women.
In April 2023, Project Vrddhi was launched – a capacity-building program aimed at empowering slum women towards self-reliance. The program imparted requisite tailoring skills through a Self-Help Group (SHG) framework, providing women with a platform to engage in income-generating activities and promoting financial stability and independence. The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) has supported the initiative by providing women with access to opportunities, financial services, market linkages, and social support.
Strive’s growth and expansion has been organic. The initiative directly addresses UN SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender equity), and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth).
In the journey of seven years both the sisters have curated many fundraiser programs, bringing together a group of passionate amateur singers and artistic children from Strive making them take responsibility in furthering their cause.
The organization has provided support and recognition to Delhi's marginalized children, particularly from Ambedkar Basti. Strive has partnered with organizations like Slum Soccer, The Angels Network, Dance Out of Poverty and Sinhaya Foundation. The children have participated in various tournaments : The Golden Football League, The National Inclusion Cup, Friendly Games at American Embassy School, Delhi Future Stars Grassroots League.
The Founder, Raisah Ila Panda, having returned from her academic pursuits, Strive 2.0 is gearing up its football players to participate in national-level championships, competing with top players and securing an opportunity to represent India in the Homeless World Cup – a prestigious annual tournament where sixty-three nations converge for the world championship. Always a step ahead, Raisah & Raemana have deliberated with the community dwellers how to make a difference and thereby their plan for next five years prioritizes to arouse civic consciousness among these children, educate them to refrain from substance abuse and promote health seeking attitude by focusing on hygiene, sanitation, and proper nutrition.
The prestigious Mahatma Award 2025 'Youth Leadership in Social Responsibility and Social Impact' was conferred upon Raisah Ila Panda & Raemana Rashna Panda in recognition of their outstanding contribution to society.
The sisters' journey together is a reminder that when individuals with a shared vision work together, they can achieve remarkable things. Raisah & Raemana, serve as a powerful reminder that even the youngest among us can drive a societal revolution.
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