In the heart of India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi, where ancient ghats meet the eternal flow of the Ganga, where pilgrims seek redemption and students seek knowledge, there exists a lesser-known sanctuary of compassion — Ikshaa. Not just an NGO, but a soulful movement, Ikshaa is committed to one profound mission: to fulfill the emotional needs of individuals so that no one walks away with regret in their hearts.
In a world increasingly driven by material gains and rapid development, the emotional void in people's lives often goes unnoticed. Ikshaa, with its heart deeply rooted in empathy, kindness, and human connection, is changing that narrative — one life at a time.
The Birth of Ikshaa: A Dream That Listened to the Heart
Ikshaa was born out of a simple, yet powerful idea: “No one should feel alone. No one should feel forgotten.” What started as a small group of compassionate individuals responding to the emotional cries of the unheard, has blossomed into a full-fledged organization impacting hundreds of lives in Varanasi and its surroundings.
The word "Ikshaa" itself means desire — the desire to connect, to heal, to love, and to bring joy. Unlike many other organizations focused solely on food, education, or shelter, Ikshaa aims to bridge the emotional gaps in society, offering dignity, companionship, and purpose to those society often overlooks.
An NGO That Feels Like Family
Ask anyone associated with Ikshaa — from the elderly in old-age homes to the children in under-resourced communities — and they’ll tell you: “Ikshaa isn’t just an NGO, it’s family.”
The organization’s work goes far beyond charity. It's about celebrating birthdays of forgotten elders, holding hands through times of loss, teaching life skills with a personal touch, and sitting beside people when words fail but presence heals. They host storytelling circles, music therapy sessions, art days, and emotional wellness workshops that allow people to express what they otherwise suppress.
Serving the Elderly: Replacing Regret with Recognition
One of Ikshaa’s most touching programs is its outreach to the elderly. In a city like Varanasi, where tradition often meets abandonment in the case of aging parents, Ikshaa provides not just care but connection. Volunteers routinely visit old-age homes and those living alone, not merely to deliver necessities, but to deliver conversations, laughter, shared meals, and sometimes, just silent presence.
These interactions are designed to replace loneliness with warmth and, more importantly, to prevent the painful regret of a life lived in emotional isolation. Many seniors, often forgotten by their own families, find in Ikshaa a reason to smile again, to sing songs from their youth, and to pass on stories they feared would die with them.
Supporting Children Beyond Academics
Children growing up in economically challenged areas of Varanasi often face more than just financial hardship — they deal with broken families, neglect, abuse, and emotional trauma. Ikshaa steps in not just to provide books or classes, but mentorship and emotional nurturing.
Their emotional literacy initiative, called Dil Se Siksha (Education from the Heart), teaches children how to identify, understand, and express their emotions. Trained volunteers work with children to boost confidence, resilience, and emotional health — skills that often matter more than marks in determining future success and happiness.
Mental Health Without the Stigma
Another pillar of Ikshaa’s work is mental health advocacy. In a society where mental well-being is still taboo and therapy is considered a luxury, Ikshaa offers free counseling sessions, peer support groups, and awareness campaigns that destigmatize seeking help.
They collaborate with psychologists and counselors who volunteer their time to listen to stories of pain, trauma, anxiety, and loss. From young adults burdened by academic pressure to women dealing with postpartum depression, Ikshaa provides a safe space where emotional wounds are acknowledged and healed.
The Ikshaa Volunteer Army: Emotions in Action
At the heart of Ikshaa is its ever-growing group of volunteers — students, professionals, homemakers, and retirees — united by empathy. Each volunteer undergoes training, not just in logistics or program execution, but in emotional intelligence, active listening, and trauma-informed care.
Their motto is simple: “Be present. Be kind. Be real.” Whether they are comforting a widowed grandmother, encouraging a teenager to dream big, or spending hours with a grieving parent, they embody what Ikshaa stands for — emotional fulfillment without judgment or condition.
Special Events that Leave No One Behind
Ikshaa is known in Varanasi for its unique events that are designed to include everyone — especially those often left out. From inclusive Holi and Diwali celebrations to personalized birthday parties for orphans and elderly residents, every gathering is a celebration of life and togetherness.
Their “Memory Lane” event, for instance, allows senior citizens to relive moments from their past — complete with old songs, vintage décor, handwritten letters from strangers, and a chance to dance like no one's watching. For children, they host “Wish Days” where they ask every child to write one wish on a piece of paper — no matter how big or small — and then work to fulfill as many as possible.
The smiles these events generate speak louder than any metric. They are moments where no one feels like a statistic, but rather, a story worth cherishing.
Ikshaa During the Pandemic: When Humanity Was on Trial
When COVID-19 struck and isolation became the norm, Ikshaa became a lifeline. Volunteers risked their own safety to deliver food and medicines, but more importantly, they made emotional check-in calls to the elderly, arranged virtual therapy for those struggling with anxiety, and hosted online storytelling sessions for children stuck indoors.
During those dark days, many in Varanasi say it was Ikshaa that reminded them that someone still cared.
No Regrets, Only Reflections
What sets Ikshaa apart from many other NGOs is their mission of ensuring that no individual — regardless of age, gender, caste, or class — dies with the regret of being unloved, unseen, or unheard. They believe that fulfilling emotional needs is not a luxury, but a right.
They don’t just measure their impact in numbers, but in hugs received, tears shared, laughter restored, and memories made. For them, success isn’t in the headlines, but in the heartbeats of those they serve.
How You Can Be a Part of Ikshaa
Whether you live in Varanasi or across the world, there’s a place for you in Ikshaa’s family. Here’s how you can support:
- Volunteer your time: If you can listen, speak, or simply sit beside someone, you can help.
- Share your skills: Artists, counselors, educators, storytellers — Ikshaa welcomes all.
- Sponsor a program: You can support a child’s wish, an elder’s memory day, or therapy sessions.
- Spread the word: Awareness is half the battle. Talk about emotional needs. Share Ikshaa’s story.
Final Thoughts: A City of Light, A Home for Hearts
Varanasi is known for its spiritual energy, for being the place where souls are believed to find moksha — liberation. But amid its temples and rituals, Ikshaa is helping people find something just as sacred — emotional freedom. The freedom to express. To be heard. To be valued.
In a world where emotional pain is often invisible and unheard, Ikshaa is creating a revolution — not with loud protests or political agendas, but with gentle touch, attentive ears, and heartfelt presence.
They are proving every day that when we care deeply and act kindly, we don’t just change lives — we fulfill them.
Ikshaa isn’t just an organization. It’s an emotion. And in the city of salvation, it’s teaching us that the greatest moksha may just lie in love.