I’ve always felt a strong pull toward philanthropic work that benefits society—it’s something I can’t ignore. Giving back to the community and finding ways to uplift those around is something really important for me. That’s where Heart to Feet came in, one of the projects closest to my heart. In India, summer temperatures go very high every year, and so many people struggle with the intense heat. Seeing people without shoes walking on those hot streets really struck me, and I knew we had to help. So, we put out a city-wide call for shoe donations, asking people across Baroda to donate any kind of shoe they could spare. With support from volunteers at Maharaja Sayajirao University and SMCSU, we managed to collect and distribute over 11,000 pairs! These shoes found their way to visually impaired children, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and others who really needed them—even reaching Odisha.

Carrying forward my family’s legacy has always been a priority for me. It’s a matter of immense honour, especially when it comes to preserving and sharing our cultural heritage. For me, it’s not just about remembering the past but helping others connect with it too. Our family museum is one of the best ways to do that, showcasing the beauty of our heritage.

One of the sections I love in the museum is the decorative arts, where you can see a mix of Chinese and Japanese porcelain, along with European pieces like Wedgwood, Doulton, and glassware from Tiffany, Lalique, and Orrefors. There’s also a Rococo-style room on the first floor with original pieces from that period—it feels like stepping into another time.

I’ve always felt a deep connection to and am continually inspired by the work we do through Chimnabai Udyogalaya, a place that’s been empowering women since 1914 when it was founded by my great-great-grandmother, Maharani Chimnabai II. It was originally set up to teach women skills like textile block printing, bookbinding, music, and even empowering skills like tailoring beauty parlour services. Over the years, the women in my family have supported the institution, making sure that the vision stays alive and continues to help women become more independent.

I’m trying to raise awareness around cervical cancer, which is the second biggest cancer affecting women in India. I believe that everyone deserves access to good healthcare. I’ve led workshops at Shree Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya, focusing on educating less fortunate women and students about this important issue. One of the highlights for me was helping to organize a free PAP smear test camp at Maharaja Sayajirao University, sponsored by the Maharani Shanta Devi Hospital Trust and SMCSU. It felt amazing to provide free tests to students and staff, making healthcare accessible for so many people.