Creating lasting change: a conversation with Shindar Chall
Shindar Chall - Founders Circle Member and valued supporter of the KAWACH programme
For many members of the South Asian diaspora, giving back is a powerful way to stay connected to their heritage while helping create opportunities for future generations. Through philanthropy, expertise and advocacy, diaspora communities have an important role to play in tackling complex social challenges and supporting long-term change across South Asia.
The British Asian Trust's KAWACH programme is helping make that change possible. Working across India, the programme strengthens child protection systems by addressing the root causes of vulnerability, supporting women and girls, strengthening family livelihoods and helping communities create safer environments where children can thrive.
Sharing our belief and support in this mission, Shindar discusses her philanthropic journey and why working with established organisations, like the British Asian Trust, is key to creating lasting impact.
What inspired you to support the British Asian Trust's KAWACH programme, and why is this cause close to your heart?
Giving has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Even during my school days, I was raising money through sponsored walks for charitable causes. Helping others has always been important to me.
I worked hard to build my business, and as it grew, so did my desire and ability to give back. I have five daughters, who are now grown women, and they are my greatest strength and inspiration. Watching them grow has deepened my passion for supporting women, girls and children who may not have had the opportunities my daughters have enjoyed.
Much of my charitable giving has focused on India. Over the years, I have supported women directly by funding sewing machines to help them start businesses, contributing to community centres, health facilities and eye health centres, and helping families facing hardship. I have always wanted women to have financial independence and the ability to create better futures for themselves and their families.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I came across the British Asian Trust and reached out to learn more about its work. As I explored the programmes, particularly KAWACH, I realised that while individual giving is important, it can sometimes be limited in scale. Working with an organisation like the British Asian Trust allows me to continue supporting people directly while also helping create wider, lasting change.
Through KAWACH, I can help reach more women and girls than I ever could alone. The programme works not only with individuals but also helps influence systems and policies, multiplying the impact of every pound invested. That really resonated with me.
At the same time, my ambitions remain very simple.
If I can help save even one or two girls and create a better future for them, that would make me incredibly happy.
You recently visited British Asian Trust's KAWACH partners in India. How was your experience?
Seeing the work on paper is wonderful, and the reporting we receive is incredibly valuable. But seeing the work firsthand was something completely different.
Visiting the projects in Jaipur and Delhi was extremely important to me. It allowed me to meet the people behind the statistics and understand the real impact of the programme.
I met women who were building livelihoods and creating opportunities for themselves. I saw women making clothes and developing skills that would help them become financially independent. I also met street-connected children and learned more about the challenges they face every day.
One moment that has stayed with me was meeting a woman in Jaipur through the KAWACH programme - we spoke as mothers. She was working tirelessly to feed and educate her children, and her greatest hope was that they would grow up to be independent and become good people.
As we spoke, I realised how much we had in common. Despite our very different circumstances, we shared the same hopes for our children. It was a powerful reminder that mothers everywhere want the same things: safety, opportunity and a brighter future for the next generation.
The visit reinforced my belief that there is so much we can achieve when we work together.
What would you say to others about child protection being a critical issue today, and what role can individuals and communities play in creating change?
Every child deserves the chance to grow up safely, access education and fulfil their potential.
Child protection is not just the responsibility of governments or charities. It is something that all of us can play a role in. Whether through our time, resources, advocacy or support, each of us can contribute to creating safer environments and better opportunities for children.
What inspires me about KAWACH is that it addresses the root causes of vulnerability. It helps families strengthen their livelihoods, supports girls to stay in education and works with communities to create lasting change.
When communities come together, and when individuals decide to act rather than look away, real change becomes possible.
Your family foundation, 5K Seva, has become an important part of your giving journey. What does it represent?
5K Seva is very personal to me. The name comes from my five daughters. The "5K" represents my five girls, and "Kaur" means five princesses. "Seva" means service.
The foundation reflects both my family's values and my faith. I believe that if you work hard and are fortunate enough to succeed, you have a responsibility to share what you have with others.
Everything we do through 5K Seva is rooted in that belief: service, humility and creating opportunities for others.
Your own career journey was unusual. How has that shaped your outlook on philanthropy?
My path was certainly not straightforward. I completed my degrees as a mature student, and I remember feeling that once I had achieved that, I could take on the world. Education gave me confidence and opened doors that I never thought possible.
I started my career as a Health Education Officer before moving into the care sector and eventually building a business. Throughout that journey, my husband supported me every step of the way.
Because I know what it feels like to overcome barriers, I am passionate about helping other women do the same. I understand how life-changing opportunity can be when someone believes in you and invests in your potential.
That is why supporting women and girls remains so important to me.
What would you say to others considering supporting the British Asian Trust?
I would say that I have found a charity that genuinely does what we want to achieve.
The British Asian Trust has the reach and expertise to create change at scale, but it also retains a personal touch. The people are committed, knowledgeable and genuinely care about the communities they serve.
For me, it is a respectful organisation that combines strong governance and credibility with real compassion.
Most importantly, it helps turn generosity into meaningful, lasting impact. That is why I would happily recommend it to others.
