“Hi, I’m Shivangi Goel, a social entrepreneur whose journey is deeply marked in the city of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Born and raised in this charming city, often affectionately referred to as “Jhumkewala Sheher,” I spent 21 years of my life here. I’d say, my upbringing in Bareilly shaped my values and ambitions. And as you read my journey, you will discover how I have been driven by a vision to help others and create lasting change. Come, let me take you through my story.”
My academic journey began with a degree in Computer Science Engineering from Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering, Technology and Research in Bareilly. After graduation, I worked as a SQL developer in Gurgaon. However, despite having a stable job, I felt a strong lack of fulfillment. It was clear that my passion lay elsewhere.
Philanthropy has always been close to my heart. Even as a child, I would teach underprivileged kids in my area. These early experiences sparked a desire in me to create lasting, meaningful change. My philosophy in life revolves around the idea of never giving up. This belief was put to the test in 9th grade when I suffered a severe accident, breaking my pelvic bone and rupturing my urinary bladder. The road to recovery was long, but it helped me to chase my dreams, no matter the obstacles.
In time, I gave life to SOCH (Social Organization Connecting Humans) from my frustration with the lack of volunteering opportunities despite my eagerness to contribute. My professional background in engineering made me realize that I could use my skills for a greater cause. And this, in 2021, I made the bold decision to leave my job and fully commit to SOCH. This decision was supported by my partner, whose trust and faith in my vision played an important role in this transition.
I’d say, SOCH began with a simple yet a strong idea: if opportunities aren’t offered, I would create them.
This initiative quickly grew, with over 400 volunteers joining our cause. We now focus on diverse issues, including support for the LGBTQ community, education for underprivileged children, and aid for the elderly. Our programs, such as E-Kaksha and Digital Samriddhi, aim to provide digital classrooms and computer education to those who need it the most. The success of these programs is measured by the strong impact we make, from digitizing schools to providing important skills for employment.
Honestly, the most beautiful part of my journey with SOCH is the impact that is evident in the hopeful faces of the children we help. Visiting schools and orphanages, seeing the difference our work makes, and receiving positive feedback from those we assist are the driving forces behind my efforts. These moments, whether it is witnessing a child’s progress or being recognized for our work, are deeply rewarding.
I want people to recognize me as a change-maker. I aspire to be remembered not just for personal achievements but for the value I add to the world. My journey is not just about personal success but about creating opportunities for others and driving big change.
I’d say, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the trust and appreciation we receive from the communities we serve. It is the recognition of our efforts and the encouragement from those who benefit from our programs that motivate me to keep pushing forward. The appreciation we receive, no matter how small, helps my commitment through SOCH in making a difference.
Reflecting on our journey, I’d spotlight some of the few important milestones including the launch of our first digitized school in Kavi Nagar and the expansion to 26 additional schools. I believe that each achievement is a pure witness to the hard work and dedication of our team and supporters putting their heart and soul into everything we do.
On my personal side, I’d say that a typical day for me is flexible and filled with purpose. My work with SOCH often extends beyond regular working hours, which is driven by a deep passion for our cause. Whether it is managing projects, engaging with volunteers, or planning future initiatives, every moment of mine is dedicated to making a difference. In my free time, I enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds. These interactions often spark new ideas and solutions, helping my work at SOCH.
Looking ahead, my vision for SOCH is ambitious. I look forward to expanding our reach nationally, eventually impacting millions of lives across India and beyond. The goal is to build SOCH into a strong force for social change, one to transform lives forever!
“Shivangi’s story is one of a strong commitment through social change. She has also been honored with the COVID Frontline Warrior Award in 2021 by Alert NGO in Chennai and recently received an award from the Ghaziabad government on Women’s Day for her contributions to social work.
From the small city of Bareilly to making a mark on thousands of lives, her journey with SOCH reflects her search for a better future for those in need, making a difference one cause at a time.”
Founder – SOCH
