At 19, Shalini Roberts experienced a life-shattering loss — her father died in a road accident right before her eyes. In that moment, instead of being overwhelmed by grief, she made a decision: “I decided to become the person I needed.” What began as personal healing evolved into a mission of collective care.

Shalini started by reaching out to young girls in Tamil Nadu who had lost parents — offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, and practical support. Over time, her efforts crystallised into the Roberts Trust Foundation, which now supports over 100 beneficiaries through initiatives in education sponsorship, small-business seed funding and emotional counselling.

Her journey also reframes the role of social media: instead of seeking attention, she used Instagram as a tool for fundraising and real connection — posting a personal video about her father’s accident that turned followers into supporters. Shalini is adamant that each story her foundation shares is handled with dignity and consent, firmly resisting the temptation to exploit pain for metrics.