Ten Smiles Foundation the initiative of the NGO Khushi…Ek Ehsaas (KEE), marked its maiden milestone on 5th September 2022 when it served 10,0000/1 lac free meals to socially disadvantaged school children.
The Faridabad based NGO began it’s journey on 5th February 2021 with its pilot model of serving 50 children through a third party food vendor. Soon the numbers grew, and Ten Smiles Foundation (TSF) was serving 750+ kids daily, except Sundays and Public Holidays. During COVID (Feb 2021 to Sept 2022), 4000+ meals were served.
Aware of the lacuna and growth potential in this field, KEE’s long-time member, Gaurev Aggarwal, Managing Director, Avon Containers Pvt. Ltd., in a discussion with the TSF team, conceptualised and set up a community kitchen. Inaugurated on 12th Oct 2021, it serves nutritious and hygienic meals to children.
Volunteering to support the scheme, while awaiting college admission, are Lipika Chugh, Yuvraj Lunial and Abhigyan Khatri. Long, snaking queues of school children, clutching lunch boxes, wait eagerly to get their food – and then it’s a picnic!
At the helm of the Ten Smiles Foundation (TSF), and its parent body, Khushi…Ek Ehsaas, is 44-year-old Ajay Chawla. How did TSF begin? Ajay relates, “While attending a Career Counselling Program in Patiala in August 2017 for standard 9 and 10 girls, I noticed Preeti, (age 14) crying. Upon asking, she said she hadn’t eaten since morning and would need to go home and cook food for her family first. To my question, “Don’t you get a midday meal?” She responded that she was no longer eligible as the program was only up to 8th standard, and she was in the 9th. The fact that so many students were getting deprived of the midday meal because of this cut-off mark, made me resolve to change this.”
Ajay soon formed a core group comprising five willing friends in Faridabad. The responsibilities are divided – Vijay Bhatia and Pankaj Bhatia are in charge of food preparation and systemic distribution. Saurabh Kukreja and Komal Parihar oversee logistics arrangements, while Nisha Ahuja coordinates MIS, Social Media and Corporate Communication.
“Initial funding was the prime challenge. We were fortunate to manage individual contributions initially for 50 children through volunteers. Next, ensuring the quality of food was critical as catering was being done by a third-party vendor. This is where our reputation, built through Khushi’s involvement in uplifting 700+ children for almost eight years, got us willing beneficiaries. Their faith in our commitment was a great support,” affirms Ajay.
Right: Handing over of Food Delivery Van to TSF’s Ajay Chawla (ext. left), by (2nd from right:) Naresh Malik, MD, Mansha Group, President 2021-22, Rotary Club of Faridabad and his Club Members.
Manned by a staff of six, work in the kitchen starts at 7 am and winds down with cleaning by 3 pm. The rotating menu is a wholesome rice combo meal with either kadi, mixed dal, chole, rajma, veg pulao with curd, puri aloo, etc., on different days. Special dishes like paneer, dal makhani, mixed vegetable and mithai, are included on festivals and special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and even ‘barsis’ of donor’s families,” details Ajay.
Ten Smiles Foundation is exclusively registered for CSR Programs with paid professionals and volunteers who conduct regular projects. Sponsorships for meals have come in from TSF Mentor Dr. Navin Sood, Chairman, V G Group of Companies and corporates like Glen Kitchen Appliances, Avon Containers and numerous individual contributors.
TSF is standing where it is today based on its foundation in 2014. It was in 2016 when I first met this young man and his dedicated and proactive co-workers when we were volunteering at another NGO.
Ajay, Founder and Team Initiator of KEE, had then said, “All week long, we are over 200 regular professionals, business and corporate men and women and housewives and students – residing in Delhi, Faridabad, Noida and Gurgaon (NCR region). We dedicate our weekends and public holidays to spend our time and resources with those who need us. Seeing them smile and enjoying moments of happiness has since been our biggest reward.”
Right: Standing at the back, from left: Ajay Chawla, Gaurav Sachdeva & Ankit Wadhwa celebrating Gaurav’s daughter’s first birthday with hearing and speech-impaired kids at Go Foodies Restaurant.
For Ajay, it all began in 2008. “Having a rare O Negative group, I started donating blood with the thought that my family could need rare blood someday. My friend Gaurav Sachdeva and I together gave blood over a hundred times and connected 100+ donors of O Negative blood across India. In 2010, a close friend’s daughter was diagnosed with thalassemia. Through family and friends, I raised Rs.1.25 lakhs towards her treatment.
“My confidence to help society’s weaker section grew. Sharing my experiences through social media, known and unknown people with similar mindsets and interest, responded, wanting to work with me. This resulted in starting Khushi…Ek Ehsaas. We continue interacting via social media and meeting physically for projects”, he informs.
KEE’s extensive portfolio includes Blood Donation Camps, free Stationery distribution, distribution of uniforms and school bags, sponsoring school fee for single parent’s children, meals at Old Age Homes and during COVID providing grocery kits, medicines and meals to 4000+ families. Another endearing commitment is Sparrow Protection Drive at the onset of summer where house nests are sold to be installed in balconies to provide shelter and water for the small birds.
“Our most successful outings with KEE, were taking 450 kids to see ‘Jungle Book’, and 300 girls to see ‘Dangal’. For most of them, the joy of this first-time experience was exhilarating – going to a movie hall with popcorn, sandwich and a drink! The elation and wonderment on their faces was the best gift for our team,” Ajay remembers.
KEE and TSF continue their Act of Giving – which this squad, mostly in their 40s, is happy to see “filtering deeper into our next generations. Often our children’s birthdays are celebrated with meals for our beneficiaries. Our children serve and interact with them – rather than enjoy a personal party with their friends,” Ajay states.
“Future? I see myself moving further away from my corporate job, and zoning towards my vision of serving communities’ underprivileged. The Almighty permitting, may the recipients of Ten Smiles Foundation’s meals grow in leaps and bounds to numerous lacs more….,” concludes the societal changemaker.
To donate meals to Ten Smiles Foundation, contact:
Ajay Chawla
Tel: +91-928-928-2288
Email: [email protected]
Address: DS 66, Ground Floor, Huda Market, Sector 21B, Faridabad, 121001
Hi, every single word is like a Gem. So divine and authentic. Only a good soul can write powerful words like this.
Kudos to your skills
👍👍👍😍
Thank you for your kind words, Ramesh. We writers get inspiration from the ‘subject’ we write about. Ten Smiles Foundation & Khushi… Ek Ehsaas are convincing examples. 🌹
There is just no doubt about Mrs. Sarwal’s writings. It is a beautifully described article as I too know what Ten Smiles foundation and Ajay Chawla’s team is doing. Every word here is truly said about them
Hats off to Ten Smiles.
Keep writing and motivating the world Amita ma’m.
Thanks Sonam – the idea is to show more people about the wonderful work you all are doing.
Ajay Chawla, Pankaj Bhatia, Vijay Bhatia and Dinesh Dua Sir are core members and precious gems contributing their time and efforts for the welfare of underprivileged society in Delhi NCR through various initiatives via KEE and Ten Smile Foundation is another feather in their cap i.e. serving more than 700+ hygienic meals daily in Faridabad!! All the very best for future endeavours.
You guys are doing a commendable job to serve the mankind in best possible way. It matter when you are feeding 800 lives daily not occassionally, it need lot of efforts, dedication, management and above all a kind heart. God Bless you and everyone associated with the cause
Great Efforts by a Sincere Team, doing a lot for society.
Wonderful efforts for the betterment of society
Continuous and determined efforts by a Team of Like-Minded People, proud to be a small part of it
बहुत ही सहरानीय कार्य समाज कल्याण के लिए अजय सर एव उनकी टीम द्वारा👍
The way Amrita Ma’am wrote each words are mesmerizing story and encouraging to people like who rarest have time for social causes. I personally motivated with the each noble work done by Team KEE and their new venture TSF for each dimensions of society as well as for environment and species. The thought and perspective behind all of these acts are purely a sense of feelings which couldn’t be udone by every human being. Mr. Chawla and team are doing phenomenal work for the society, i wish him best for taking upcoming new initiatives. Once again thank you Amrita Ma’am for your beautiful words for encouraging us.
Thank you Kamal – excellent work like you are doing, needs to be shared with others. And that’s what I enjoy going.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
Great effort #khushiekehsas 👍👍
Great work for the society Ajay chawla ji !! Your team is doing phenomenal work . Keep up the great work.
Can’t stop praising, admiring and fruitful efforts by the group of empathetic
People around us , it feels amazing to have such souls around us.
Salute and wishes to continue and connect others.
Kudos to the whole team for doing such a wonderful job for the underprivileged people of the society. In today’s materialistic world where everyone is busy with their own lives, who thinks or does
something for these social issues. There’s a selfless person with his dedicated n determined team to bring a change in people’s lives.
May almighty provide more strength to each one of you. God bless.
A very very kind initiative by Mr Ajay Chawla founder of Kushi Ek Ehsaas for the society, God Bless you Ajay with more and more power to add more and more people for help of underprivileged masses of society
Great efforts by a sincere team. God bless you😊
Awesome work Ajay. May the goodness and a likes grow in multitudes. More power to you!
Wonderful efforts for the unprivilleged people of Society. Proud to be a Part of Team Khushi Ek Ehsaas.
Ajay sir , you are doing a commendable job. Can’t thank you enough for what you do. It’s not always that money matters but with money what you invests is your time and efforts. May God bless you.
Ajay u shd be sooo proud of urself on worling selflessly for the society and people in need.Always stay blessed!!
Thank you so much for motivating me and my team Khushi Ek Ehsaas
Wonderful work for the society Ajay bhaiya and and team has taken such a wonderful initiative for serving an quality food to unprevilleged children and giving his valueable time to the society in every manner by heart. May God always shower his blessings and give strength to Ajay bhaiya and team so they keep on serving the society.
Commendable work Ajay Bhaiya!! Kudos to you & your team. Great effort….more power to you!! God bless!!
Remarkable way of writing the article which is for the benefits for the society. Very well captured in such a simple way.. Commandable job by KEE, TS as well as by writer in fueling the sparks in other to work for society.
Yes, Anoop, that is my intent. And if this article can motivate others join you all, I’ll be happy!
Very nice deeply coverage, seems you know our daily routine tasks, thanks for keeping khushi ek ehsaas in lime light,it is motivation for our team for future plans
Appreciate your kind words, Dinesh. Thanks
Appreciable work done by Team Khushi Ek Ehsaas and Ten smiles foundation. Thank you so much Amita Ma’am for motivating the team. And thank you so much to all the wonderful people who pish the boundaries to lift up the society. Keep continue doing the great work.
My little contribution, Vijay – as you all are the real workers on the ground!
KEE team always have a way of bringing happiness laughter, and joy into many lives. May almighty give more strength to team to doing wonderful work for society.
Each and every word maa’m jot down is praiseworthy….
KEE and TSF together doing great work for the mankind… Keep Going !!! Rise n Shine 🙏 Proud to be a small part of it.
Jasneet, thanks – remember the ‘praise’ rightfully belongs to you all!
Well said Sarwal ma’am..Would love to thank you on behalf of Team Khushi Ek Ehsaas ( KEE ) and Ten Smiles Foundation ( TSF ). The enthusiasm i have seen in team Khushi is commendable. Each and every associate is passionate to do something for betterment and uplifting the society. Wheather it’s come to education front or feeding some under privileged or feeding confidence by recognising them , Team Khushi n Ten Smiles is doing commendable job.. We all are proud to get associated with such a team where everyone is a team member , there is no Director or President. Every individual gives their best. I have seen many other NGOs following Ajay’s idea’s, which is also good for the society..Learning from each other and motivating each other is a good habit. Thanks a lot ma’am for writing about KEE and TSF , it gives a booster ☺️ Thank you for all the support and trust.
Vineet, you have so aptly described your peer group’s enthusiasm – glad I too could catch that mood along with each one’s genuine interest in the upliftment of this section of society.
Hats off the entire team for taking precious time from thier family/personnel time and contributing it to the society. May GOD give u all the wisdom and health to keep doing good the society..
Greatly appreciate your dedication to the society. Best wishes to Ajay Chawla and his team for all future projects. Keep continue doing the great work.
A team with the mission. Khushi ek ehsaas lead by Mr Ajay has been supporting the needy ones since long. Not only supporting the students and weaker section of the society, they are also trying their best to build their future by continuously encouraging them and spreading awareness of their education. Great going team.
Good work being done by Ajay Chawla ji .Please carryon this work for better society “Vo Subah Kabhi tou Aayegi,,
It is a great initiative and very well managed. I am confident that this will reach to a gigantic scale in no time as the intent here is pure and my best wishes are always with Ajay ji and his team. Good luck and more power to you.
Great Effort by all!!
These r real gems of our society!
KEE doing fantastic job for needy people, special thanks to Ajay sir always motivate us my best wishes for the foundation keep going,
Great and sincere effort for the society 👏 👌
As much I know about Khushi ek Ehsas and Mr. Ajay Chawala. What ever is written here is just a small /brief introduction. It’s much more than that.
Keep it up. God bless you and your team.
These people are doing wonderful effort .
May god keep you blessed .
A big salute to your efforts .
Your team is doing phenomenal work.
Can’t stop praising, keep it up.
Good going Ajay ji…
May Bholenath give you immense strength to take this foundation to a even larger horizons..
These people are the most blessed one’s. They are doing a fabulous work for a lot of people, a big SALUTE to them💯
I am proud of khushi team and feel so privileged that I am associated with them.
The selfless service which is provided by the team is incredible. Come rain or thunder ,demolition or covid the team is there to render their support.
The mid day meal is another successful endeavor to serve humanity.
I wish all the best to this devoted team.
May Almighty bless them.
Your team is doing a great job sir….👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Team KEE doing great social work in diverse fields like education, support to old age people, serving food, financial and other support to single women and other needy persons . The team under leadership of Mr Ajay Chawla-A dynamic person- giving moral support and encouraging through various means. Really Great Job they are doing for society.
The work done by this organisation is really appreciable…Hats off to them all🙏🏻
Your team is the best….
And it is the best thing✨your team is doing the best sir👍🏻👍🏻
Ajay & his team mates are doing exceptionally wonderful job for the welfare & upliftment of down trodden children of the society. Your every move is an example in itself. Our Best wishes to all specially to Ajay & Navin Sood sir for their commitment in their venture. God bless you All.
Khushi ek ehsas is the most trust worthy organization that we can rely upon👍
Doing great work , bringing happiness in others life..God bless the whole team.
You are the inspiration and example for everyone.👍
your team is doing a great work🙏
Your team is the best
Your team is doing a great job
The work is done by this organisation is really appreciable.
Keep continue and great doing work👍
Your team is doing a great job.Hats off to your team
Proud of u all✨😃
You guys are doing a wonderful effort
A big salute to your work
May god keep you all blessed
Your team is doing a great work👍🏼
May god bless you all 🤍🙏🏼
Keep going and keep growing 🙏🏼
Your team is doing a great job.
Proud of u all✨great efforts by you all
Keep going. Hatts off 🌈
Your team is doing phenomenal work .
Heads off to your team. Keep growing always🙌 🙌
It is a great initiative and very well managed. I am confident that this will reach to a gigantic scale in no time as the internet here is pure and my best wishes are always with Aja sir and his team. Good luck and more power to you.
Your team is doing a great job. Proud of u all ✨
Stay blessed and keep going. Great efforts , hats off to
Them all🌈
Assistance providing by THE TEAM
KHUSHI EK EHSAAS is such a blessing to needy people. I wish your organisation keeps on going forward👍🏻
Great work done by ur team… God bless u all
Team Khushi you are doing great work🙏🏻
Excellent job being carried out by Ten Smiles Foundation, keep up the good work.
Proud of you, your colleagues and all your efforts Ajay.
I have known Ajay for over a decade and his commitment towards social upliftment is not only exemplary but also inspiring. Keep up the great work.