MALACCA, MALAYSIA – Varsha Ajmera, former Chief Operations Officer at the World Youth Foundation, embodies the essence of dedication and purpose, having devoted her life to uplifting communities and inspiring young people around the world.
From an early age, Varsha’s journey was shaped by the influence of her parents, both social workers who frequently involved their children in community engagement programs. “As a child, I would follow them, and that’s where the spark was ignited and a dream in me started to take shape,” she recalls. This early exposure to social work laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
After completing her higher education, Varsha ventured into the private sector, where she was financially rewarded but felt unfulfilled and miserable. The toll on her mental health led her to quit her job and pursue further studies in youth development, a field that had always attracted her. This decision marked a turning point in her life, steering her towards the non-profit sector.
Joining the World Youth Foundation, a non-governmental organization, transformed the trajectory of Varsha’s personal and professional life. She embarked on a journey of personal and spiritual growth, learning every day and becoming a beacon of hope and change for many young people. “We showed that we can turn our passions into purpose and transform them into actions that can uplift communities and make a lasting impact on the lives of so many people,” she reflects.
However, this path was not without its sacrifices. The non-profit sector demanded much of her time, requiring extensive travel and resulting in a lack of time with her family and friends. “The lack of time with my family or for my personal self was a huge trade-off,” she admits. Despite this, Varsha found solace and strength in the unwavering support of her parents and her loving family and friends, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
Varsha acknowledges her parents as her greatest inspirations. They instilled in her the values of giving and “sewa” (selfless service) from a young age, encouraging her to use her professional and personal skills in the service of others. “They gave me the freedom to make choices in my personal and professional life and stood by me come rain or shine,” she says, expressing her eternal gratitude to them.
Varsha’s journey has taken her to unexpected places and introduced her to people from all walks of life. From a general clerk to the former Chief Operations Officer, her experiences highlight the transformative power of passion and hard work. Her message to young people is clear: “It takes determination and sacrifice to achieve whatever you want in life. If you go in with a strong sense of purpose, are willing to work hard, learn, and adapt, you can help make the world a better place.”
Through her work with youth development programs, Varsha Ajmera continues to inspire and empower the next generation, proving that with dedication and purpose, transformative impacts are possible.