Lend A Hand India
Building a Skilled Tomorrow (2025)

Also published in 2025, this book is a heartfelt gift from Manu and Rika Shah’s philanthropic organisation, the Sarva Mangal Family Trust (SMFT). It offers an in-depth look at one of India’s most transformative non-profit organisations, Lend A Hand India. Based in Pune, India, the organisation works with private and government partners to promote education, livelihood, and empowerment.
Each chapter details the organisation’s work in empowering the youth with the skills and confidence required to thrive in today’s economy—whether through hands-on vocational training, career guidance, or entrepreneurship opportunities. It also explores the collaborative approach, working with governments, schools, and communities to integrate skill-based education into mainstream curricula.
Stories of young individuals who have benefitted from these initiatives breathe life into the pages, showcasing how the right opportunities can turn potential into purpose. What makes the publication particularly powerful is its ability to highlight not just the impact of the programs, but the philosophy behind them: that a skilled tomorrow begins with an empowered today.
Supported by SMFT, the organisation has scaled its work with remarkable vision, demonstrating how philanthropy can accelerate systemic change. Designed as both an inspiring narrative and a showcase of sustainable development, the book underscores the importance of education that prepares young people not just for jobs, but for life.
