30 Jan Driving Change: Tolsy’s Journey of Purpose, Strategy, and Impact

When I chose to step away from the typical corporate path, it wasn’t because it lacked merit—it just didn’t resonate with me. Deep down, I craved a life filled with purpose, where every effort I made contributed to something bigger than myself. That longing led me to the social sector, where I’ve spent the last six years immersed in meaningful work that challenges and fulfills me in equal measure.

My journey began with a simple yet powerful realization: real change happens when we address the root causes of problems, not just the symptoms. This mindset guided me as I navigated through public health and education projects, witnessing firsthand how strategic thinking and collaborative efforts could transform lives.

A Turning Point with CAPED India

Joining CAPED India was a defining moment in my life. It wasn’t just a job; it was an opportunity to contribute to a mission as vital as eliminating cervical cancer in India. In the beginning, I wore many hats—managing social media, analyzing data, handling accounts, and leading ambassador and volunteer programs. Each task, no matter how small, added to my understanding of what it takes to create lasting change.

These early experiences revealed my strengths and ignited my passion for program management. With time, I transitioned into CSR projects, which brought their own set of challenges. I learned how to meet donor expectations, craft proposals that resonated, and design budgets that balanced ambition with practicality. Training teams and building their capacity became a key focus, ensuring that we not only achieved results but also sustained them.

Creating Sustainable Impact

At CAPED, the vision of a ‘Cervical Cancer Mukt Bharat’ has driven everything we do. From planning to execution, sustainability is at the heart of our work. One of our most significant achievements has been developing an implementation guide—a resource that captures our learnings and provides a roadmap for scaling our efforts across India.

This guide isn’t just a document; it’s a testament to what’s possible when a team shares a common purpose. It reflects the hard work of individuals committed to creating solutions that outlast them, empowering communities to take charge of their own futures

Spreading Awareness, Saving Lives

Beyond the numbers and plans, what fuels me most is the opportunity to interact directly with people. Conducting workshops to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention has been incredibly rewarding. Talking to women, addressing their concerns, and sharing knowledge that could save lives reminds me why I started this journey.

For too long, women’s health has been overshadowed by stigma and silence. Breaking those barriers, one conversation at a time is as impactful as any large-scale project.

Looking Ahead: Dreaming Bigger

As I look to the future, I’m determined to scale our efforts and build models that can reach every corner of India. But this isn’t just about expanding numbers—it’s about creating systems that truly work and leave a lasting impact. The dream is ambitious, but every small step counts and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Finding Purpose in Action

This journey hasn’t just been about changing the world—it’s also changed me. It’s taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of collaboration, and the power of belief in a cause. Each challenge I’ve faced and each life I’ve touched has reinforced my conviction that real change starts with the courage to try.

To anyone reading this, especially those who feel stuck or unsure of their path: don’t underestimate the impact you can have. Start small, but start. Purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you create. And when you align your skills with what the world needs, the possibilities are endless.

Together, we can shape a world that’s not only better for us but also for the generations to come.

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Tolsy Sharma,
Program Manager, CAPED