We were lucky to catch up with Samaira Sood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samaira , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Read and Give (R&G) Delhi came from my love for books and my desire to help others. Growing up, I always had access to books, and I quickly realized how powerful they can be in shaping our minds and opening doors to new opportunities. But it also hit me that not everyone has the same access to books and educational resources.

The spark for R&G Delhi ignited during a school volunteering program where I worked with kids in underprivileged areas. Seeing their eagerness to learn but lack of resources was both heart-wrenching and motivating. I remember one particular day vividly: I had brought a few books to share with the children, and their excitement was off the charts. It was in that moment that I knew I had to do something more substantial.

Our project was also inspired by the Read and Give Project, a youth-led non-profit promoting literacy in underserved communities. Seeing how much impact they made reinforced my belief that a similar effort in Delhi could really make a difference. The idea behind R&G Delhi was simple but powerful. Literacy is a foundational skill that can break the cycle of poverty and open up countless opportunities. By providing books and promoting a culture of reading, we could empower individuals and uplift communities. What made our approach unique was our focus on community involvement and making a sustainable impact. We didn’t just want to donate books; we wanted to create a lasting change by fostering a love for reading and learning.

What got me most excited about this idea was the potential to make a real difference. We saw a gap in the existing efforts to promote literacy—many programs focused on temporary solutions, but we aimed to create a sustainable model. The support from our community and the enthusiasm of our volunteers made it clear that this was a worthwhile endeavor.

The journey of establishing R&G Delhi has been filled with challenges and triumphs, but the driving force has always been the belief that every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and grow. Through our initiatives, we hope to ignite a lifelong passion for reading and contribute to a more literate and empowered society.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! My name is Samaira Sood, and I’m the President of the Read and Give (R&G) Delhi Project. I’m currently in Grade 10 and have a deep passion for books, literacy, and making a positive impact in my community. My journey into this field began with a love for reading and a desire to share that joy with others, especially those who don’t have easy access to books and educational resources.

The Read and Give Project, which inspired R&G Delhi, is a youth-led non-profit promoting literacy in underserved communities. Seeing their incredible impact motivated me to start a similar initiative in Delhi. Our mission at R&G Delhi is to provide books and promote a culture of reading among children and adults who might not have the resources to buy books themselves. We aim to break the cycle of poverty through literacy, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Our services include organizing book drives, setting up small libraries in underserved communities, and hosting reading events and literacy workshops. We focus on community involvement and sustainability, ensuring that the love for reading we cultivate continues to grow long after our events are over.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to literacy promotion. We don’t just donate books; we engage with the communities, understand their needs, and create a supportive environment where reading is celebrated and encouraged. Our approach is personal, impactful, and aimed at creating lasting change.

I am incredibly proud of the support and enthusiasm our community has shown for R&G Delhi. From volunteers who dedicate their time to sort and distribute books to the children whose eyes light up when they receive their very own book, every moment has been a testament to the power of collective effort and the importance of our mission.

One of the main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about R&G Delhi is that we are driven by a genuine passion for making a difference. Our work is not just about distributing books; it’s about inspiring a love for reading and learning that can transform lives. We believe that every child deserves the chance to read, learn, and grow, and we are committed to making that a reality.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. If you share our passion for literacy and would like to support our cause, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, we’d love to have you join us on this journey to create a more literate and empowered society.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that really shows my resilience during the journey of starting Read and Give (R&G) Delhi happened early on when we were organizing our first big book drive. We planned to collect and distribute a lot of books to set up a library in an underserved community. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until a week before the event, we found out that the venue we had secured was no longer available due to some unforeseen circumstances.

I remember feeling a mix of panic and determination. Canceling the event wasn’t an option—we had put in too much effort, and the community was eagerly waiting for these books. With just days left, I got our team together, and we brainstormed alternative solutions. We reached out to local schools, community centers, and even thought about using outdoor spaces. It was a hectic few days filled with countless phone calls and visits.

Finally, we managed to secure a local park that was willing to host our event. The open-air setting actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed us to attract more passersby and engage a larger audience. The event was a huge success, and seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they picked out their books made all the stress worthwhile.

This experience taught me that setbacks are inevitable, but resilience and adaptability can turn challenges into opportunities. It reinforced my belief in our mission and our team’s ability to overcome obstacles together.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that really impacted my thinking is “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. It made me realize how important it is to have a clear purpose behind what we do. For R&G Delhi, it’s not just about handing out books; it’s about inspiring a love for reading and making a real difference in our community.

Another resource that’s been influential is a TED Talk by Jacqueline Novogratz called “Invest in a Better World.” She talks about investing in solutions that tackle the root causes of issues like poverty and inequality. Her focus on empathy and long-term impact has reinforced my commitment to creating sustainable change with our literacy programs.

I also get a lot of practical advice from articles on Medium and LinkedIn, where entrepreneurs and leaders share their experiences. Reading about other people’s challenges and successes helps me feel connected and provides useful tips for managing and growing R&G Delhi.

These resources have helped shape my approach to leadership and entrepreneurship, emphasising the need for purpose, empathy, and sustainability in making a meaningful impact.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @readandgive_delhi