Today we’d like to introduce you to Samaira Sood

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

The Read and Give Project began as a small idea fueled by my passion for literacy and a desire to make a difference in underserved communities. I noticed that many children lacked access to books and educational resources, and I wanted to create a space where they could explore the world of reading.

Starting out, I collaborated with a few friends and local organizations to collect and distribute books to children in need. Over time, our efforts expanded, and we began organizing literacy workshops, reading programs, and even setting up mini-libraries in under-resourced areas.

Today, Read and Give has grown into a youth-led nonprofit that not only promotes literacy but also creates a supportive platform for young artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to express themselves. Through various initiatives, we’ve been able to reach more communities and make an impact, while continuously encouraging the power of reading and creativity.

Our journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, but seeing the joy and curiosity sparked in young readers keeps us motivated to continue growing and expanding our efforts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like any grassroots initiative, the Read and Give Project faced its fair share of challenges. One of the main struggles early on was gaining enough resources and support to get started. Convincing people to donate books or time to our cause took time, and we had to work hard to build trust in the communities we wanted to help.

Another major hurdle was balancing the project with my own academic and personal responsibilities. Managing a nonprofit as a student, alongside exams and extracurriculars, was overwhelming at times. I had to learn how to delegate tasks, build a team, and trust others to carry out our mission.

Lastly, as we expanded, I realized that reaching underserved communities wasn’t just about giving them books—it was about understanding their unique needs. Some areas had cultural or logistical barriers that made it hard for us to implement our programs. We had to adapt our approach, building relationships with local leaders and finding creative ways to make reading accessible and enjoyable.

Through these struggles, I’ve learned resilience and the importance of flexibility. Every setback taught us something valuable, and we’ve grown stronger as an organization because of it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

At Read and Give, we focus on promoting literacy and fostering creativity in underserved communities. Our mission is to empower children and young people through access to books, educational resources, and creative outlets. We specialize in organizing book drives, setting up mini-libraries, and hosting literacy workshops. Additionally, we provide a platform for young artists, writers, and entrepreneurs to express themselves and share their talents.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve managed to grow our impact despite starting small. We’ve connected with communities in need, set up reading corners in schools, and even initiated literacy programs that encourage kids to not only read but also to write and create their own stories. Seeing the kids engage with books and develop a passion for reading has been incredibly rewarding.

What makes you happy?

What makes me happiest is seeing the impact of our work firsthand—whether it’s a child discovering the joy of reading for the first time or a young artist gaining the confidence to share their creations. Watching someone light up with curiosity or pride in their own growth is incredibly fulfilling because it shows that our efforts are making a real difference.

I also find happiness in creativity and collaboration. Whether it’s designing for a project, brainstorming with the team, or working on a new initiative, the process of bringing ideas to life energizes me. It’s not just the end result but the journey of creating something meaningful that brings me joy.

Additionally, making connections with like-minded people who share the same passion for literacy and empowerment is another source of happiness. Knowing that there are others out there working toward the same goals is inspiring, and being part of a community that values learning, creativity, and giving back keeps me motivated.

Ultimately, what makes me happiest is knowing that our work at Read and Give has a lasting impact on the lives of others. Seeing young people feel empowered, whether through reading, writing, or artistic expression, gives me a sense of purpose and drives me to continue pushing forward.

Pricing:

• Since Read and Give is a nonprofit organization, our primary focus is on providing free access to literacy resources and creative opportunities. However, here are a few relevant details for potential supporters:
• Book Donation Drives: Free to participate for both donors and recipients.
• Workshops and Literacy Programs: Completely free for children and communities we serve.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: We work on a case-by-case basis to create mutually beneficial partnerships that typically do not involve any fees.
• Fundraising Events: Donations are voluntary, with no set pricing. We often organize events like book sales or virtual fundraisers to support our programs, where donations of any amount are welcomed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readandgive_delhi?igsh=MTcwaTU1OHpwc2FzcQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://linktr.ee/readandgiveproject?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaat4yVcjPv7Acg1k-BFNla5GhYSpMde_yVjwGb_MzA4QQbDuH5K2X_9qNY_aem_ET226hDC-ytdHd2livm4Sw