Visionary:
Dr. Monika Chugh is the founder of “Ārogini”, an initiative dedicated to bringing holistic wellness and eye care to children and women in rural India.
Educated in Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS, India, and in Boston, USA, Dr. Chugh brings over two decades of clinical and academic experience. She is skilled in diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration and provides comprehensive care across all age groups.
Her expertise extends to advanced contact lens fittings, LASIK evaluations, and pre and post operative surgical care, alongside meaningful contributions to patient education, community eye health, and integrative approaches to vision and wellness.
Her career is defined by a deep commitment to restoring sight and enhancing quality of life, grounded in the belief that vision is closely tied to confidence, awareness, and overall well-being.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Chugh is an author, poet, artist, Rotarian, Ayurvedic counselor, and advocate for domestic violence awareness. Her creative work reflects the healing power of words and art, encouraging self-expression, reflection, and inner growth. This unique blend of medical expertise and creative vision inspired the founding of “Ārogini”, a platform that unites healthcare with empowerment, education, and awareness.
Rooted in her connection to India, Dr. Chugh envisions “Ārogini” as a way of giving back to underserved communities. Her mission is to spark a ripple effect of wellness helping children and women see clearly, live with awareness, and embrace their fullest potential.
Ārogini~Where My Story Begins:
Some dreams don’t arrive with a blueprint but they knock as a quiet whisper. “Ārogini” began as that soft stir in me, a call to nurture not just the eyes, but hearts and minds.
There is nothing more painful for a mother realizing your kindergartner child has been quietly struggling in school, and you never knew. When I learned my son could not see clearly, it brought me back to my own childhood, when I too lived in a blurred world until I found my first pair of glasses at sixteen. The moment I put them on, life changed, it was as if the world opened itself to me in ways I had never known.
As a doctor, I see so many children trapped in that same silence. They do not complain, because they don’t know what “clear” really means. Instead, they live with self-doubt, low confidence, and poor performance, all because their eyes cannot show them the beauty and possibility of the world.
And as a daughter of India, I feel my roots calling me back. I cannot ignore the countless children in rural communities who are denied the simple gift of sight.
“Bachpan Drishti”, an umbrella project of “Ārogini” was born from this love and responsibility as a mother, a healer, and someone who believes that every child deserves to see clearly, to dream fully, and to step into life with confidence and joy.
Circle Of Hearts:
Alka Chopra:
Art Creator & Collaborator
Alka is a healthcare professional, self-taught mixed media artist, and educator who champions creativity as a path to well-being. She helps individuals move beyond perfectionism and self-doubt, using art as a tool for self-discovery, balance, and resilience.
Throughout her career, Alka has witnessed how life’s challenges can affect mental and emotional health. Having experienced the transformative power of art in her own journey, she now guides others in building small, sustainable creative habits that foster joy, confidence, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Her approach blends compassion, mindfulness, and play—creating safe, inspiring spaces for people to reconnect with themselves. Whether through workshops, community projects, or one-on-one guidance, Alka empowers others to tap into their innate creativity as a form of healing and growth.
“Ārogini” is the perfect platform where Alka is able to practice what she deeply believes in. Investing in the children and women of today is a recipe for a happier and brighter world, and she is proud to contribute to that vision through her work.
Rishiv Chugh:
Strategy & Outreach
Rishiv Chugh is an accomplished sales professional at Supermicro, where he leverages his marketing degree from San Jose State University to deliver exceptional results in the fast-paced technology sector. With a strategic mindset and a talent for building personal relationships, he thrives in driving business growth and innovation.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Rishiv is a passionate musician, dedicating time to both creating music and immersing himself in the vibrant energy of live concerts. His love for music is matched by his enthusiasm for the gaming industry, where he actively follows the latest trends, technological advancements, and groundbreaking game development initiatives.
In his leisure time, Rishiv indulges in wine tasting, following various sports such as basketball, Formula 1 and UFC. His multifaceted interests reflect a dynamic individual committed to both professional excellence and personal passions.
Rishiv believes the impact of “Arogini” is one that is crucial to the well-being of the children of our future and women in society, allowing them access to resources in order to be successful.
Shivina Chugh:
Marketing & Outreach
Shivina Chugh, a graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing, brings both academic excellence and a passion for innovation to her professional journey.
She currently works at UnitedHealth Group and serves as a Digital Marketing Fellow with COOP Careers, where she continues to expand her expertise in strategy, storytelling, and impact. Based in New York City, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring cafes and concerts, always seeking new experiences that spark creativity and connection.
Shivina is part of “Ārogini” because she believes every child and woman deserves the chance to see clearly and create a brighter future. With a heart for service and a drive for meaningful change, she hopes to use her skills in marketing and outreach to amplify the mission and touch more lives.
She envisions “Ārogini” as not just a project, but a movement—one that nurtures both sight and self-belief, blending innovation with compassion to create lasting impact in communities that need it most.
Geetika Tewari:
Advisor & Global Strategy
Geetika has over two decades of leadership experience in the US and international non-profit sectors, with expertise in fundraising, marketing, and communications. She has helped scale leading organizations such as Akshaya Patra and Pratham in the food, health, and education sectors across the Global South and the US. She currently heads an international organization combating child sex trafficking worldwide.
Her expertise spans program design and management, corporate and foundation grants, board development, partnerships, marketing strategies, and advocacy.
A mentor with the Unreasonable Group, she has advised over 16 companies and serves on the boards of several global non-profits. Geetika holds a master’s degree in Economics and Political Development from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).
She is part of “Ārogini” because of her deep commitment to building healthier, safer futures for children and communities.
Shaveta Verma:
Community Well-being & Engagement
Shaveta is someone who genuinely lights up when helping others discover who they truly are. Whether she’s volunteering at her kids’ school or simply listening to a friend work through life’s challenges, she creates safe spaces where people feel seen and valued.
Her day job is in finance and operations (20+ years, master’s in Economics), but what truly fills her heart is walking beside people during their moments of growth and transformation.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her curled up with a book, flowing through yoga poses, planning family adventures, or sitting quietly in nature. These moments fuel everything else she does.
“Arogini” captured her heart because it’s about seeing the whole person and nurturing entire communities.
She believes every woman and child deserves access to healing that honors their full humanity—and that’s exactly what “Arogini” does.