New Delhi, July 2025 – What began as a single act of kindness in the streets of India has grown into a global humanitarian movement. At the center of this extraordinary journey is Shikhar Srivastava, a 21-year-old changemaker whose grassroots initiative, Petals Foundation, is now active in over 42 Indian cities and several international locations, including the USA, Nepal, Indonesia, and more.
A Heart Moved by Compassion
Shikhar’s story did not begin with privilege—it began with empathy. As a teenager, he would regularly feed stray animals in his locality and help anyone in need. The turning point came when he encountered an elderly woman living on the streets without food or shelter. That life-changing moment planted the seed for what would become the Petals Foundation.
Petals Foundation: A Mission of Love
What started as a one-person effort has blossomed into a movement that has:
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Fed over 1 lakh stray dogs
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Supported education for underprivileged children
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Rehabilitated homeless elderly women
Whether it’s rescuing abandoned animals or distributing food and medicine, Petals Foundation operates with a rare authenticity and hands-on approach.
“I didn’t wait to have everything to start something—I just started and gave everything I had,” says Shikhar.
Building a Dream Against All Odds
Running a foundation while juggling academics, rescue operations, and volunteer management was a Herculean task. With no external funding and mounting financial pressures, Shikhar faced the threat of burnout and collapse. But instead of stepping back, he found a solution that would change everything.
Zostera: A Purpose-Driven Brand
At just 19, Shikhar launched Zostera, a small jewelry brand—not to chase profit, but to fund his mission. With no formal business training, he built Zostera from scratch. His relentless work paid off—the brand began generating lakhs in revenue. But true to his values, he didn’t keep a single rupee for himself. Every bit went straight into growing Petals Foundation.
“Zostera was never about the jewelry,” he says. “It was about ensuring no stray animal suffers, no elderly woman begs, and no slum child is forgotten.”
A Global Footprint, A Local Heart
Today, Petals Foundation has expanded internationally with projects in:
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San Diego (USA)
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Bali (Indonesia)
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Virginia (USA)
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Kathmandu (Nepal)
What makes Petals unique is its volunteer-driven, non-bureaucratic model. There are no delays, no red tape—just real action. Whether it’s winter relief drives, emergency animal rescues, or education programs in slum communities, every initiative is marked by transparency and compassion.
Shikhar Srivastava: Leading a New Generation of Changemakers
Shikhar represents a new wave of social leaders—bold, action-oriented, and deeply rooted in empathy. His model of sustainable activism, powered by self-generated income, challenges traditional NGO frameworks and offers a roadmap for future changemakers.
In a world filled with performative social media campaigns, Shikhar’s work stands out for its authenticity and tangible impact.
Petals Foundation: More Than Just an NGO
Petals is more than an organization—it’s a grassroots revolution, inspired by core Indian values of:
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Seva (selfless service)
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Karuna (compassion)
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Sankalp (determination)
With thousands of lives already touched, the movement is only expanding. Whether through direct interventions or inspiring young people to serve, Petals Foundation is writing a new chapter in social service.
Join the Movement
To follow Shikhar’s journey or support the Petals Foundation, you can connect with them on Instagram or visit their website. The foundation offers opportunities for:
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Donations
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Volunteering
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Collaborations
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Sharing stories of change
From feeding a single stray dog to transforming communities across continents, Shikhar Srivastava’s story is a testament to what one determined soul can achieve. The Petals Foundation is not just building better futures—it’s inspiring a better world.
Website: Petalsfoundation
