It was a typical rainy day in Amsterdam, and Uma, sitting on her wheelchair and looking out of the window, was feeling melancholic. With her children busy with their own lives, she needed some purpose in hers.

The youngest and most resourceful of her three daughters decided to search for activities to occupy her. After many days of online search and after reaching out to many people, she found an Italian lady who was looking to improve her English. Uma, an erstwhile English teacher, rekindled her passion for teaching and helping people. She started enjoying the language lessons and soon, a lovely friendship sparked between them, that remains until this day.

Uma’s daughter then arranged for a talented young art student who agreed to visit and teach her how to paint. At 68, Uma discovered a love for art and developed a new talent, and started looking forward to the company of her young art teacher. With every passing week, her art continued to flourish and she started to feel and look much better. Art had given her a new lease of life – a sense of purpose.

Her eldest daughter, Rashmi, was amazed by the positive impact of these interactions, not only on her mother, but on the younger ladies as well. An idea started brewing in her mind. She began thinking about how many people could benefit from similar exchanges if only there was an easy way to connect.