MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER & CHIEF MANAGING DIRECTOR
Serving the Nation • Empowering Communities • Transforming Lives
Greetings to every citizen, partner, and well-wisher,
I am Chintapalli Rajasekhar Shastry (Raj Shastry), Founder and Chief Managing Director of Apna Shelter India Foundation. First and foremost, I am a soldier—an Air Veteran who proudly served the nation for two decades in the Indian Air Force. Having dedicated the prime years of my youth to defending our motherland, I have always lived by an unshakeable ethos:
"The safety, honour, and welfare of our country come first, always and every time. The honour, comfort, and welfare of the people we lead come comenext. Our own ease, comfort, and safety come last, always and everytime."
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Telangana, I completed my early schooling before making the life-defining decision to enlist in the Indian Air Force at the age of 18. Driven by a lifelong passion for learning, I pursued my higher education through open university programs while actively fulfilling my military duties.
A Transition from Military Duty to Social Upliftment
Upon completing my military service, that same patriotic spirit compelled me to serve India in a new arena: grassroots social development. Joined by dedicated friends and well-wishers, I established the Apna Shelter India Foundation to uplift underprivileged children and women across slum and rural communities.
As a committed social activist, I have spent years working on the frontlines—advocating for women’s rights, creating pathways for orphaned children, and driving sustainable community empowerment. Managing these initiatives requires courage, strategic execution, and an unwavering commitment to bringing positive, long-term change to our society.
A Call to Duty for Every Citizen:
"It is a proud privilege to be a soldier—a good soldier, with pride in one’s country and a high sense of discipline, duty, and loyalty toward one’s comrades. But above all, a soldier is a citizen. No army is greater than its soldiers, and no citizenship is more meaningful than the willingness to serve and protect."
About Apna Shelter India Foundation
Our foundation was created to bridge the critical gap between compassionate donors and high-impact ground reality. Our vision is to cultivate absolute trust within the social sector through complete transparency, rigorous due diligence of our non-profit partnerships, and clear proof of impact for every contribution.
We are honoured to facilitate meaningful giving for individuals, anonymous supporters, corporate entities, and philanthropic institutions. India is blessed with extraordinary natural and human potential—there is no reason for over 300 million citizens to remain trapped in poverty. By addressing local needs with scalable solutions, we aim to build a self-reliant nation.
Annual Reflections & Impact Focus (2024–2026)
As we advance through 2026, I am proud to share the trajectory of our ongoing mission. Every child’s development is a fundamental step toward national progress. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no child—especially those living on the streets, in informal settlements, or across remote tribal belts—is left behind.
Over the 2024–2025 period and continuing directly into this year, we have intensified our interventions to build safe, nurturing environments. Key highlights include:
Direct Impact: Over 1,200 children and youth directly empowered through targeted education, shelter, and developmental programs.
Capacity Building: Expanded ground efficiency through rigorous team training, capacity workshops, and professional skill enhancement.
Institutional Trust: Upheld uncompromising standards of quality, credibility, and organizational transparency.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Our accomplishments belong to everyone who stands with us. As we expand our reach in 2026, I extend my sincere gratitude to:
Our Frontline Workers: The tireless heroes executing our mission on the ground every single day.
Our Donors & Philanthropists: Whose generosity provides the fuel for lasting social change.
Government Officials & Board Members: For their invaluable counsel, institutional support, and guidance.
Corporate & Strategic Partners: For placing their trust in our vision and scaling our reach.
Our Dedicated Core Team: Whose energy and passion remain the driving engine of our progress.
Looking ahead, we are more determined than ever to broaden our horizon, deepen our social footprint, and share this transformation with communities across India. We warmly invite you to stand with us as we work toward realizing a poverty-free India within our lifetime.
With warm regards and gratitude,
Chintapalli Rajasekhar Shastry
Chief Managing Director & Air Veteran
Apna Shelter India Foundation
