For 67-year-old Ramesh Mahendru of Jalandhar, the loss of his 19-year-old daughter Alfa in a road accident in April 2007 turned into a lifelong mission. Nineteen years later, he runs the Alfa Mahendru Foundation, an NGO named after her, to keep her dreams alive through community service.
From Tragedy to Mission
On Father's Day, Mahendru recalls his firstborn with moist eyes. Alfa, nicknamed Shikha, was a bright girl fond of writing, reading, and painting. She initially wanted to pursue BCom and an MBA but developed a deep interest in journalism after helping her father, who was associated with the media wing of Devi Talab shrine, with its newspaper launched in 2001.
“She was in Class 10th when I used to give her articles to print. Later, she started writing on her own and I would help polish her work. That's how her love for journalism began,” Mahendru said. She worked professionally while still pursuing graduation.
“I miss her self-confidence the most. She was resilient and never gave up easily,” he added.
Foundation and Initiatives
Just 40 days after her death, Mahendru resolved to keep her memory alive through meaningful work. After six years of effort, the Alfa Mahendru Foundation was formally set up in 2013. Today, it runs nearly 20 social initiatives, including campaigns against foeticide, women empowerment, road safety awareness, blood donation camps, and support programmes for newborn girls.
In April 2026, the foundation organised a free eye check-up camp and facilitated surgeries for around 60 patients. Mahendru also launched Shikha News Network, named after Alfa's nickname, to focus on social issues and public awareness.
Preserving Memories
Some of Alfa's belongings remain carefully preserved. Her unfinished paintings, completed years later with the help of a local art teacher, adorn the family's memories. “When someone passes away, their belongings are usually donated as part of the rituals, but I still keep her purse and ID cards safely tucked away in my cupboard,” Mahendru said.
For him, every life touched through the foundation is another way of keeping his daughter alive.
