You might have come across a heart-warming story on your Instagram or Facebook feed from ‘Humans of Bombay’. We love reading these real stories of ordinary people who have braced for extraordinary circumstances in life and come out as real-life heroes. Humans of Bombay is an online portal that brings together these endearing and motivating stories from average people without any filters. So who was the brain behind this startup? What started as a Facebook page with very few captivating stories has today scaled to more than 6000 such stories and counting. So, let us read more about the visionary and founder of #HumansofBomaby, Karishma Mehta.
About Humans of Bombay
Humans of Bombay is an exceptional company that has redefined the art of storytelling. Founded in 2014 by the visionary Karishma Mehta, Humans of Bombay has grown into India’s premier storytelling platform, captivating millions of hearts along the way. With a mission to give voice to the voiceless and forge connections among strangers, Humans of Bombay has created a community of over 3.2 million people who eagerly await each captivating story shared.
What sets this platform apart is its ability to showcase the extraordinary tales of individuals from all walks of life. From tales of triumph and resilience to stories of love, loss, and hope, Humans of Bombay unearths the beauty in the ordinary and celebrates the human spirit. Each story offers a window into the lives and experiences of individuals who may have otherwise remained unseen and unheard.
Led by Karishma Mehta’s unwavering passion and dedication, Humans of Bombay continues to make a profound impact on its ever-expanding audience. By amplifying voices, sharing stories, and touching hearts, this remarkable company has become a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that we are all part of a larger tapestry of humanity.
Humans of Bombay has raised over 15 crores, funding surgeries, education for the underprivileged, rehabilitating women in the sex trade, and seeking justice for a wrongly imprisoned man. Their impactful contributions continue to make a difference, inspiring positive change in society.
Collaboration:
At Humans of Bombay, collaboration lies at the heart of their mission to amplify diverse voices and share compelling stories. Through meaningful collaborations with individuals, organizations, and communities, Humans of Bombay extends its reach and impact, creating a powerful network of storytellers. By working together, they foster a sense of unity and harness the collective power to shed light on inspiring narratives that might otherwise go untold. Through collaboration, Humans of Bombay continues to expand its storytelling horizons and connect with a wider audience, nurturing a sense of shared humanity.
HOBverse:
HOBverse is an immersive initiative by Humans of Bombay that expands the storytelling experience beyond traditional platforms. It is a carefully curated space where individuals can explore a multifaceted world of stories, art, and shared experiences. HOBverse allows people to engage with stories in a unique way, offering a blend of visual and written narratives that evoke emotions and inspire reflection.
About the Founder
Karishma Mehta, a talented writer and photographer, has made a significant mark as the founder and CEO of Humans of Bombay, India’s most prominent storytelling platform. With a passion for capturing captivating narratives about inspiring individuals, Karishma has inspired millions to chase their dreams, emphasizing that no aspiration is too ambitious or unattainable.
From the very beginning of her journey, Karishma has demonstrated an insatiable hunger for more in life. Even during her second year of college, she began formulating business strategies and fearlessly launched one of her ideas, which unfortunately did not succeed. However, this setback did not deter her spirit in any way.
After completing her studies with a double major in Business and Economics from the University of Nottingham, Karishma embarked on a transformative six-month sabbatical. It was during this introspective period that she had the opportunity to contemplate her life’s path. It was during this time that the idea of Humans of Bombay took shape.
Driven by her desire to make a meaningful impact and armed with her talents in writing and photography, Karishma embarked on her journey with Humans of Bombay. Her vision was to create a platform that showcased the diverse stories of people living in Bombay, providing them with a voice and offering a glimpse into their unique lives. With the goal of fostering empathy and connection, Karishma’s brainchild rapidly gained traction and became a beacon of inspiration for individuals from all walks of life.
First Story of Humans of Bombay
Embarking on a journey to create a page featuring interviews with people on the streets of Mumbai was no small task. Karishma Mehta, the founder of Humans of Bombay, vividly recalls the humble beginnings of her endeavor. With determination in her heart, she ventured to Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive, approaching strangers and asking if they would be willing to share their stories. The response was not overwhelming, but amidst the rejections, there was one woman who agreed—an individual in her mid-50s, recently widowed.
Sitting together, with the city lights twinkling behind them, Karishma and the woman connected on a profound level. In a post shared on her own page, Karishma reminisces about their encounter, remembering the woman’s words: “Thank you, it feels like a burden has been lifted off my chest.” At that moment, Karishma realized she had stumbled upon something truly special.
That moment marked the genesis of Humans of Bombay, a platform that has since grown exponentially over the span of eight years.
Final Thoughts
One by one, Ms. Mehta continues to impact lives, encouraging readers and followers of her page to raise funds for the needy. Her selfless service to humanity has won her many feats, including a three-page coverage on Forbes magazine, one of her most cherished dreams coming true.
