Gauri Savadi, founder, Tragaur

I was an early childhood educator at NTUC Child Care Centre. It was a comfortable job, which afforded me good work-life balance. Yet I yearned for more.

Tragaur is an intentional agency defined by the concept of adventure and service. The concept was borne out of an intention to start a social enterprise through which I could travel the region in support of various causes. I have always had a sense of adventure since young – owing to the fact that my family moved a lot due to the nature of my dad’s profession. The sense of being uprooted as soon as I felt comfortable in a place is reflected in me now.

In that sense, Tragaur urges people to get out of their comfort zone and explore. We organise hikes, treks and other community activities, all of which are focused on creating awareness and raising funds for various causes. People can also get handson experience in giving back and making a difference. There are a variety of programmes available, from helping out in orphanages to teaching children and animal conservation.

Managing a social enterprise is not easy, and coaxing people to see beyond is often a struggle. Working for someone might be the more secure way to live, but it wouldn’t give me the same satisfaction. Hearing people exclaim “Goodness! I just climbed a tree”, “I cannot believe I crawled through a tunnel” or “Did I just walk 22km?” is what I strive for. Discovering new ways for people to face their fears, and nurturing nature and people, gives me a reason to wake up.