A Legacy of Empowerment: Parag Tyagi Transforms Grief into Action with the Shefali Jariwala Rise Foundation

Some tragedies change a person’s life forever, and no one understands this more deeply than actor Parag Tyagi. On June 27th, he lost his beloved wife, Shefali Jariwala—a loss that left not only him but millions of Shefali’s admirers in shock and disbelief. But amidst the pain, Parag has chosen to honor Shefali’s memory the only way he knows how: by turning her lifelong dream into a powerful movement for good.

The Dream Shefali Never Let Go

For 15 years, Shefali nurtured a wish that became her greatest mission. She wanted—no, needed—to create an NGO, a foundation dedicated to girl child education and women empowerment. To her, it wasn’t just about charity or giving back, but about changing mindsets: making sure every girl in India could get an education and that women everywhere could stand with strength and pride, building independent identities in a society that too often overlooked them.

She discussed this dream constantly with Parag. Anyone close to her knew how deeply this wish shaped her vision of the future, how passionate she was about seeing a real difference in girls’ lives. But circumstances, career, and personal battles put the dream on hold… until fate took a tragic turn.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

June 27th, 2024 marked the darkest chapter in Parag’s life—the loss of his soulmate. The world mourned with him, but few could truly grasp the magnitude of his personal grief. In the weeks following her death, Parag found himself confronting not only heartbreak, but a sense of unfinished business—the haunting feeling of a dream left incomplete.

On August 12th—what would have been their wedding anniversary—Parag took the biggest step of his life without Shefali by his side: he registered the Shefali Jariwala Rise Foundation. Through tears and determination, he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to fulfilling Shefali’s mission, turning her aspirations into tangible impact for girls and women across India.

Parag announced, “Shefali’s dream has become my duty. I promise I won’t rest until this mission is complete, until her vision is made real for those who need it most.” The foundation will focus on providing scholarships for girls, building education resources, and programs designed to train, uplift, and empower women to chase their aspirations.

Sharing Truth, Breaking Silence

To further the cause—and dispel the many rumors and half-truths that followed Shefali’s passing—Parag has also launched a YouTube channel for the foundation. Its first episode will feature a podcast in which Parag candidly discusses not only the foundation’s mission, but also the harrowing night of June 27th and the barrage of speculation that followed.

“In this podcast, I’ll speak openly,” Parag states. “Not just about Shefali’s dream, but about that night—about what really happened, about the questions and suspicions that arose. The truth, as it has never been heard, will be shared here.”

The podcast isn’t just about settling rumors or justifying himself—it’s about transparency, healing, and inspiring others to speak up. It is also, Parag says, about bringing closure and understanding to those who were left with half the story and heavy hearts.

Building More Than a Foundation

The Shefali Jariwala Rise Foundation is set to become more than just a charitable organization; it will be a living, breathing extension of Shefali’s passion for social change—a place where her memory fuels the fight for girls and women, where every child who gets to go to school, every woman who finds her voice, is another stone laid in Shefali’s legacy.

Parag’s journey is one of profound grief turned into hope, of a husband refusing to let his wife’s brightest dream fade away. He’s inviting supporters, fans, and changemakers to join him—calling on everyone who believes in equality and empowerment to help continue what Shefali started.

Looking Ahead

Grief, when paired with love and resolve, becomes a catalyst for change. Parag Tyagi has chosen not to let tragedy define the ending of Shefali’s story. Instead, he is writing a new chapter in her name—one that will bring light, learning, and liberation to countless lives.

The story of Shefali Jariwala Rise Foundation is only just beginning. But as Parag says, “This is Shefali’s legacy, and now, it’s my life’s work. Together, we can ensure no girl’s dream goes unfulfilled, and no woman’s voice goes unheard.”