Shivangi Desai

Shivangi Desai - Founder, Fit Bharat Mission | Reimagining Health for a New India

The Girl Who Watched Life from the SidelinesI was born and raised in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in a close-knit family where I felt safe—but never confident enough to take up space. Studying in a Gujarati-medium school, I often found myself shrinking away from conversations, especially in English. Even at home, when guests visited, I would quietly ask my parents if I could stay inside because I dreaded social interactions. I didn’t believe I belonged in bigger, bolder worlds.That sense of being an outsider deepened when I joined HL College in Ahmedabad—a prestigious commerce college where most students spoke fluent English, came from influential backgrounds, and carried themselves with unshakable confidence. I remember the sting of being labeled “behanji”—a word that told me I wasn’t modern or sophisticated enough to fit in. I kept my head down, silently aware of everything I lacked. Eating out with friends wasn’t a joyful experience; it was an exercise in quiet calculation, scanning the menu for the cheapest option so I wouldn’t burden anyone.Yet, through all this discomfort, a quiet voice inside me began to whisper that life could be different—that I could one day find the confidence I so deeply admired in others. A Diagnosis That Transformed My DestinyMy struggles with self-worth were compounded by a lifelong health challenge that overshadowed every part of my life. From a young age, I was diagnosed with thalassemia minor—a genetic blood disorder that meant my body couldn’t carry oxygen efficiently, leaving me chronically fatigued and vulnerable to illness. My hemoglobin levels hovered around 7 or 8—far below the healthy range. I was constantly pale, my skin dull, my energy depleted. Even a short walk or climbing a few stairs would leave me breathless. My gut was in turmoil; digestive issues and weakness were my constant companions.Doctor after doctor told me the same thing: “There’s nothing you can do. This is genetic. You’ll live with it forever.” They handed me iron tablets that only made me feel worse, and with each appointment, I began to internalize the belief that my life would always be limited. These words—from professionals I trusted to help me—began to weigh heavily on my spirit. I resigned myself to the idea that my future would be small and my dreams unrealistic.But as time passed, my frustration with this destiny grew louder than my fear of failing. I began reading everything I could find—books on nutrition, research on holistic healing, studies on gut health. I explored Ayurveda, functional medicine, and the science of food. Nights that could have been spent resting were instead filled with study, planning, and reflection on what might be possible if I refused to give up. I started making small changes to my meals, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, healing my gut, and building rituals that supported my body instead of overwhelming it.After 18 months of unwavering commitment, my hemoglobin climbed from 7 to 14.2—numbers that every doctor had insisted were impossible for me to achieve. At first, they thought the reports were incorrect. But the results were real, and so was my newfound energy. For the first time, I experienced days without overwhelming fatigue, moments of mental clarity, and a sense of control over my own body.This transformation was more than physical. It shattered the walls of helplessness I had built around myself. I realized that the same determination that helped me heal could also help me create a life far beyond what I had ever imagined. Strength Beyond SurvivalAs my energy returned and my confidence grew, I no longer wanted to simply feel “normal”—I wanted to know what it felt like to truly thrive. I started working out slowly, celebrating every push-up, every squat, every day I felt stronger. Movement, once impossible, became a source of joy and empowerment. I became disciplined with my training, committed to routines that strengthened not just my body but also my mind. Exercise wasn’t just about building muscles—it was about proving to myself that I could do hard things, one rep at a time.My hunger for growth soon spilled beyond the gym. I set my sights on challenges that once felt unthinkable. I became a certified fitness instructor, determined to share my knowledge with others. I discovered skydiving and fell in love with the rush of freefall—a far cry from the girl who used to hide behind her parents at social gatherings. Skydiving became a powerful symbol of freedom for me, and I eventually became a licensed solo jumper, completing over 65 skydives. I climbed to Everest Base Camp—twice—feeling the power of my breath at altitudes where the air thins but determination thickens. I traveled to over 18 countries, exploring cultures and landscapes I had once only dreamed about.These milestones weren’t about ticking off a bucket list. They were about reclaiming the life I was once told I could never have. Each adventure reminded me that my limits were not set in stone—they were written in the beliefs I held about myself. Beliefs I had now learned to rewrite.These experiences also revealed my growing passion for helping others break free from their own limitations, sparking the early flames of a mission that would reach far beyond my own story. From Personal Healing to a National MissionIn January 2020, a simple question from my husband changed the course of my life: “Why don’t you share your story?” Opening up felt vulnerable, but I soon realized how many people saw themselves in my journey—individuals living with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or lifelong conditions they had been told were irreversible. Sharing my story helped others feel seen, and teaching them what I had learned gave them hope.That’s how Fit Bharat Mission was born. What began as small videos and personal coaching sessions grew into a movement that connected people from every corner of India—united by a desire to take charge of their health. Through webinars, workshops, and personalized coaching, we focused on sustainable, practical lifestyle changes. The mission was never about offering a miracle, but about empowering people with the knowledge and tools to create lasting health transformations.But numbers aren’t our goal. Our goal is a revolution. We aim to make India disease-free and medicine-free by 2047—the 100th year of our independence. We want to give people true freedom—not just from illness, but from misinformation, fear, and dependence on quick-fix medicine. Through Fit Bharat Mission, I’m not just trying to make people fit. I’m trying to give people their power back.Power to reverse disease.Power to prevent medication dependency.Power to say no to inherited patterns—whether they’re genetic, cultural, or emotional.When someone tells me they got off their diabetes meds, reversed their PCOS, or finally feels energy for the first time in years—that’s not just transformation. That’s liberation.As the community grew, I realized how important it was for people to access clean, effective nutritional support. This inspired me to create Right Human Nutrition (RHN)—a line of transparent, clinically researched, and tested supplements designed to nourish without harmful additives.Alongside this, I took on the role of Director at Welocity Genetics, where we work at the forefront of DNA-based preventive health—helping people understand their unique genetic risks and take proactive steps to prevent disease before symptoms even appear. Because the best cure is prevention—and that power lies in awareness. Redefining Health as the Foundation of FreedomNo matter where I am—whether in Ahmedabad or halfway across the globe—my mornings belong to me. I start with supergreens, sunlight, yoga, and journaling. I block my work hours and follow through with meetings, strategy, and sessions. I wind down by evening, hit the gym, and spend time with my closest circle—usually over a game of pickleball or a simple meal at home. We’ve built a gym and sports court in our house—not for luxury, but to make wellness easy and non-negotiable.Today, I see health not just as a goal, but as the starting point of every possibility in life. True freedom isn’t found in external success, but in the energy to dream, the strength to pursue those dreams, and the presence of mind to enjoy every step along the way. Without health, even the best opportunities can feel empty. But with health, every day becomes an adventure.I’ve also come to understand that mental and emotional wellness are inseparable from physical health. Chronic stress, lingering self-doubt, and unprocessed emotions can quietly sabotage the body’s ability to heal. Real transformation happens when we nurture the mind and body together—when we respect the deep connection between them.Through my journey, I’ve learned that healing is always possible, even when it feels out of reach. I want people to know they are not broken or beyond help—no matter how many years they’ve struggled. Change begins the moment you choose yourself, again and again. Health isn’t a final destination; it’s a choice we make every single day. And choosing yourself is the first, bravest step toward the freedom to live the life you’ve always deserved.I believe true success begins with health. It’s about waking up with energy, feeling mentally light, laughing with loved ones, and being free from pain and medications. My deepest wish is for every person to remember: you were not born to suffer—you were born to thrive.