Vidushi Gaur/New Delhi

Shiraz Khan’s non-profit organisation, ‘Yes, We Can’, is dedicated to empowering communities, nurturing youth potential, and creating safe spaces for growth.

“I know what it feels like to have dreams but no roadmap,” he says. “Through Yes We Can, we want to show people that their background doesn’t define their future,” says Shiraz.

Yes, We Can provides both moral and financial support to underprivileged students and extends care to differently abled children through physical and psychological assistance from professionals. It has also launched a sports coaching centre for cricket and football to help needy students channel their energy productively.

In an age when people often feel divided by background, religion, or social class, Yes We Can stands as a reminder that unity and opportunity can transform lives.

At the heart of this movement is Shiraz Khan, a changemaker from Old Delhi whose journey of self-discovery and resilience has shaped the ethos of the organisation.

To understand the soul of ‘Yes We Can,’ one must first know the man behind it. As a popular saying goes: “Hindustan ka dil hai Dilli, Dilli ka dil hai Purani Dilli, aur Purani Dilli ka dil hai Shiraz Khan.” (Delhi is the heart of India, Old Delhi is the heart of Delhi, and Shiraz Khan is the heart of Old Delhi.)

Born and raised in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, Shiraz grew up in a Muslim family that valued both tradition and modern education. While he studied in an English-medium school, he also attended a madrassa and became a Hafiz by memorising the Quran — a journey that taught him discipline, patience, and perseverance.

Beneath this religious and cultural grounding, Shiraz harboured a restless desire for exploration and self-expression. He didn’t want to rely on his father’s income or follow a predictable path. That determination pushed him to carve his own journey — one that would ultimately define his identity as a leader and social reformer.

Shiraz’s first job, at a call centre, might seem far removed from social work. But it became his training ground — teaching him fluency, confidence, and communication skills that would later help him inspire others. Soon after, his creative energy led him to a Delhi dance studio, which opened doors to modelling assignments and eventually sparked a dream of acting.

Chasing that dream, Shiraz moved to Mumbai — the city of cinema and ambition. Like many strugglers, he faced financial and emotional challenges. “Some kind people let me stay with them without charging rent,” he recalls. “They introduced me to social gatherings where I met people from the industry. That’s how I built my first network.”

Gradually, he began landing roles in TV serials and reality shows, living a dream that had once seemed impossible from the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.

Just as his acting career began to gain momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a halt. For Shiraz, this pause became a moment of reflection.

Encouraged by a friend, he started exploring podcasting — a new way to communicate and connect. Through those conversations, he realised that true success wasn’t about fame or personal milestones; it was about inspiring and supporting others.

That revelation marked the birth of ‘Yes We Can’. Together with his friend Nandish, Shiraz founded the organisation as a response to the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic era — with a vision to create a community-driven movement that would outlast the crisis.

The seeds of ‘Yes We Can’ were first planted in 2015, when both founders recognised that people needed more than material help — they needed encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

What began as a small initiative has since evolved into a platform that amplifies collective strength and helps individuals from diverse backgrounds believe in their dreams.

From grassroots awareness drives to youth collaborations, ‘Yes, We Can’ has rapidly grown into a hub where possibility meets purpose. “It’s not about charity; it’s about empowerment,” Shiraz says, echoing the organisation’s belief in building resilience rather than dependency.

At its core, ‘Yes We Can’ gives a voice to those who often feel unheard or unseen. Through mentorship, awareness programmes, and partnerships with schools and youth groups, it fosters confidence and capability — proving that meaningful change is possible when people work together.

Shiraz’s own life experiences — overcoming financial constraints, navigating uncertain industries, and starting over multiple times — have become his greatest tools for empathy.

From being a Hafiz in Old Delhi to a model and actor in Mumbai, and now the co-founder of a thriving non-profit, Shiraz Khan has constantly reinvented himself. Each chapter of his life has strengthened his belief that personal growth and social change are deeply connected.

Looking ahead, Shiraz dreams of expanding ‘Yes, We Can’ across India — partnering with schools, youth groups, and community leaders to create a nationwide movement of empowerment. Every initiative carries the same message: transformation doesn’t start with grand gestures, but with a simple belief — “Yes, we can.”

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He also plans to scale his podcasting work to highlight unheard voices and stories, blending creativity with service. For Shiraz Khan, every effort — whether artistic or social — is rooted in one mission: to inspire, uplift, and empower.