Page 12 - Nita Ambani

Reliance Foundation

riven by its vision of an inclusive India, the Reliance Foundation was founded in
D 2010 under the leadership of Nita Ambani. The philanthropic affiliate of Reliance
Industries, the foundation’s objective is to address the nation’s development challeng-
es through sustainable and replicable solutions implemented through innovative use
of digital technology and direct engagement with diverse communities. Thus far, the
Reliance Foundation has positively impacted the lives of 38 million people in 38,000
villages and 200 urban locations across India.

“Mukesh and I believe that social progress is vital to build an inclusive India. The foun-
dation reviewed numerous social issues and causes before we chose the foundation’s
prime objectives which we believe will drive national development. The Bharat India
Jodo programme, for example, helps small and marginal farmers improve agriculture
productivity and practices. Our focus is to transform India into a developed nation
before the centenary year of independence. Beyond numbers, every life we have im-
pacted offers a story of resilience, self-reliance and aspiration for a better tomorrow,”
says Nita Ambani.

Bharat India Jodo

he mission of the Reliance Foundation's Bharat India Jodo (BIJ) initiative is to bridge
T the development gap between rural and urban India by focusing on improving
livelihood opportunities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, promoting food
and nutrition security, strengthening the value chain of agro produce through produc-
er companies, and organising marginal farmers into self-reliant village associations.

Under its Empowering Communities programme BIJ has promoted 550 village-lev-
el community-based organisations and mentored 24 farm produce companies in 12
states; created 96.4 billion litres of water harvesting capacity for 42,000 hectares of ag-
ricultural land; introduced sustainable agricultural practices; and facilitated plantation
of 4.3 million saplings to promote ecology biodiversity.

“The BIJ Empowering Communities programme drives socio-economic and ecology
transformation in rural India to improve the lives and living standards of rural citizens.
Dedicated leaders are trained to sustain the change momentum and women are em-
powered to become financially self-reliant catalysts for socio-economic transformation
of rural India,” explains Nita Ambani.

14 | 21 Leaders Transforming Indian Education