Updates from the Community
Radha Goenka Champions Regenerative Farming & Farmer-Led Sustainability through Artisan:re
Artisan:re, Founded by GivingPi Member Radha Goenka, focuses on transforming conventional farming into regenerative agriculture using a comprehensive 360-degree approach. The organization aims to create a sustainable and scalable positive environmental impact while enhancing the lives of farmers and their families. In the past four years, Artisan:re has trained 1,000 farmers in regenerative practices like avoiding chemicals, crop rotation, and composting, which improves soil health and supportes sustainable water and waste management systems. Over 1,400 hectares of traditional farmland have been converted into organic farms, and more than 100 women have been upskilled, promoting economic independence. As a social enterprise, Artisan:re also connects farmers directly with consumers, enabling access to fair markets and diversified income streams while providing consumers with high-quality, sustainable, and traceable products. Artisan:re is registered on Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA), a platform that connects brands and philanthropic partners working together to positively impact the cotton sector and support farmers globally. To know more, click here.
Lata Krishnan Strengthens the US–India Corridor through the Banyan Impact Fellowship
GivingPi Member Lata Krishnan is the Co-Founder of the American India Foundation (AIF), an operating foundation addressing multi-dimensional poverty in India through high-impact interventions in health, education, and livelihoods. As part of its program portfolio, AIF spearheads the AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship, a transformative bi-national volunteer service program, vital to strengthening the US-India corridor. Both Lata and her husband Ajay Shah have been deeply involved in advancing the Fellowship, serving as significant financial contributors and supporters. By fostering collaboration between young professionals from both nations, the program nurtures future leaders dedicated to sustainable change and deepens the US-India relationship. Through a service-leadership model, fellows engage with communities across diverse themes - such as education, public health, climate justice, and social inclusion - contributing to projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2001, AIF has supported 573 fellows and 255 partner organizations across 25 Indian states, and with the introduction of new segments, it continues to expand its reach by enabling Indian social change professionals to serve in the US. To know more, click here.
Hima Reddy Expands Digital Access for Rural Girls Through Tech Her Forward
GivingPi Member, Hima Reddy, is the Director of IndiVillage Foundation, which is spearheading a campaign to encourage individuals and enterprises to donate their old computers and laptops to support their "Tech Her Forward" program. This initiative equips adolescent girls in rural schools with essential computer science and 21st-century skills, empowering them to make informed career and life choices. Currently, IndiVillage Foundation is educating 10,231 teenage girls across 99 rural Indian schools through a free three-year STEM education program, focusing on Digital Basics, AI, and Coding. Despite their efforts, over 50% of these girls still lack access to computer labs, which limits their ability to acquire critical digital skills. To bridge this gap, the Foundation is seeking donations of computers from organizations, enabling students to have hands-on learning experiences. Each device will be shared among multiple students, amplifying its educational impact. By donating a computer, you are opening doors to digital literacy, coding skills, and future opportunities in technology for these girls. If you or someone you know would like to donate a device, please click here. To know more about this initiative, click here.
Namrata Shirodkar Enhances Healing Environments for Young Cancer Patients in Hyderabad
MB Foundation, Founded by GivingPi Member Namrata Shirodkar, has made significant strides in enhancing the environment for young cancer patients by supporting the redesign of the Pediatric Cancer Ward at the Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. This initiative aims to create a brighter, more comforting space that promotes healing and positivity for children undergoing cancer treatment. By transforming the ward into a welcoming and cheerful environment, MB Foundation not only addresses the physical needs of these young patients but also considers their emotional well-being, recognizing that a nurturing atmosphere can play a crucial role in the healing process. This commitment to improving healthcare facilities individuals and communities. reflects the Foundation's broader mission to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable individuals and communities.
V.R. Ferose Welcomes 8th Cohort of Inclusion Fellows Driving Disability Innovation
The India Inclusion Foundation, Founded and Chaired by GivingPi Member V.R. Ferose, has launched the 8th edition of ‘The Inclusion Fellowship’, introducing nine new fellows dedicated to innovative solutions in the disability sector and beyond. Since its inception in 2016, the Fellowship has supported 54 entrepreneurs, empowering them to address complex challenges faced by people with disabilities. Among the notable contributions are a braille learning innovation featured in TIME magazine, groundbreaking solutions for the hearing impaired, initiatives providing livelihoods for individuals with disabilities, and the creation of an affordable bionic arm.
Minoo Deora Supports Long-Term Animal Care Through Kalote Animal Trust Partnership
GivingPi Member, Minoo Deora has come forward to support Kalote Animal Trust (KAT), an NGO dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and care of of animals across farming, working and community animals. As a part of Aurum Neev’s contribution for social good, the organization led by Minoo & Ashish Deora, has pledged support for all expenses of the cattle shed for a year. KAT is supported by other GivingPi Members such as Nandini Singh and Pragya Kapoor, while Sridhar Gorthi sits on its Board. This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration within the GivingPi network, showcasing how strategic alliances can amplify efforts, unlock new avenues of support, and create far-reaching impact for causes that matter. We wish them a successful collaboration ahead.
Dia Mirza Leads Public Art Movement Transforming Mumbai Rail Stations
GivingPi Member Dia Mirza recently launched Hamara Station Hamari Shaan, India’s largest citizen-led public art initiative, in collaboration with Project Mumbai. At the Sewri railway station, Dia dedicated her time to beautifying the space, inspiring hundreds of students to volunteer alongside her. This initiative aims to revitalize 13 railway stations, transforming thousands of feet of public space through vibrant artwork. This initiative, which ran until October 15th, engaged both citizens and corporations in a collective effort to foster community ownership and transform Mumbai's public spaces.
Empowering People and Society with Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies
By Melissa Durda | Synergos
In this Synergos Podcast, GivingPi Founders Circle Member Rohini Nilekani shares insights on how Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies is driving systemic change in India, while urging wealth-holders to contribute towards inclusive economic prosperity.
Reshaping Gender Expectations
By Shaifalika Panda | Hindustan Times
In this opinion piece, GivingPi Member Shaifalika Panda reflects on the progress made towards women's development in India, but questions whether society is truly prepared to embrace and support gender equity.
‘Push’/‘Pull’ Factors of Household Donations to Non-Religious Organisations in India
By Divya Chopra and Shaivya Verma | LSE
Despite increasing donations to non-religious organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic, such groups still receive a small fraction of household contributions compared to religious organizations. Divya Chopra and Shaivya Verma explore how factors like trust, outreach, and clear communication can help non-religious organizations attract more donations from Indian households.
