CHHATTISGARH: In the remote corners of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, where shadows of a dark past and volatile present loom over the villagers, Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) and the Mann Deshi Foundation are ushering in a new dawn. Coordinated efforts, with support from the district administration, are helping shape a sports-empowered future for children, one maidan at a time.

Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), committed to empowering children through sports, in partnership with the Mann Deshi Foundation, has introduced the Maidan Cup Competition, to give underprivileged children a platform to perform. For this competition, a total of 50 playgrounds across 50 participating villages across the Dantewada district are being carved out of barren lands. Already in action, the initiative is coming to fruition with active support from the District Collectors Mayank Chaturvedi, Kunal Dudawat, and the villagers.

For villagers long affected by naxalism, their children getting some scope and exposure for development through sports is a promising start in their overall stride towards a better future. Over 10,000 children are going to benefit from this initiative, with a projected 40% participation from girls, signalling a paradigm shift in girl child empowerment and gender equality. The broader impact of the Maidan Cup is aimed at reducing the crime rates in conflict zones by around 20% through sports programmes. With zeal and a unified spirit from all involved, including the villagers, a grassroots revolution is about to take shape in the conflict-ridden corners of Dantewada.

Through the Maidan Cup initiative, 50 villages in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, are transforming open areas into lively playgrounds—secure places where more than 10,000 children can play, develop, and aspire without boundaries. This effort goes beyond merely constructing playgrounds. It’s about creating a future brimming with hope and possibilities, particularly for girls, who are increasingly taking to the field in unprecedented numbers.

Objectives of the Maidan Cup initiative:

• 10,000 children will benefit directly.
• 50 playgrounds are being created in 2 months
• 20% potential drop in crime rates
• 40% rise in girls’ participation in sports

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PUNE:  In a significant move toward sustainable development and equitable energy access for underprivileged communities, the TREEI Foundation, in partnership with Netcracker Technology and the Imerys Group, has launched Project Mission Urja. This transformative initiative aims to deliver clean, dependable electricity by solar and hydropower integration to three underserved villages in Pune’s Mulshi District, with a rollout planned for 2024–2025.

The Katkari tribes of Mulshi have long struggled with limited access to electricity, relying on kerosene lamps and traditional cooking methods that hinder health, safety, and progress. These limitations have affected day-to-day living by restricting access to economic and academic opportunities while causing particular safety risks, particularly for women and children. By establishing a decentralized power distribution network, “Project Mission Urja” aims to address these issues and provide electricity to these isolated settlements for the first time.

Speaking on the project’s impact, Tanveer Inamdar Executive Director of TREEI Foundation said, “This project is about more than just electricity; it’s about bringing light to people’s lives, creating growth opportunities, and ensuring these communities are no longer left behind. We are committed to sustainable solutions that empower people, and Project Mission Urja is a critical step toward realizing that vision.”

He further added, “Each Katkari household will receive an average of 1.5 kW of clean electricity, along with individual electric meters and a reliable power supply. This sustainable energy source will not only illuminate homes but also improve security, promote self-sufficiency, and open new paths for community development. Reliable electricity will enhance health, support educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, and create a safer environment—especially for women and young people.”

The Bhumi Pujan (opening ceremony) for Project Mission Urja took place in Velvani village, attended by over 250 Katkari beneficiaries. Key figures included Mr. Mehul Waykar, Mr. Punit Kumar from Netcracker Technology, Mr. Tanveer Inamdar and Mrs. Tamanna Inamdar of TREEI Foundation, Mr. Jaya Raghuram and Mr. Shradha Ghoshal of Imerys Group, and Ms. Priya Joshi from Eklavya. 

A local governance body, TEJAS, has been created to ensure the project’s long-term success. Led by President Mr. Nagesh Gaikwad and representatives from each village, TEJAS empowers the community to manage their energy resources.

Scheduled for completion by January 2025, Project Mission Urja promises a lasting impact: enhanced health, educational access, and improved safety, especially for women and children, creating a brighter future for the Katkari communities.

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Easily accessible by road, Manali is a popular destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. The nearest railway station to Club Mahindra White Meadows is Joginder Nagar, but most visitors prefer the drive from Chandigarh, a 290km journey through picturesque mountain roads. Alternatively, flights from Delhi or Amritsar provide convenient options for those who prefer air travel, followed by a scenic road journey to the resort. The journey from Shimla to Manali, a 270 km road trip, is equally captivating, offering breathtaking views along the way. While the travel can be lengthy, the enchanting beauty of Manali, particularly in winter when snow blankets the town and temperatures dip to -10°C, makes it a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

The resort boasts 58 elegantly designed rooms, featuring a mix of hotel units and studio apartments. Each room reflects a charming blend of cottage-style decor with modern amenities, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Dining at the resort is a culinary delight with options to suit every taste. The multi-cuisine restaurant, Red Roof, serves a variety of international and local dishes like rainbow trout, Himachali Thali, and Gujarati Thali, while Chancellor Manali’s most renowned lounge bar, provides a perfect setting for quick bites or casual meals. Every Friday, the resort organizes a traditional Himachali Dham meal, an immersive dining experience where food is served on the floor, accompanied by the vibrant Nati folk dance. For an evening of entertainment, Red Roof features live singing and karaoke, adding a lively touch to the serene environment. For couples seeking a romantic getaway, the Honeymoon Glass Cottage or a private candlelight dinner adds an enchanting and unforgettable touch to their stay.

The resort offers ample activities for the guests seeking adventure. The indoor activity center, Happy Hub, offers a range of games, from billiards to chess and carom. Throughout the week, the resort curates exciting in-house activities such as treasure hunts, painting sessions, and various competitions. Outdoors, and thrill-seekers can indulge in activities like zip-lining, river rafting, and day hikes through the scenic Hampta Valley. The Hampta Jeep Safari takes guests through traditional villages, offering them a glimpse into local culture and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal of red rice and rajma served in a tent set up. Whether exploring Manali’s rugged beauty or immersing in local traditions, every day at the resort brings a new adventure.

Nearby, Manali offers a treasure trove of attractions. Guests can visit famous temples like Manu Temple, Vashisht Temple, and the iconic Hidimba Temple, while nature lovers can explore Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, and the serene Jana and Jogini Waterfall. For art and history enthusiasts, Naggar Castle, the Roerich Art Gallery, and Tibetan monasteries offer fascinating insights into the region’s heritage. After a day of exploring, guests can return to the resort for a rejuvenating spa treatment, with options ranging from quick express services to full-body therapies, including Swedish massage acupressure therapy aromatherapy, and more.

Club Mahindra White Meadows is not only committed to providing an exceptional guest experience but also to sustainability. The resort sources over 60% of its energy from solar power, including solar heaters, and practices eco-friendly initiatives like converting wet waste into organic manure. With a focus on sustainability, the resort ensures that its operations remain in harmony with the environment, making it a responsible and enriching destination for all.

At Club Mahindra White Meadows, every detail is designed to create lifelong memories. With stunning views, world-class amenities, curated activities, and a commitment to sustainable living, it’s the perfect destination for a fulfilling holiday. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, White Meadows offers a magical Manali experience like no other.

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The initiative includes the strategic initiation of reverse migration by fostering livelihoods, resulting in a more than 5-fold increase in income for the communities. This innovative approach revitalizes rural life and displays Bharat Forge’s commitment to socio-economic development. In addition to driving reverse migration, Bharat Forge has empowered over 900 women entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary support to excel in their endeavors. This groundbreaking initiative aligns with Bharat Forge’s dedication to gender equality and fostering women’s leadership in rural communities. Some of these achievements are listed below:-

1. Education: 34,589 students empowered through education initiatives
2. Skilled Employment: 3,000 youth skilled for better employment prospects
3. Agricultural Support: 16,363 acres of land benefiting from agricultural support
4. Clean Drinking Water: 35,387 beneficiaries gaining access to clean drinking water
5. Hygiene: 40,000 beneficiaries utilizing water filters for improved hygiene
6. Connectivity: 80 km of roads constructed for better connectivity
7. Healthcare: 5000+ women benefiting from health camps
8. Renewable Energy: 340.5 KW of solar energy generated for sustainable power sources

Furthermore, the sustainable transformation extends to environmental initiatives, including the conversion of drought-driven villages into water-positive communities. The creation of 2207 TCM water storage capacity ensures sustainable water management, benefiting farmers and empowering agricultural practices.

Bharat Forge has taken a structured approach to achieve these sustainable goals by focusing on the provision of potable water and agricultural support, enhancement of healthcare services, advancement of education, improvement of internal infrastructure, and creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities. The achievements include empowering 34,589 students through education initiatives, skilling 3,000 youth for better employment prospects, benefiting 16,363 acres of land from agricultural support, providing clean drinking water to 35,387 beneficiaries, and constructing 80 km of roads for better connectivity.

Commenting on the occasion, Baba Kalyani, Chairman and MD, of Bharat Forge said, “Our commitment to creating sustainable villages in Maharashtra is rooted in the belief that our success is intricately linked to the well-being of the communities that surround us. As we spearhead the transformative journey of these 108 villages, we are not merely shaping the landscape but fostering a sustainable legacy for Bharat. We envision a brighter future for Bharat, where every community thrives, empowered by the positive change we aim to bring“

 Amit Kalyani, Joint Managing Director, of Bharat Forge added, “Our commitment to village development has evolved into a visionary Flagship Program aimed at uplifting 108 villages in Maharashtra. Through strategic interventions in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we aspire to establish a sustainable model for community development. These initiatives are aligned to address immediate needs and to foster enduring positive change, thereby fulfilling our duty to the society that has played a crucial role in our success story. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are dedicated to creating a lasting impact, ensuring that these villages flourish and become beacons of sustainable progress for generations to come.”

Bharat Forge’s sustainable development model exemplifies the company’s commitment to social responsibility, economic growth, and environmental stewardship which has positively impacted over 2,13,000 lives. This transformative initiative sets the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future for Bharat.

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• Since 2019, The Women + Water Alliance, supported by USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) and Gap Inc. has empowered women and mobilized communities to serve as change agents for advancing WASH practices in select districts of Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra. WaterAid India is one of the Alliance implementing partners, including CARE International, Water.org, and the Institute for Sustainable Communities.

• Through the project, WaterAid India successfully reached out to 2,400 villages from 40 blocks in seven districts.

• WaterAid India trained3,541 of Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC) members and 3,089 of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members on management of Pipe Water Supply Schemes, convergence, and water security.

• 185 volunteers were trained on the operation and maintenance of piped water supply.  13,799 women and youth have been trained on the use of field-testing kits.

NEW DELHI: Convened to mark the successful conclusion of the Women+Water Alliance project in select districts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, USAID, Gap Inc., and Alliance partners, including WaterAid India organized a workshop on 12^th December 2022 in Delhi.

Implemented by WaterAid India, and other organizations including CARE International, WaterAid India, Water.org, and Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), Women+Water is a six-year (2017-2022) Global Development Alliance between USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) and Gap Inc. The Alliance is committed to improving and sustaining the health and well-being of women and communities touched by the apparel industry in India.

Welcoming all partners and guests, Judy Adler, Vice President, of Global Sustainability & ESG, Gap Inc., and President, of Gap Foundation said “Gap Inc. is focused on water conservation and women empowerment, creating water champions in the communities and building water resilience. We believe that availability of water is a human right and is a critical natural resource not only for the health and well-being of our community, but also to carry out business activities.”

Shedding light on WaterAid India’s role in the W+W Alliance, VK Madhavan, Chief Executive, of WaterAid India said the focus was on enabling equitable and inclusive access to clean water to people at all levels. He further added, “The Alliance has given us the opportunity to work with other civil society organizations, driving collective impact and attaining the scale that matters. We have been facilitating the creation of village action plans by community members, in establishing community-led water quality monitoring & surveillance, grooming women leaders; and in building the capacity of local village-level institutions”.

Proceeding with the workshop, Ella Lazarte, Senior Water, and Sanitisation Advisor, USAID shared how the program was instrumental in achieving three things- “Conscious collaboration between all stakeholders including communities, private sector, and Government; creating women leaders and supporting them to advocate for clean water and sanitation; and strengthening institutions to usher transformational change in the society.“

Strengthening the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), WaterAid India implemented the program while adhering to the guidelines of JJM and worked in collaboration with the local administration in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. A key priority of this partnership is to bolster community-level activities and women’s leadership by providing handholding support to Village Water & Sanitation Committees & Panchayati Raj Institution members. The project ensured putting systems and processes in place to ensure equitable distribution of drinking water to all households and plan for the sustainability of the piped water supply schemes in a participatory and transparent manner.

The project successfully reached and benefited over 7 districts with 40 blocks and 2400 villages and prioritized key interventions like advancing WASH practices in communities via women leadership, strengthening the system by building capacity, and community-led water quality monitoring & surveillance and planning. Furthermore, the alliance focused on helping the community understand concepts and translate knowledge into action, effectively grooming the community to lead and sustain the scheme after the intervention. 

Key Highlights of the Project

• Supported the department in developing community-led Village Action Plans (VAPs) in 2,297 villages. Of the 2,297 VAPs developed, 2057 VAPs were approved by the department.
• 13,799 women & youth have been trained on the use of field testing kits to strengthen water quality monitoring & surveillance.
• 3,541 Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC) members have been trained on institutional, technical, and financial aspects of the operation & maintenance of Pipe Water Supply Schemes (PWSS).
• In addition to this, 3,089 Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members were trained on the management of piped water supply schemes (PWSSs), convergence, and water security, 2,037 women were trained to increase their leadership on water-related activities in the village and increase their active participation in Gram Sabhas.
• 991 villages have started water tariff collection and lastly, about 185 individuals have been trained at the village level as pump operators to support operation and maintenance.

Other prominent partner organizations that were at the forefront of this intervention program, present at the event included Samarthan (Sehore, Indore, Khandwa), Centre for Advanced Research & Development – CARD (Dhar and Dewas), and National Institute for Women Child and Youth.

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PUNE: Smiths Group India, part of the British-based global industrial technology company improving the world through smarter engineering, is supporting India’s largest self-implementing NGO, SOS Children’s Village of India in Pune, with the installation of solar panels worth over INR 38 lakhs.

The solar panels have been set up at SOS Children’s Village and Youth Home in Pune under the CSR program ‘Akriti: Reshaping Lives by Smiths’. Akriti aims to engage Smith’s colleagues in India in a meaningful way to contribute to the communities. In turn, this forms part of Smiths Group’s wider sustainability efforts.

The installed solar panels will play a vital role in encouraging sustainability, vital for the preservation of the environment, and indirectly for securing the wholesome development of children/youth. In addition, three family homes at SOS Children’s Village Pune, Bawana, and Kochi are being sponsored by the Company.

Sumanta Kar, Secretary General, of SOS Children’s Villages of India, said: “We would like to thank Smiths Group in India for supporting SOS Children’s Village of India with solar panels, helping us take another step towards sustainability and green technology. This will not only help our Village in Pune reduce its carbon footprint, but also reduce the outward cash flow for electricity consumption.

With growing threats to our ecosystem due to excessive carbon emissions and to have a healthy community, it is vital to preserve environmental health. The solar panels set up at SOS Children’s Village Pune helped educate children even more about sustainability and make sense of their role as the guardians of the environment, making changes to protect the planet for future generations.”

Vikrant Trilokekar, Chair, MD Council, Smiths Group India, said, “It is extremely encouraging for us to see how our partnership with SOS Children’s Village of India is progressing in India and that we are able to meaningfully add value to the lives of children, who are the future of our nation. Being a responsible organization, our commitment is toward the communities we operate in and also towards our environment for a greater good.”

Solar energy is essentially used for meeting growing energy demands while staving off climate change. Although at a relatively small scale, solar panels installed at SOS Children’s Villages by Smiths are a step in the right direction for a sustainable future. With the help of sponsorship received for the family home, expenses for education, food, clothing, and other amenities will be covered, ensuring further enhancement of wholesome child development.

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