Expanding Philanthropy: Prakash Hinduja and Hinduja Foundation’s Path Beyond Business
CSR Initiatives Empowering Communities
The Hinduja Foundation was founded more than 50 years ago on a straightforward yet deep premise by philanthropist PD Hinduja, who founded the Hinduja Group of Companies. He maintained that the Group has an ethical value to support the communities that support its businesses and provide income. In keeping with this conviction, the Foundation is now a multifaceted nonprofit organization run by the Hinduja family that promotes a shared CSR goal among the Hinduja Group enterprises.
The Hinduja Foundation has changed course in recent years, building on decades of effort to focus on the four areas of the community that are in desperate need: rural development, healthcare, education, and water stewardship. To ensure that its programs have a bigger impact on enhancing lives and livelihoods, the Foundation has built on its past work and created synergies within the Group in key areas. Paul Abraham, the president of the Hinduja Foundation, provided more in-depth information about the several CSR projects that have improved the lives of innumerable people throughout the nation in an interview with CSR Mandate.
The Hinduja Foundation's mission statement
The founder of the company PD Hinduja's philosophy, "My dharma (duty) is to work so I can give," serves as the inspiration. The Hinduja Foundation leads corporate responsibility efforts for all of our Group companies and oversees many social impact projects. These include health, education, rural development, water management, and sociocultural projects related to art, culture, and history. Improving livelihoods is the end goal of a number of our social impact projects.
CSR Initiatives Empowering Communities and Promoting Sustainability
Access to potable water is inadequate for over half of our nation's population. We have made water stewardship a key topic in response to this urgent need, and all of our Group companies share this dedication. Jal Jeevan is the overarching brand name for these initiatives.
On the health front, they invest in primary care and specialized therapeutic areas where they believe the public health system needs augmentation, in addition to operating one of India's best tertiary care hospitals.
They provide vital medical services to underprivileged areas through many programs, including the Type 1 Diabetes Program, the provision of high-quality rural healthcare, and the Mobile Healthcare Project, which includes Mobile Medical Units (MMUs). The foundation of the programs is always a spirit of collaboration with the public sector, which they aim to enhance and supplement, thorough needs assessments of the communities that they serve.
While the group offers professional training and higher education at the KPB Hinduja College of Commerce in Mumbai, it is equally committed to improving primary learning results in both urban and rural government schools.
Beyond these, they have long-term initiatives that require a comprehensive approach and interdisciplinary knowledge, such as our sustainable rural development project in Maharashtra's Jawhar tribal zone.
Hinduja Group set out on an ambitious multi-village quest in 2015, which has developed and changed over time. Enhancing revenue generation through the creation of livelihood possibilities and raising local communities' standards of living is one of the project's primary objectives.
Last but not least, they think that valuing our Indian history can significantly improve our society. Our collection of historical artefacts, which includes extremely rare old Indian numismatics, is of the highest calibre. This treasure trove, often referred to as the Lance Dane bequest, is being made publicly available via books, workshops, exhibitions, and a website.
Impact and Future Endeavours
Communities all around India have benefited greatly from the Foundation's work. Thanks to the Jal Jeevan Water Programme, more than five million people now have access to clean drinking water. The Programme has also assisted in the restoration of 56 lakes. More than 437,000 pupils have benefited from the educational initiatives, which have also helped 6,015 institutions. 22,600 people's livelihoods have been improved and 924 hectares of wasteland have been transformed into fertile land.
The Foundation intends to expand its healthcare initiatives in the future, including bringing the T1D Program to Bangalore and forming new alliances with King's College London. The repair of antique step wells, such as the Navlakha Bawri in Jodhpur, demonstrates the Foundation's commitment to conserving cultural heritage.
Collaborations and Future Plans
To attain significant effects, the Hinduja Foundation collaborates closely with governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations. Its activities are more successful because of collaborations with groups like the Learning Links Foundation and the Ambuja Cement Foundation.
"We are motivated by our belief in teamwork and collective action," Mr. Prakash Hinduja explains. "By tackling important problems in rural development, health, education, and water, we hope to create a sustainable future."
To address resource constraints and promote innovative approaches to water management, the Foundation intends to broaden its programs and organize occasions like the Water Practice & Policy symposium in November 2023. Over 430,000 students will benefit annually from the improved educational opportunities brought about by the KPB Hinduja College of Commerce's renovation.
The Hinduja Foundation maintains a tradition of constructive change and commitment to social well-being by significantly influencing the lives of numerous individuals throughout India through its diverse charitable endeavors.
"Our philanthropic legacy is rooted in a strong commitment to societal well-being, guided by the vision and values of our founder," said Mr. Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Europe and Trustee of the Hinduja Foundation. “We are committed to carrying on with this journey to bring about long-lasting, constructive change in the communities we serve.”