Bajaj Foundation Chairman Shishir Bajaj and Trustee Apoorv Nayan Bajaj Visit Wardha Villages to Foster Rural Development
Wardha, Maharashtra, 2nd-4th September
2024 – Shishir Bajaj, Chairman of the Bajaj Foundation,
along with Trustee Apoorv Nayan Bajaj, concluded a three-day visit to the
villages of Wardha. This annual visit was aimed at reviewing and interacting
with the beneficiaries of various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
initiatives implemented by the Kamalnayan Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (KJBF)
since 2009. These efforts have touched the lives of over 20 lakh people across
1,000 villages in Wardha, helping communities combat the effects of climate
change, global warming and adulterated food chains while fostering
self-reliance and rural empowerment in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar
Bharat.
For the past 15 years, KJBF has played a
pivotal role in addressing critical rural challenges. During this visit, the
father-son duo engaged directly with farmers, students, and members of the
local communities to understand the impact of the Foundation's interventions in
the areas of sustainable agriculture, water resource management, education, and
livelihood generation.
Day 1: Sustainable Agriculture and Water
Resource Management
On 2nd September, Shishir Bajaj and Apoorv
Nayan Bajaj visited, Saldhara village under the Arvi-Ashti River Rivival site.
They reviewed the widening, deepening and creation of check dams around the
collaborative river revival programs between KJBF, NABARD and Maharashtra
government, these initiatives have led to water supply to more than 10,000
acres of farm land and is a thriving model of sustainable agriculture.
Additionally. KJBF has been equipping and training farmers in natural farming
techniques introduced by Padmashri awardee Subhash Palekar that promote
chemical-free cultivation, regenerative soil practices, and eco-friendly pest
management through natural pesticides like Jeevamrut, Angiastra,
Dashparni made by indigenous cow dung and other biowaste.
Farmers shared their experiences of how
these techniques are helping them earn between 3-7 lakhs per annum through
their 1acre farm and tackle the side effects of chemicals in food-chain leading
to health issues. Rather these practices have increased their yields, cut
costs, and build resilience against erratic weather patterns. By adopting natural
farming practices, they are contributing to a healthier and environmentally
conscious future.
Shishir Bajaj emphasized the importance of
such initiatives, stating, “In the face of climate change, preserving our
natural sources of water and adapting sustainable agriculture is no longer a
choice but a necessity. Through these techniques, we are empowering rural
communities to be at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring a healthier
and more resilient planet earth.”
Day 2: Empowering
Students with Creative Imaginations
On 3rd September, the focus shifted to
education as Shishir Bajaj and Apoorv Nayan Bajaj visited schools participating
in Kiran Bir Sethi’s Design for Change (DFC) initiative that empowers
children to identify problems and innovate solutions, encouraging them to be
proactive agents of change in their societies.
KJBF has integrated this powerful program in
Wardha’s schools, fostering creativity, leadership and responsibility in young
students. The program allows students to imagine a solution to their problems
like waste management, water conservation, hygiene and equality with
innovation.
Apoorv Nayan Bajaj highlighted the
significance of this initiative, stating, “The Design for Change program is
transforming the way rural children see themselves and their future. By
empowering them to think creatively and take ownership of their communities’
problems, we are sowing the seeds of innovation and leadership that will
benefit India for years to come.”
Day 3: Building Livelihoods and Community
Resilience
On the final day, 4th September, the focus
returned to livelihoods and economic sustainability. Shishir Bajaj and Apoorv
Nayan Bajaj visited local handicraft industries and cold pressed oil mills supported
by KJBF, which are helping women and marginalized groups generate alternative
income streams and gain financial independence.
They also visited Suchara Fodder FPO in Pimpalkhuta
Village and other Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which have been
instrumental in improving the bargaining power of farmers, reducing input
costs, and accessing more lucrative markets. These FPOs are vital in creating a
cooperative ecosystem that enhances the resilience of farmers against market
fluctuations and climate unpredictability.
Before the conclusion of their visit,
Shishir Bajaj also inaugurated a soil testing lab at Waigain village known for
its turmeric production and headed to a tree plantation drive stating that, “We
believe in fostering not just economic growth but community resilience. Through
our livelihood programs and FPOs, we are building ecosystems where farmers and
artisans can thrive, even in the face of market volatility and climate
challenges.”
A Legacy of Rural Development: 15 Years of
KJBF’s CSR in Wardha
Since its founding in 2009, Kamalnayan
Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation has been a key driver of CSR efforts in Wardha. Over
the last 15 years, the Foundation has partnered with local communities,
government agencies, and civil society organizations to implement integrated
programs that have improved the socio-economic conditions of over 1,000
villages across the district.
Through its focus on sustainable
agriculture, water resource management, education, and livelihood
generation, KJBF has successfully empowered more than 20 lakh people,
creating self-reliant communities capable of addressing their challenges and
building better futures.
The Foundation’s integrated approach to
rural development aligns with the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,
empowering villages to become self-sustaining units of growth.
A Step Towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The visit of Shishir Bajaj and Apoorv
Nayan Bajaj reflects the Bajaj Foundation’s commitment to fostering
self-reliant rural communities. Through capacity-building, sustainable
development, and empowering local stakeholders, KJBF continues to make
significant strides in rural transformation in Wardha.
Speaking on the Foundation’s mission,
Shishir Bajaj said, “Our efforts are rooted in the belief that self-reliant
villages are the basis of a prosperous nation. Through our CSR initiatives, we
aim to create a sustainable, equitable future for all, in line with the ideals
of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
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