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CSR Health Partners In Change Partnerships Smile

On the Move: Strengthening Rural Healthcare with Mobile Medical Units

On the Move: Strengthening Rural Healthcare with Mobile Medical Units

India’s healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, driven by strategic investments, increasing biopharma funding, and dynamic cross-industry collaborations. In 2024 alone, the industry witnessed a 24% rise in funding, with 2025 set to surpass expectations. The country remains a global leader in generics and biosimilars, while AI-powered partnerships between technology and pharmaceutical companies are transforming diagnostics and data-led care. Yet, a vital question remains: are these innovations truly reaching India’s rural healthcare system? Public-private partnerships and mobile medical units could hold the key to delivering equitable, technology-enabled care to underserved communities.

Indian Rural Healthcare system – Challenges

“As a mother of a special child, regular check-ups were a constant struggle—financially, emotionally, and logistically” – Prema (Velmurugan’s mother)

This testimonial underscores the multifaceted challenges of India’s rural healthcare system. Building an inclusive rural healthcare ecosystem in India is vital to ensuring equitable access to medical services for all. Initiatives that deliver compassionate, doorstep healthcare solutions like Mobile Medical Units can play a crucial role in bridging systemic gaps—particularly for underserved communities. 

  • Infrastructure Deficit Hindering Equitable Access to Care
     Despite national advancements, rural healthcare infrastructure remains significantly underdeveloped, with inadequate facilities, outdated equipment, and poor connectivity. This disparity perpetuates unequal access to quality medical services and delays timely intervention in vulnerable communities.
  • Severe Shortage of Trained Medical Professionals in Rural Regions
     A persistent dearth of qualified doctors, nurses, and specialists in rural areas severely undermines the continuity and quality of care. Overburdened and under-supported, frontline health workers struggle to meet the needs of dispersed populations, affecting outcomes at scale.
  • Healthcare Access Disrupted by Livelihood Dependency and Geographic Barriers
     Many rural residents face a distressing trade-off: travel long distances for medical attention or lose crucial daily wages. The absence of proximal, functional healthcare centres forces patients to defer treatment, often until emergencies arise.
  • The Economic Toll of Illness: Families Forced into Debt for Basic Treatment
     With limited affordable care options locally, families are frequently compelled to sell land or incur high-interest loans to access treatment in urban centres. This financial burden deepens rural poverty, making healthcare a source of long-term socioeconomic distress.

However, to sustain and scale such impact, the persistent challenges of infrastructure, accessibility, and affordability must be addressed collectively. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has a pivotal role to play in this transformation. By aligning business responsibility with community health needs, corporations can help strengthen rural healthcare delivery, making quality care not a privilege, but a fundamental right for every citizen, regardless of geography or income.

“We know that achieving universal health coverage is a critical step in helping people escape and stay out of poverty, yet there continues to be increased financial hardship, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable people.”

– Mamta Murthi, Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank

Taking Healthcare to Villages, Backed by CSR

India’s healthcare landscape has been significantly transformed by key government health initiatives such as –

  • Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (comprising NRHM and NUHM) are key public health initiatives in India.
  • A strong focus is placed on Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child-Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) to address critical life stages.
  • These programmes have significantly expanded healthcare access in underserved and remote regions.
  • They address both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
  • The approach emphasises not only treatment but also preventive care and the promotion of community wellbeing.

Despite this progress, accessibility to healthcare services remains uneven across rural geographies. While government-backed initiatives lay the foundational framework, there is an urgent need for delivery mechanisms that can bridge the last-mile gap. This is where Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), supported through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments, have become a critical enabler.

CSR-backed MMUs serve as a lifeline for communities often left out of mainstream healthcare delivery. They bring:

  •  Medical diagnostics and treatment directly to village doorsteps.
  •  Act as catalysts for promoting healthy habits and preventive awareness—amplifying the impact of government programmes on the ground.

 In essence, they operationalise the “3 As” of effective healthcare delivery

  • Affordability
  • Accessibility
  • Awareness
Strategic BenefitImplementationImpact
Extending Lifespan in Underserved Areas








Reducing Treatment Complications through Early Access



Lowering Financial Burden for Rural Families








Saving Lives through Timely Screening and Diagnosis		Mobile Medical Units enable early detection and management of diseases, especially Non communicable diseases, directly within remote communities—improving long-term health outcomes and life expectancy.

Immediate access to basic healthcare reduces delays, preventing escalation of treatable conditions. Improves prognosis and clinical efficiency.
Mobile Medical Units minimise the need for long-distance travel, wage loss, and out-of-pocket expenses, making healthcare more affordable and equitable.




On-site diagnostics help identify conditions like diabetes, anaemia, hypertension, and pregnancy risks early, preventing critical complications.		Enhances public health indicators in rural geographies; supports SDG 3 targets.






Reduces healthcare burden and mortality in remote areas.




Supports economic resilience and healthcare affordability for marginalised groups.








Strengthens community-based preventive care and reduces maternal/child mortality.

The integration of Mobile Medical Units into India’s broader healthcare strategy represents a convergence of public intent and private capability. Corporates, through targeted CSR investments, have the opportunity to supplement public health infrastructure by extending their reach, scaling impact, and ensuring that the promise of equitable healthcare is not limited by geography. Moreover, such initiatives humanise corporate action, translating boardroom decisions into real, tangible outcomes in the lives of vulnerable populations.

Unlocking Healthcare’s with Smile’s Mobile Medical Units

Smile Foundation is advancing Indian rural healthcare through strategic digital innovations, in collaboration with corporate partners aligned with universal healthcare goals. By delivering doorstep primary care to underserved populations, it addresses critical barriers—low awareness and economic vulnerability—ensuring equitable access without disrupting livelihoods, especially across rural areas and urban informal settlements.

  • Delivering Quality Healthcare till last mile with Smile On Wheels 

Smile on Wheels operates 105 mobile units across 16 states that reached over 12,89,269 people in FY 24. The SOWs travel extensively, providing essential primary healthcare services across remote regions. These units offer a combination of on-site medical support through static clinics and remote consultations powered by telemedicine. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive, timely healthcare access for underserved communities, bridging healthcare gaps efficiently. 

  • Smile on Boat : Healthcare through water delivery model

Navigating the challenging terrain of the Brahmaputra River, this mobile health solution operates across 12 districts and 12 riverine islands, reaching populations otherwise cut off from consistent medical care. The clinics are equipped to provide a full spectrum of primary healthcare services, including diagnostics, essential medicines, and targeted maternal and reproductive health education. By addressing the specific needs of underserved, remote communities, the initiative plays a critical role in strengthening regional health equity and resilience.

  • Accelerating Women’s Health Equity with Two-Wheeler Medical Outreach

Operating through health units mounted on customised vans and two-wheelers, the initiative ensures timely outreach for early screening and management of anaemia, a leading cause of maternal morbidity in India. By facilitating doorstep access to essential diagnostic and reproductive health services, the programme mitigates delays in care, empowers adolescent girls and women with preventive health education, and contributes to long-term improvements in maternal and community health outcomes.

Collaborate for Health Equity: Partner Now

CSR-backed Mobile Medical Units are not just vehicles of care—they are mobile ecosystems that embody inclusive healthcare. By embedding these units within the existing public health framework and expanding them through sustained CSR commitment together, you and Smile Foundation can help our communities to move closer to a future where no individual is too far to heal, and every community is empowered to live healthier, more informed lives.

Join us in taking healthcare to the doorstep. Write to cp@smilefoundationindia.org

Categories
CSR Health Nutrition Partners In Change Partnerships Women Empowerment

Takes a Village to Raise a Child : Community Solutions for Maternal Care

maternal care
maternal care

India’s remarkable strides in maternal care and infant health paint a hopeful picture. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has fallen from 130 to 97 per 100,000 live births. Neonatal and infant mortality rates have also dropped significantly—by 65% and 69% respectively—surpassing global averages. Yet behind these promising statistics lies a sobering reality of India’s rural maternal care system.

Each number represents a mother—often rural, frequently impoverished, and too often unheard. Her journey through pregnancy and childbirth is far more than a biological event. Such scenarios reflect that we are going through a test of strength of our maternal care system in rural India, the equity of our social structures, and the depth of our collective compassion, and we have a long way to go.

Rituals of care – More than cultural symbols

In rural India, baby showers, known by various names like Godh Bharai, Seemantham, Shaad, or Dohale Jevan, are threads in a communal safety net. These traditions embody emotional, spiritual, and nutritional support for the expectant mother.

In North India’s Godh Bharai, blessings, music, and festive meals offer joy and reassurance. South India’s Seemantham celebrates the mother with bangles believed to emit vibrations that calm the unborn child. In Eastern and Western regions, food, music, and community love are central to ceremonies like Shaad and Dohale Jevan.

Beyond their spiritual richness, these events reduce maternal stress, reinforce support networks, and provide emotional grounding—essentials for a safe pregnancy. The shared wisdom from older women, nourishing foods, and joyful celebrations help prepare her mentally and physically for childbirth and motherhood. Such ceremonies also mark a shift in the mother’s role, affirming her importance and care within the family.

This emotional reassurance, combined with social and nutritional support, contributes to better maternal health and can positively impact the baby’s development. In essence, these age-old customs are deeply rooted systems of community care that foster resilience, wellbeing, and healthy beginnings.

The gaps in rural maternal healthcare

India’s efforts to improve maternal health have yielded significant progress. Since 1990, the country has witnessed an 83% decline in its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), a testament to national policy interventions and improved service delivery under frameworks like the National Health Mission. However, behind these promising statistics lies a more complex and uneven reality—particularly in rural India.

Critical complications such as excessive bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage), sepsis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, obstructed labour, and unsafe abortions continue to claim the lives of countless women, especially those in underserved regions. The persistence of these largely preventable causes underscores that while healthcare systems have expanded, their reach, reliability, and equity remain insufficient.

Awareness: What she doesn’t know can hurt her

Lack of awareness remains a major barrier to accessing maternal healthcare in India. Many women are unaware of the importance of antenatal check-ups (ANC), resulting in missed opportunities for early detection of complications. Among currently pregnant women, only 30% had three or more ANC visits, while 27% had none. Even among lactating women, 18% reported zero ANC visits. In Punjab, NFHS-4 data shows just 67.8% of women received four ANC visits. These figures underline the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns to promote consistent, informed engagement with maternal and child health services.

Affordability: Confronting the cost of survival

For many rural families, maternal health is a financial compromise. The inability to afford nutritious food, travel for medical check-ups, or private consultations leads to delayed care and preventable complications. 

Furthermore, women delay antenatal check-ups or give birth at home, not by choice—but because they simply cannot afford the journey to a clinic, the tests, or even a nutritious meal. With no financial cushion, families often choose between food and healthcare. 

The absence of affordable iron supplements, fresh vegetables, or hygiene essentials leaves mothers dangerously malnourished and anemic. The result is a cycle of poor maternal outcomes passed down across generations because health becomes a luxury only few can buy.

Accessibility: When care is far, risks grow near

In rural India, many expectant mothers face the harsh reality of travelling several kilometres—often on unpaved roads or via scarce public transport—to access even basic healthcare. These delays can prove fatal, especially during labour or pregnancy-related emergencies. The absence of reliable transport systems and referral mechanisms further compounds the risk. Sub-centres and primary health centres, intended as frontline providers of maternal care, are frequently understaffed, under-equipped, or entirely non-existent. Without skilled birth attendants and timely access to essential medicines and diagnostic tools, treatable complications like haemorrhage, eclampsia, and infections become deadly. The distance to care becomes a life-threatening gap.

Availability: Geography and broken systems block the path to care

A mother in a remote village may walk miles for a blood pressure check, or worse, never go at all. Healthcare is often distant and sporadic, with clinics understaffed or unreachable. Mobile medical vans are rare, and even when available, they may not return soon enough. Anganwadi workers, often the only hope for health education, are stretched thin.

The lack of timely screenings or follow-ups can turn a manageable condition into a fatal one. For these women, distance and delay can be the difference between life and death.

Intersecting Inequities

These three barriers do not operate in isolation. Rather, their intersection deepens existing socio-economic divides. Data consistently shows that utilisation of maternal healthcare services—both antenatal and postnatal—varies sharply based on income, caste, education, and geography. Women from lower-income or marginalised communities are significantly less likely to receive skilled care during childbirth, contributing to disproportionate maternal health outcomes.

Moreover, the absence of skilled healthcare workers at the time of delivery remains a persistent challenge. Without trained personnel to guide safe births and manage complications, the goal of ensuring every mother a safe pregnancy remains unmet in large parts of the country. In sum, the journey towards maternal health equity in rural India requires more than infrastructure—it demands a transformation of systems, mindsets, and investments that address the availability, accessibility, and affordability of care for every woman.

Community care in action with Swabhiman

Our initiatives directly involve pregnant women, lactating mothers, caregivers, and children through awareness, counselling, and interactive sessions. We aim at driving behavioral change around nutrition and health practices for women within her community. In the financial year of 2024, Swabhiman

  • Reached 190,000+ women across 6 states
  • Sensitised 76,000+ women on reproductive and child health
  • Provided healthcare to 72,000+ women and children

Stakeholder & community engagements

Sustainable change in maternal and child health initiatives begins with effective collaboration among key stakeholders. Regular interface meetings are held with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) members, government officials, and representatives from various sectors such as education, health, and local governance.

Key Initiatives and Community Involvement

  1. Community Kitchen Gardens:
    To improve nutritional intake, 22 community kitchen gardens were established, providing beneficiaries with locally grown vegetables such as bottle gourd, tomatoes, and pumpkins.
  2. Observing Special Days:
    Key health and nutrition-related days such as Women’s Day, Breastfeeding Week ,and POSHAN MAH  were observed with awareness campaigns, screening camps, recipe competitions, and educational sessions. These events aimed to educate women and caregivers on proper nutrition and maternal care practices.
  3. Breastfeeding Awareness Week:
    In partnership with ICDS and the PepsiCo Foundation, Smile Foundation organised breastfeeding demonstrations, emphasising the benefits of proper attachment and positioning. Awareness sessions educated caregivers on the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child.
  4. Godh bharai and Annaprashan Diwas:
    Monthly events focused on maternal and child nutrition included Godh bharai for pregnant women, offering nutritional support and education, and Annaprashan for children starting complementary feeding. These celebrations provide vital community support and promote behaviour change in nutrition practices.
  5. POSHAN MAH Celebrations:
    Smile Foundation, along with ICDS and Education departments, organised nutrition recipe competitions, school-level activities, and kitchen garden initiatives during POSHAN MAH, enhancing community involvement and nutrition awareness.

Through these initiatives, stakeholder collaboration and community participation continue to drive positive outcomes in maternal and child health.

Nutrition is grown, served, and shared

Nutrition and maternal care are not just delivered — they are cultivated, practised, and celebrated within the community. Nutrition is grown in kitchen gardens, served through local recipes, and shared via counselling, health camps, and regular screenings — ensuring year-round wellbeing for mothers and children.

Growing nutrition inside homes

132 kitchen gardens were set up at Anganwadi centres and homes, including 3 community gardens, using distributed winter vegetable seeds. This ensured access to fresh produce for daily use and nutrition events. The Education Department expanded the model to 21 schools through district and NRLM support.

Learning through recipes
Inter-village recipe contests engaged 151 women and caregivers, showcasing healthy, affordable dishes using local ingredients. Judged by officials, the contests promoted practical nutrition and honoured winners at the district level.

Counselling and Follow-Up
Regular follow-ups were conducted for anaemic and malnourished women, with ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, and community staff offering focused counselling and timely referrals to strengthen maternal health outcomes.

PARTNER FOR COMMUNITY-LED TRANSFORMATION

Maternal care in India is at a pivotal moment. While national data reflects progress, the ground reality in rural areas demands deeper, more inclusive interventions. It is not merely about improving statistics but transforming lives.

The Swabhiman programme offers a blueprint for community-led, sustainable maternal health solutions. Its success is rooted in collective action—from mothers and caregivers to local officials and frontline workers.

CSR partnerships have the potential to amplify this impact manifold. By aligning business resources with community health goals, companies can co-create meaningful change—ensuring a robust maternal care in across India, including the remotest corners because every mother receives the care, dignity, and support she deserves.

This Mother’s Day, partner to scale community reach. Let’s make care meet for rural mothers of India.

Categories
Education Girl Child Health Livelihood Smile

134th Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti: Honouring a Legacy of Justice and Equality in 2025

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar

Each year, on 14th April, India solemnly celebrates Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a tireless champion for social justice. As we observe Ambedkar Jayanti 2025, it becomes essential to reflect not only on his monumental contributions but also on the relevance of his ideals—liberty, equality, and fraternity—in our modern-day context. His enduring vision continues to guide movements for social reform and inspire institutions, including numerous NGOs in India, which strive to build an inclusive and just society.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A Visionary for the Marginalised

Born in 1891 into a marginalised Dalit family, Dr Ambedkar’s life was a testament to resilience and intellectual brilliance. Rising above entrenched discrimination, he emerged as a formidable scholar, economist, and social reformer. His most historic achievement—drafting the Indian Constitution—laid the groundwork for a democratic republic rooted in equality, justice, and human dignity.

Central to Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy was the belief that education and economic empowerment were essential to dismantling social hierarchies. He championed Dalit rights, fought for women’s emancipation, and emphasised the necessity of labour reforms, shaping policies that still resonate in India’s socio-political framework.

Why Ambedkar’s ideals still matter in 2025

Even in today’s India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s teachings hold profound significance. Social inequities, caste-based discrimination, and economic disparity persist, making his principles a roadmap to address the challenges of our time:

1. Social Justice and Equal Opportunity

Unequal resources and opportunities remains a challenging reality, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Dr. Ambedkar’s advocacy for affirmative action and reservation policies has enabled countless individuals to access education and employment. Yet, ongoing efforts are vital to extend these opportunities universally.

2. Education as a Catalyst for Change

Dr. Ambedkar famously declared education as the “milk of a lioness,” urging the oppressed to pursue learning with courage. In the digital era, educational inequity remains a challenge, especially in rural India. His call for inclusive and quality education remains ever-relevant.

3. Economic Empowerment and Livelihood

His commitment to economic justice—through land reforms, wage security, and employment opportunities—serves as a cornerstone for current policies targeting poverty alleviation and inclusive growth. Livelihood programmes that provide vocational training and promote self-employment are clear extensions of his vision.

4. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Dr. Ambedkar was one of the earliest advocates for women’s rights, championing reforms that granted them agency in marriage, property, and employment. Today, his legacy lives on through initiatives that seek to ensure equal pay, reproductive rights, and political representation for women.

5. Democracy and Constitutional Morality

In an age of global political flux, Dr. Ambedkar’s belief in constitutional morality and democratic governance is more relevant than ever. His insistence on upholding civil liberties and secular values offers crucial guidance in preserving the spirit of Indian democracy.

How NGOs in India continue to uphold Ambedkar’s vision

Across the country, NGOs in India remain committed to carrying forward Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. Smile Foundation too works towards bringing change for good at the grassroot communities of India, aligning its efforts with his principles through a holistic and integrated approach to development.

Founded in 2005, Smile Foundation quickly recognised that education alone could not guarantee the holistic development of underprivileged children. We understood that systemic barriers—starting with poor maternal and neonatal care—impacted a child’s ability to thrive from the earliest stages of life.

From lack of healthcare to limited access to trained educators and infrastructure, children in rural and marginalised communities face multifaceted obstacles. Financial hardship often compels families to withdraw children—especially girls—from school, while undernutrition and poor sanitation perpetuate cycles of poverty and vulnerability.

In response, Smile Foundation adopted a life-cycle approach to address the interlinked issues affecting individuals and communities by offering integrated solutions in education, healthcare, and livelihood.

The life-cycle approach: Nurturing change from cradle to career and beyond

  • Mission Education aligns with the National Education Policy, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and STEM disciplines, ensuring children develop strong cognitive and critical thinking skills.
  • Smile on Wheels mobile health units bring essential medical services, including diagnostics, outpatient care, and free medication, to under-resourced communities.
  • Swabhiman champions maternal, menstrual, and neonatal health, creating awareness about hygiene and equipping women with knowledge crucial for their wellbeing.
  • STeP and advanced vocational training programmes empower youth and women with the skills required for employment and entrepreneurship, thus enhancing economic self-sufficiency.

Ambedkar’s ideals and the life-cycle approach: A shared vision

Dr. Ambedkar envisioned an India where every citizen, regardless of birth, had the chance to realise their full potential. His insistence on structural reform, access to education, economic equity, and gender equality finds deep resonance in Smile Foundation’s life-cycle approach.

Both stand for a future where transformation is not episodic, but continuous—built layer by layer, across generations and therefore, as we mark the 134th Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti in 2025, let us do more than remember his legacy—let us live it. 

Let’s build a society where equality is not an aspiration but a reality. Support children with education and their communities an empowered life. 

Categories
Health Livelihood Partners In Change Skill Development Women Empowerment

Is India’s Development a Key to Progress For All?

development

India has embarked on an incredible journey of growth and development ever since its independence in 1947. The country transformed from predominantly being an agrarian economy to building manufacturing capabilities and a robust services industry. In this growth story, one thing that has played a crucial role is infrastructural development. From building roads and dams to establishing schools, hospitals, and railways, infrastructure has been the backbone of India’s progress, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life.

Owing to the vision of our founding fathers, India invested heavily in infrastructural development in the decades following independence. This included the expansion of national highways and railway networks, the building of major dams like Bhakra Nangal, and the establishment of premium institutions like the IITs and AIIMS. In recent decades, we have also seen a focus on urban infrastructure development with projects like Metro Rail, tunnels, and much more. Thus, as India enters a new era, it needs to continue focusing on building stronger infrastructural capabilities.

Infrastructural Needs for India

There are many areas in which India can focus. But, here are a few key areas that require consistent attention for the holistic development of Indian urban as well as rural communities:

  1. Road Network: For any economy to grow, mobility of movement is most important. This is why expanding a robust road network in the form of national and state highways, expressways, etc., needs to be a priority. India’s ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana aims to develop 83,677 kilometres of highways, improving connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
  2. Dams: As the requirements of the country’s growing population increase, there will be a bigger need for water management, electricity generation, irrigation facilities, and much more. This is where building new dams can be a game-changer. Apart from that, India is also focusing on river-linking projects aimed at diverting water from areas that experience flooding to those areas that are affected by drought.
  3. Educational Institutions: The Indian government has been working sincerely towards expanding the number of AIIMS and IITs in the country. In addition, new universities, schools, and colleges need to be built. Existing institutions also need an infrastructural boost in the form of smart upgrades to make them relevant.
  4. Hospitals: A large part of the Indian population is deprived, even today, of good quality healthcare facilities, as most of the big hospitals are concentrated in urban areas forcing rural and tribal populations to flock to cities like Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc., for receiving adequate health support. However, this is not sustainable, and the country needs to work on expanding its healthcare network. This can also be done through the development of digital infrastructure like telemedicine facilities, mobile hospitals, etc.
  5. Railways: This is arguably the lifeline of India; even today because of the reach and affordability, lakhs of Indians travel through railways. This is the reason why the government must keep pushing for the expansion of railways in regions where it hasn’t yet reached. The recent expansion of the railway network to Srinagar in Kashmir and the building of the world’s highest railway bridge is a good example of it. Apart from this, another way of improving the mobility of Indians is by building more airports across the country and making air travel affordable for the masses.
  6. Other infrastructure: In addition to roads, dams, schools, hospitals, and railways, other critical infrastructure includes airports, ports, and digital connectivity. Developing world-class airports and ports can boost trade and tourism, while expanding digital infrastructure ensures access to information and services, bridging the digital divide.

Needs and Aspirations

As India continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to focus on the future needs and aspirations of the population. Here are some key areas where India should continue investing in infrastructure:

Sustainable Development: While developing infrastructure is essential, what is also needed is a focus on sustainability. As India moves forward, it also needs to play an important role in establishing itself as a climate-conscious nation. Therefore, the country should focus on investing in environment-friendly practices and investing in renewable energy. India is already on the path of building these capabilities. It needs to continue building on these efforts.

Healthcare expansion: As discussed above, India still faces a major challenge when it comes to providing equitable access to good quality healthcare facilities to its population. The COVID-19 pandemic also revealed many loopholes in India’s healthcare infrastructure. There, it is essential that all the stakeholders work together in building facilities for all Indians. Digital solutions are going to play a crucial role in this. Policies like universal health insurance are also going to ease the burden on the poorer masses.

Digital connectivity: Expanding digital infrastructure is critical for bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to information and services. Initiatives like Digital India aim to provide high-speed internet connectivity to rural and remote areas, enabling digital literacy, e-governance, and digital financial inclusion.

Educational Infrastructure: Investing in educational infrastructure at all levels, from primary schools to higher education institutions, is essential for fostering innovation and human capital development. Enhancing vocational training centers and skill development programs can equip the workforce in India with the necessary skills for a rapidly changing job market.

Transportation and logistics: Developing efficient transportation and logistics infrastructure can boost trade and economic growth. Expanding the railway network, modernizing ports and airports, and improving last-mile connectivity are critical for enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global market.

Conclusion

For major economies like the United States, Europe, China, etc., infrastructural development has played a central role in their development and growth. These countries continue to invest heavily in further enhancing their capabilities. For example, China’s Belt and Road Initiative is aimed at establishing its dominance in trade around the world. Similarly, Japan’s focus on technology has made it a leader in this area.

As India continues its journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, investing in infrastructure remains a critical priority. By focusing on sustainable development, healthcare, digital connectivity, education, and transportation, India can build a stronger and more resilient nation that meets the needs and aspirations of its people. Infrastructural development is not just about building physical structures; it is about creating opportunities, improving quality of life, and fostering social and economic progress.

Smile’s Contribution

Smile Foundation helps develop infrastructure primarily by improving education and healthcare facilities in underserved areas. We support the construction and renovation of schools, learning centers, and healthcare units, ensuring access to quality education and medical services. Additionally, we provide necessary resources like furniture, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and technology to create a more conducive learning and healthcare environment. 

1. Mobile Healthcare Units: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smile Foundation expanded its healthcare infrastructure by launching additional Smile on Wheels mobile healthcare units across India. These units deliver primary healthcare services to underserved populations, covering urban slums and rural areas. Each unit operates within a 25-kilometre radius, visiting multiple villages daily to provide medical care and promote preventive health practices. 

2. E-Arogya Clinics in Haryana: Collaborating with the Government of Haryana and SBI Card, Smile Foundation established 10 E-Arogya Clinics equipped with telemedicine kiosks and medicine vending machines. These clinics serve approximately one million people across four blocks in the Nuh district, enhancing access to quality healthcare through technology-driven solutions. 

3. Project Manzil in Rajasthan: Under Project Manzil, Smile Foundation installed Smart TVs in vocational labs across schools of Rajasthan. This initiative benefits thousands of students from grades 9 to 12 by providing access to audio-visual learning resources, thereby enhancing vocational training and digital literacy.

4. Refurbished Teachers’ Training Center in Pune: In partnership with Atlas Copco India, Smile Foundation inaugurated a refurbished Teachers’ Training Center at the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation School in Akurdi, Pune. This center is designed to train approximately hundreds of teachers annually, aiming to elevate the quality of education in municipal schools. 

Through our Life Cycle Approach, Smile Foundation works on ensuring that grassroots communities can access resources and skills that shall open the doors to the ongoing winds of sustainable development, so that through their resilience they too can leverage the benefits of the government being provided for the welfare of the citizens, but also make themselves capable enough that they along with their communities can keep standing on their feet with equal education, good health and sustainable livelihood.

Categories
Livelihood Skill Development Smile

Why Vocational Courses in India are Failing to Attract Students?

vocational courses for youth

Vocational courses provide a pathway to employment. These courses equip students with specific skill sets suited to particular jobs or industries, helping them secure employment. This, in turn, boosts the country’s economy.
However, according to a report, there are not enough takers for vocational and skill-based subjects in government schools in Delhi, with some reporting near-zero enrolment. The Directorate of Education has issued show-cause notices to 606 government schools due to their poor enrolment figures. Schools with fewer than 20 students were asked to explain the reasons behind the low enrolment and the steps they were taking to boost student participation.

Vocational courses increase employability

These courses fill a skill gap. Many industries in India, such as manufacturing, construction, retail, healthcare, and IT, require skilled workers. Vocational training equips people with specific technical skills needed in these fields. Higher education often focuses largely on theoretical knowledge, leaving a gap in practical, job-ready skills.

Vocational courses provide hands-on training that directly translates to the workplace, ensuring workers are better prepared for the demands of their roles. By offering vocational courses, India can bridge the gap between the demand for skilled workers and the limited supply of trained professionals.
This is important, as the current scenario is rather bleak. According to the India Skills Report 2020, the youth employment rate has remained stagnant for the past three years. According to UNICEF and the Education Commission, more than 50% of Indian youth will lack the education and skills necessary for employment by 2030.

Magdalene Jeyarathnam, founder-director of the East West Centre for Counselling, says the educational curriculum has become redundant over the years as it is not geared to help students enter the job market. “The curriculum is based on what was taught in the past, and changes are made with the next couple of years in mind, not what the need will be five years or more from now,” says Magdalene, who conducts courses in expressive arts therapy and psychodrama in colleges, as UGC guidelines mandate that UG and PG students have skill certification. “When students gain skill-based certificates, it adds to the degree they earn,” she says.

Fuels entrepreneurship, empowers women

Vocational training provides an impetus to entrepreneurship, as it empowers individuals to start their own businesses. For example, courses in carpentry, tailoring, or beauty and wellness can help individuals set up their own small businesses, creating job opportunities for others. It also provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from rural areas or lower-income families, who may not have the resources to pursue higher education.

Many skilled workers migrate from rural areas to urban areas in search of jobs. Vocational courses can be offered locally to help retain talent within their communities. This can reduce migration pressure on cities, create opportunities in rural areas, and encourage balanced regional development.
Vocational training also empowers women, offering them the chance to acquire skills in areas such as beauty, tailoring, or hospitality. These skills can be applied in flexible working environments, allowing women to become financially independent.


“I was able to start my own beauty parlour in a gated community two years ago after completing a beautician course,” says K Saroj, who lives in Medavakkam, Chennai. “I couldn’t go to college because my family couldn’t afford it, but now I can earn well and ensure my children can study in good schools.”

Vocational courses alleviate pressure on the traditional education system


 Since colleges and universities have limited seats, vocational training offers an alternative pathway for those who may not want to pursue a degree or those who lack the financial resources to access such education. Vocational training is often less expensive and quicker to complete than a traditional degree, making it an attractive option for students who want to begin working sooner, without incurring heavy debt or spending many years in school.

Government initiatives prioritise vocational education

The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, focuses on integrating vocational education into mainstream education across all boards in India. It aims for at least 50% of school and higher education students to have access to vocational education by 2025, emphasising industry linkages and demand-driven courses.


The National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) and Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) are government institutes that offer vocational courses. The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) is another government organisation that supports vocational education in India.

Why are there few takers?
 According to a 2020 report, there are not many takers for vocational courses in schools. In 2020, only 1,247 students opted for the vocational stream, while there were 1,755 seats in 18 skill courses offered in government schools in Chandigarh. Some skill courses received fewer than two applications.


Experts attribute this to several factors. Many schools lack essential infrastructure, such as laboratories and equipment. For instance, students enrolled in IT courses often want to use computers, which are frequently unavailable. Even in schools that do have labs, these facilities are not equipped to handle high enrolment numbers.


Since government schools often operate on tight budgets, vocational courses are not always a priority when funds are allocated. “Often, schools don’t have the financial resources to invest in modern training equipment, qualified trainers, or the development of new courses,” says a trainer at a government institute who wishes to remain anonymous.


There is also a shortage of qualified trainers and teachers with both industry experience and teaching ability. Government schools often struggle to recruit and retain instructors who not only have technical expertise but also understand the latest industry trends and can impart these to students.


These trainers also often don’t have access to regular training or professional development opportunities, which is essential to keep up with changing industry demands or new technologies. This results in outdated teaching methods and poor curriculum.


Another major challenge is the lack of linkage between vocational training providers (schools) and industries. Practical training, internships, and apprenticeships are crucial for vocational education, but government schools often lack partnerships with companies or local businesses where students can gain real-world experience. Institutes also fail to provide adequate job placement assistance or guidance, leaving students struggling to find employment after completing the courses.


There is also an inherent social bias towards vocational education in India, where it is often seen as a last resort for students who cannot pursue traditional academic education. Many students, parents, and even educators view vocational courses as inferior or less prestigious than university degrees, which discourages students. Many students and parents are also unaware of the benefits of vocational education, and that it can lead to lucrative career opportunities.


“When my son enrolled for an ITI course, all my relatives and friends felt that he should opt for a regular professional course and attend a reputed college or university,” says Vijayalakshmi Narasimhan, who works in a bank. “But he is doing well now and is happy with the profession he chose.”


Vocational training is often seen as separate from the traditional academic curriculum. Students may have to choose between academic subjects and vocational courses, leading to a divided education system. Integrating vocational education within the general school system can help normalise it and make it more attractive to students.

Lack of recognition, dropout rates pose roadblocks
 In many cases, vocational courses lack formal recognition or accreditation by industry bodies or professional associations. This reduces the credibility of the courses and the value of the qualifications awarded, making it difficult for students to find employers who recognise their training.
Many students who begin vocational courses often drop out due to a variety of factors such as lack of interest, societal pressure to pursue academic education, or because they do not see immediate benefits from completing the course.

Smile Foundation steps in

Smile Foundation’s STeP programme works in line with government policies to bridge the gap and address the challenges involved in implementing vocational education courses. As part of our educational initiatives, vocational exposure has been encouraged and initiated among students to facilitate holistic learning and development by providing a space for students beyond regular curriculum subjects. This helps children and youth make connections between different areas of learning. 

Our skill training and livelihood programme is closely aligned with the ‘Skill India’ initiative of the Government of India. We aim to empower individuals with relevant and in-demand skills through specialised training courses.

This will help them adapt to the changing job market and secure meaningful employment opportunities. The focus of our programmes is on comprehensive training and skill development. Through tailored counselling sessions, engagement programmes, and hands-on experience, we provide young trainees with the tools and guidance needed to create a nurturing environment where they can explore their capabilities and cultivate their talents.

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CSR Partners In Change Partnerships Smile Women Empowerment

Addressing Mental Health Challenges: A Shared Responsibility

mental health challenges

Is mental health a universal concern, or has it, too, been divided along socio-economic lines? While mental health is frequently discussed in urban circles, rural communities in India remain largely excluded from these conversations. This is especially concerning given the rising prevalence of mental health challenges among women in rural and economically disadvantaged urban areas.

A staggering 45 million women in India continue to live in poverty. If we consider how many of them struggle with untreated mental health conditions—due to lack of awareness, affordability, and access to care—the urgency of intervention becomes undeniable. In this scenario, corporate-NGO partnerships have the potential to play a transformative role in complementing government efforts to improve women’s mental well-being.

Mental Health: A Critical Concern for Rural Women

Rural women remain particularly vulnerable due to limited awareness, financial instability, restrictive social roles, and domestic violence. The situation is further compounded by deep-rooted social stigmas, where symptoms of mental illness are often misinterpreted—sometimes even leading to women being ostracized or accused of being “witches” due to their unusual behavior.

For many rural women, mental health care is an unfamiliar concept, yet they are expected to continue with their daily responsibilities while battling anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges.

A study by Gawai and Tendulkar in rural Maharashtra revealed that many married women lack awareness of mental health and remain unaware of the services available to them. This highlights an urgent need to integrate mental health support within rural healthcare systems.

Strengthening Mental Healthcare Services in Rural India

The Indian government has taken a proactive approach by expanding mental health services through the  District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). Currently implemented in 767 districts, this initiative focuses on:

  • Suicide prevention services
  • Workplace stress management
  • Life skills training in schools and colleges
  • Accessible counselling and medication
  • Emergency care at district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres
  • 10-bed inpatient facilities at the district level

While these initiatives offer a strong foundation, a collaborative approach is needed to ensure mental health services are adapted to rural India’s unique socio-cultural landscape. Corporate partnerships with NGOs can help bridge these gaps by promoting community-led solutions that integrate mental well-being into women’s daily lives.

Building a Holistic Mental Health Ecosystem for Rural Women

1. Shifting Perceptions

Mental health support must extend beyond treating disorders—it should focus on building emotional resilience. Awareness campaigns should equip rural women with the tools to recognize stressors, seek help early, and embrace a more balanced, self-sufficient life.

2. Community-Based Medical Interventions

Given the diverse languages, traditions, and customs across India, trained medical staff who understand the cultural complexities of rural communities are essential. Investing in local mental health professionals, community counsellors, and peer-led support groups can make interventions more accessible and impactful.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure

This year, India’s Union Budget has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women through education, financial inclusion, and healthcare support. However, achieving long-term impact requires a multi-stakeholder approach. CSR initiatives can play a pivotal role in supporting and expanding mental health interventions by focusing on:

  • Reducing stigma through awareness campaigns
  • Enhancing medical interventions to prevent associated health complications
  • Training community-based mental health professionals
  • Developing infrastructure for long-term support and recovery

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the need to engage informal networks in accelerating mental health outreach. Corporate-NGO collaborations, such as those led by Smile Foundation, can be instrumental in scaling community-based mental health programmes for rural women.

Our flagship women empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, is dedicated to improving healthcare access, financial independence, and childcare for women across India. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, Swabhiman prioritizes antenatal and postnatal care, ensuring equitable access to essential services in collaboration with Anganwadis and grassroots organizations.

A key focus is the training of healthcare professionals, enhancing maternal health outcomes and driving policy advocacy for women’s well-being. Additionally, Swabhiman promotes financial independence through entrepreneurship training, equipping women with the skills to build sustainable livelihoods. Through community-based healthcare centres, we raise awareness, reduce maternal mortality, and support long-term empowerment.

Recognizing the deep connection between mental health and overall well-being, Swabhiman also works towards addressing mental health challenges faced by rural women. By identifying early triggers and providing the right support, we aim to ensure that women receive the care they need before concerns escalate, fostering a healthier, more resilient future. Partner with us to help rural women of India live a holistically healthy – life and environment.

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CSR Women Empowerment

Role of Budget 2025 in Advancing Women Empowerment Initiatives in India

Women Empowerment Initiatives in India

As the world’s largest democracy, India operates on the foundational principles of equality, justice, innovation, and inclusion. Within this framework, the Union Budget serves as a cornerstone for national cohesion, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to holistic societal development. The Budget 2025 plays a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of women empowerment initiatives, ensuring economic support, early childcare, and Anganwadi infrastructure. These targeted investments aim to provide women and their communities with the essential resources needed to lead healthy, stable, and prosperous lives.

Budget 2025: Women Empowerment Initiatives in Focus

The Union Budget is a strategic tool that shapes the nation’s economic landscape, ensuring inclusive growth while upholding the government’s responsibility to uplift minority groups. Budget 2025 carries forward this commitment, directing significant attention towards bridging gender gaps and advancing women’s financial and social well-being.

Financial Empowerment of Women in India

Budget 2025 underscores women’s financial inclusion, introducing initiatives that facilitate greater access to funding, business opportunities, and skill development. Key provisions include increased financial support for women-led businesses, offering them a stronger foothold in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Notably, the 2025-26 gender budget introduces term loans up to INR 2 crore for first-time entrepreneurs, including women, over five years—a move aimed at accelerating female entrepreneurship.

Women’s Health is Non-Negotiable

Recognizing that women’s health is the foundation of a thriving society, the government has prioritized healthcare accessibility and maternal well-being. The allocation for women’s safety and security has seen a significant boost, reinforcing a safer environment for women across the country. The Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 schemes have received an increased allocation of INR 450.98 crore, ensuring improved nutrition and early childhood development.

However, despite these progressive measures, experts have raised concerns about persistent gaps in women’s healthcare funding. The Matru Vandana Yojana, which provides INR 6000 per mother, has remained unchanged since 2013, failing to adjust for inflation, thereby reducing its impact. Additionally, Anganwadi workers continue to be underpaid, reflecting a chronic underfunding of maternal and child healthcare services. These gaps highlight the urgent need for targeted policy interventions and sustained investment in women’s health.

Equal Education for All with Budget 2025

Education is a powerful catalyst for change, and Budget 2025 aims to bridge the gender digital divide through the National Mission on Education through ICT, which has been allocated 100% funding for women. In a move to strengthen school infrastructure and learning quality, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’s budget has increased to INR 12,375 crore, while the PM SHRI Schools scheme has received a significant boost to INR 2250 crore.

Additionally, the government is promoting women’s participation in STEM fields, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These investments reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and fostering an ecosystem where women can thrive in every domain.

Budget 2025 Grants Special Status to Women- Why?

A gender-responsive approach is crucial to breaking down systemic barriers that have historically disadvantaged women. By addressing deep-rooted social norms, economic inequalities, and institutional biases, Budget 2025 aims to empower women to take control of their financial and social destinies. This involves advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources, fair labor market conditions, and holding governments and stakeholders accountable for their commitments.

In India, the Union Budget is more than just a financial document—it is a social protection tool for women. Targeted investments in financial inclusion, education, skill development, and entrepreneurship have the power to create transformative societal shifts.

Women Empowerment Initiatives in India- Collective Efforts

While Budget 2025 sets the foundation for women empowerment, truly speaking, its success depends on collaborative efforts between the government, corporate sector, and civil society. Being a social protection tool, the budget 2025 shall be able to benefit the maximum number of socially-economically challenged women of India, when social stakeholders and Corporate Social partnerships work hand in hand towards set goals. 

Thereby, it is pertinent to pause and align our corporate social responsibility goals towards gender inclusivity in leadership roles, participate in mentoring and investing women led businesses or encourage your organisation’s business culture to help NGOs for women like Smile Foundation to empower urban poor, rural and tribal women of India with access to quality education, healthcare and financial development.   

Collective Action with Social Stakeholders

At Smile Foundation, we recognize the transformative power of collaboration between corporate entities and NGOs in driving meaningful, sustainable change. With over 400 global corporate partners, we’ve seen how strategic alliances can address pressing needs and build a brighter future for women and girls in underserved communities.

Our flagship women’s empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, is focused on advancing healthcare, financial independence, and child care for women across India. By providing equitable access to healthcare and financial resources, Swabhiman works to enhance healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas, with a particular emphasis on antenatal and postnatal care. In partnership with Anganwadis and social development organizations, we ensure that essential services reach those who need them most. We also invest in continuous training for healthcare workers, improving maternal health outcomes and advocating for policy changes that prioritize women’s health.

Furthermore, Swabhiman empowers women through financial independence and entrepreneurship training, providing the skills needed to build sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty. Through our community-based healthcare centres, we raise awareness, reduce maternal mortality, and equip women with the tools for long-term independence.

Are your CSR goals aiming to achieve- 
  • Ways to take vital healthcare and financial resources to underserved women of India?
  • Tangible impact by supporting women’s empowerment at the grassroots level?
  • CSR efforts to drive social change and contribute to sustainable development in India?

If your organization is looking to make a lasting, strategic impact through women’s empowerment, we invite you to partner with Smile Foundation. Let’s work together to ensure your CSR initiatives are not only impactful but result-oriented, creating a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

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Smile

11th SIFFCY- Delhi Film Festival for Children

Delhi International Film Festival

Cinema is a powerful medium—one that inspires, educates, and entertains. It is a boundless canvas of imagination that tells stories capable of shaping values, sparking creativity, and fostering a lifelong love for learning. When cinema meets young audiences, its impact becomes transformative and therefore, celebrating this impactful power of good cinema-the 11th SIFFCY– Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth in partnership with the European Union—is all set to take place from 28th January to 3rd February 2025 at the Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi. As one of the most popular Delhi Film Festivals, SIFFCY, is an initiative by the Smile Foundation, that continues to highlight the power of cinema in nurturing young minds and creating meaningful social impact.

Delhi Film Festival – 11th SIFFCY Is here!

What makes SIFFCY unique?

This year, the 11th edition of SIFFCY presents a treasure trove of cinematic excellence from across the globe. Organized in a hybrid format, the festival will seamlessly blend in-person screenings with virtual accessibility, ensuring it reaches every corner of India during its seven-day run.

To be held at the Siri Fort Auditorium, the festival’s grand opening ceremony, prestigious awards, and other key events will captivate audiences on-site while simultaneously unfolding across 100 locations nationwide. This all-inclusive approach ensures children and youth from diverse backgrounds can experience and engage with the magic of cinema.

This milestone edition features an exceptional lineup of films, carefully curated to cater to the diverse interests of young viewers. From animated tales to compelling documentaries, the festival promises an immersive journey through storytelling that will leave a lasting impression.

Why attend SIFFCY 2025?

Good cinema, great values

Whether you are an educator, a parent, or a student, SIFFCY 2025 offers something meaningful for everyone. As a Delhi Film Festival dedicated to children and youth, it showcases films that impart values such as teamwork, perseverance, and empathy in ways that are engaging and relatable. For instance, animated classics and adventure stories often underscore the importance of standing up for what is right and believing in oneself.

Sparking creativity and imagination

For young audiences, cinema serves as a gateway to worlds of endless possibilities. Through the medium of films, children can explore fantastical realms, diverse cultures, and innovative perspectives. At the 11th SIFFCY, the lineup will feature a captivating mix of local folklore, international stories, and cutting-edge storytelling techniques—all designed to inspire young minds and encourage creative thinking.

A window to cultural diversity

Cinema is uniquely equipped to introduce children to cultures and traditions far beyond their immediate surroundings. The 11th SIFFCY- Delhi Film Festival amplifies this opportunity by curating a selection of films from across the globe. This year’s diverse offerings celebrate cultural richness, fostering an early appreciation for different perspectives while promoting tolerance and understanding.

Celebrate Global Good Cinema at SIFFCY 2025

Smile Foundation, a two decade old social development organization working for underserved children in India, firmly believes that a child’s development should extend beyond traditional education. Recognizing the importance of holistic growth, Smile Foundation’s SIFFCY embraces the power of cinema as a medium that combines emotional development with imaginative exploration.

This year, SIFFCY’25, aspires to foster emotional growth, empathy, and teamwork among children. Featuring films such as The Tiger’s Nest starring Sunny Pawar, Lampo: The Dog Who Travelled by Train, and Niko: Beyond the Northern Lights, the festival will offer an emotionally rich cinematic experience. These films address sensitive themes in an age-appropriate manner, helping young audiences process complex emotions in a safe and nurturing environment.

Furthermore, SIFFCY also provides a unique opportunity for children to experience these stories in the company of their peers, creating shared memories to cherish for years to come. As both an offline and virtual event, SIFFCY 2025 aims to build a sense of community where children, filmmakers, and educators can interact and discuss the themes and lessons explored in the films. By doing so, the festival seeks to shape a generation of compassionate, imaginative individuals who will become the architects of a brighter future.

Join us in celebrating the transformative power of cinema at SIFFCY 2025!

For more information, please visit- https://siffcy.org/ 

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From The People, For The People

One India, One Festival: Many Celebrations

Makar Sankranti Donation
One India, One Festival: Many Celebrations

India is an interesting potpourri of languages, religious faiths, customs, beliefs, and cultural traditions; each adding its charm and vigour to the colourful mosaic of India. Festivals are an integral part of Indian culture as they provide expression to our traditional heritage and cultural legacy. Makar Sankranti donation is also integral to the festivities as doing good makes one enjoy the festiveness more!

India, predominantly an agricultural country, has many of its festivals around harvest seasons to express gratitude to nature and celebrate the agricultural yield. Makar Sankranti is one of the oldest and perhaps the most important harvest festivals in India.

This festival encapsulates the essence of India’s diversity as it is celebrated along the entire expanse of India, from north to south and east to west in multiple states with different names and different traditional customs but the same spirit of happiness. 

This year, let’s add a new colour to our festive celebrations by contributing to positively changing the lives of our less privileged fellow Indians through some meaningful Makar Sankranti donations.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a special occasion in many ways. It is not just an Indian harvest festival but holds great cultural, spiritual, astronomical, and mythological significance in the Hindu religion. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac of Capricorn or ‘makar rashi’ and is celebrated on January 14th every year, as it follows the solar cycle.

Scientifically, Makar Sankranti is the time when the sun starts moving toward the northern hemisphere. This marks the beginning of longer days and shorter nights. This transition has a great astrological and religious value attached to it too and is believed to be the beginning of an auspicious phase of the year.

As per Hindu mythology, Saturn or ‘Shani’ is the son of the Sun god or ‘Surya’ and they are always at loggerheads. However, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Sun successfully enters the house of Saturn or Shani and remains there for nearly a month.

It is considered that during this time Sun forgets all the bitterness and makes peace with his son. Thus, Makar Sankranti symbolizes an occasion where we all should bury the hatchet and move forward peacefully in our lives.

Celebrate Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti celebrations might follow varied traditional practices in different states, but there is something common in all celebrations. People worship and express their gratitude to the Sun God, the source of life-supporting energy and seek blessings for wellness and prosperity. 

Being a harvest festival, the traditional offering to God on this occasion is mainly rice and lentil-based, which are mostly from the fresh harvest. Besides rice and lentils, the other most common Sankranti preparations are various sweets made from sesame (til), jaggery (gur), and ghee.

Below is a glimpse of the grand Makar Sankranti celebrations across India, highlighting some specific customs and rituals observed in different states:

Celebrate Lohri

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri in Punjab and is considered a New Year by the farming community here. On this day holy bonfires are lit and farmers show gratitude for their crops and also pray for prosperity and abundance in the New Year.

Black sesame seeds (Til), gajak (til-based sweet), Jaggery (gur), peanuts, etc. are fed to the holy fire as part of the harvest ritual. It is believed that offering these to fire or ‘agni’ takes away the negativity and ushers in prosperity in their lives. Traditional Punjabi dishes like makke di roti, sarson da saag, makhaane ki kheer, til ki barfi, pinni, panjiri etc. are included in the Lohri delicacies.

Celebrate Pongal

Pongal is an ancient harvest celebration in South India dating back to the Sangam age (200 BC-200 AD) and finds a mention in the puranas. It is a 4-day long festival in mid-January mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

This multi-day festival begins with Bhogi Pongal where old and useless articles are piled up after cleaning the house and burnt along with cow-dung as part of a ritual that symbolises getting rid of negativities and making new beginnings.

The second day which coincides with Makar Sankranti is Surya Pongal as it is dedicated to the Sun God. It is called Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu as it marks the beginning of the Tamil month ‘Thai’ and is known as Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh which means big festival.

On this day freshly harvested rice is boiled in a pot along with milk and jaggery and allowed to overflow. Both this dish and the process of boiling and overflowing are called Pongal.

On the 3rd day of Pongal known as Mattu Pongal, cattle are decorated and worshiped as a means of expressing gratitude for their help in farm work. The fourth and last day called Kannum is considered auspicious for starting new relationships and people usually rest, relax and feast together on this day.

Celebrate Magh Bihu

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in Assam and is an occasion of eating, feasting, and merriment. It marks the end of winter and also the harvesting season. People celebrate the abundance they have reaped and welcome the spring season with traditional rituals.

Celebrate Uttarayan

The event of the sun’s movement from the southern to northern celestial hemisphere is called Uttarayan. Since this transition begins on Makar Sankranti, this day is celebrated as Uttarayan in Gujarat. Celebrated over 2 days, this is one of the most colourful festivals in Gujarat.

Kite-flying competitions are the major attraction of the Uttarayan celebration. Undhiyu and chikkis are among the prominent Gujarati delicacies served on this occasion.

Celebrate Poush Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti or Poush Parbon in West Bengal. On this occasion, a grand Ganga Sagar Mela is organized every year at Ganga Sagar, the confluence of River Ganga with the Bay of Bengal.

People take a holy dip in this water on this auspicious occasion. Bengalis celebrate their Poush Sankranti with many delicacies like Paayesh, Puli Pithe, and many other sweet treats.

Donation on Makar Sankranti: A Unique Way to Celebrate

As Dr. Shashi Tharoor, author, politician, and public intellectual remarked, “India is a ‘thali’ with a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different and does not necessarily mix with the next but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast.” Makar Sankranti is one such unique Indian festival that manifests this unity in diversity.

Amidst all the varied celebrations typical to different states and their cultures, there is an underlying spirit of love, gratitude, and making peace on Makar Sankranti. This is an excellent occasion to stand up for our fellow Indians, the ones in need of our help, to stretch out a helping hand and bring a positive change in their lives.

Smile Foundation wants to bring the warmth of a bonfire to underprivileged children this festive season. Please come forward with your donations towards the health, education, and welfare of underprivileged children and the livelihood of their families.

Any small or big donation on this Makar Sankranti can end a harsh winter and usher spring into someone’s life. Make Makar Sankranti Donation here!

Categories
CSR Education Health Livelihood Skill Development Smile

Achieving 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030- How?

17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 can be achieved collectively and by collective efforts

Sustainable Development Goals are no longer an unknown term, and the world is aiming to achieve these 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 for the welfare of every individual regardless of their socio-economic status. Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the SDGs have become a well-recognised framework for global development. These goals, encompassing 17 objectives and 169 targets, are designed to ensure everyone can live with dignity. 

They address a broad range of issues including poverty alleviation, quality education, gender equality, clean water and climate action, while also focusing on health, economic growth, sustainable cities, responsible consumption and justice. 

Therefore, as we approach 2030, it is important to evaluate our progress toward achieving the SDGs and identify strategies to accelerate our efforts. The aim must be to fully realise these goals across India, ensuring that every individual benefits from each SDGs.

Separate or Combined Goals?

Each Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is crafted to support and enhance the others, emphasising the strength of their interconnectedness. The first goal, “No Poverty,” sets the foundation for the remaining 16 goals, aiming to eradicate hunger, ensure access to quality education, healthcare, clean water and sanitation, and promote a healthier environment both on land and in water.

Additionally, the SDGs focus on providing underserved communities with equal financial opportunities and encourage nations to foster decent work and economic growth through industry development and technological innovation. The ultimate aim is to eliminate inequalities across all areas of life, ensuring that no one is left behind. This approach drives us toward an egalitarian world with sustainable communities that practise responsible resource management and support each other’s holistic development.

Collective Efforts for Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

Recently, during Charcha, India’s Largest Collaborative Convening held by The Nudge Institute, Mr Arun Maira, a former member of the Planning Commission of India, highlighted that to develop holistically, India needs to revisit its village development model by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals collectively and not just by focussing on particular themes, if we truly wish to achieve “Viksit Gaon, Viksit Bharat” in its truest essence.

To ensure that no one is left behind, Viksit Gaon and Viksit Bharat must support underserved communities in India through simultaneous and collective efforts in accessing and embracing quality education, healthcare, livelihood training, women’s empowerment and community building.. 

But how? These parameters can be a guiding light for all those involved in the realm of sustainable development- 

  • United Strategic Partnerships 

Over the years, strategic partnerships between government initiatives and social stakeholders, including corporates and social development organisations, have consistently driven greater positive transformations than single entities acting alone. SDG 17 emphasises the crucial role of these collaborations, highlighting that achieving the SDGs and their interconnectedness requires collective efforts towards shared objectives.

  • Financing (SDGs) Sustainable Development Goals 

To keep the momentum of implementing the sustainable development goals, it is imperative that the state continues investing in mechanisms that help in equipping underserved communities with the benefits of the SDGs. By implementing new techniques and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the state and social stakeholders can collectively adopt newer ways of speeding up and achieving the sustainable development goals for all.

  • Transparency with Technology

Advancing and spreading new technologies, alongside gathering high-quality, timely and reliable data, are crucial for implementing the SDGs. Enhancing access to technology and boosting capabilities for technological development are essential. It is also vital to utilise the most effective information technology tools and resources across sectors such as clean energy, health and information.

Smile & 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030

Before the globe committed towards Sustainable Development Goals, the approach was focussing only on Millenium Development Goals, with a focus only on developing countries. However, this approach had to be changed as collective development became more of the need of the hour rather than selective empowerment.

In this context, Smile Foundation is dedicated to supporting underserved communities in India through our LifeCycle Approach. This strategy ensures that disadvantaged children and their communities benefit from quality education, accessible and free healthcare, livelihood training for improved employment prospects and comprehensive women’s empowerment, including reproductive healthcare and financial independence. Additionally, we strengthen grassroots organisations to foster community development and break the cycle of generational economic stagnation.

Our LifeCycle approach has enabled us to empower underserved children and families across India, impacting over 1.5 million individuals in 2,000 villages across 25 states annually.

Our flagship programs, including Mission Education, align with the National Education Policy to enhance foundational language, numerical skills (FLN) and STEAM education, providing a strong base for children’s future success. In healthcare, Smile On Wheels (SOWs) offers comprehensive mobile medical services, including OPD facilities, diagnostic tests and free medications, while the Swabhiman programme focuses on maternal, menstrual and neonatal health.

Furthermore, initiatives like STeP and Swabhiman empower youth and women through vocational training, boosting employability and entrepreneurship. This holistic support approach drives economic independence and societal upliftment.

Dedicated to supporting government initiatives for underserved communities in India, Smile Foundation actively incorporates the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into our programmes through our comprehensive LifeCycle approach. We work strategically to address every SDG theme in collaboration with government and corporate partners. We focus on creating significant impacts, building resilience and advancing sustainable development and community strengthening nationwide, working towards the idea that no one is left behind.

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