Piramal Foundation, as the philanthropic arm of Piramal Group, plays a crucial role in driving positive social change across various sectors. The foundation focuses on four key areas – healthcare, education, livelihood creation, and youth empowerment, and implements impactful projects in collaboration with local communities, corporate entities, NGO’s, and governmental organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that the foundation’s initiatives are well-integrated into the local context, addressing specific needs and challenges effectively.
Aspirational Bharat Collaborative (ABC): Transforming Lives in Remote India
Vision: The Aspirational Bharat Collaborative (ABC) envisions uplifting the lives of 100 million people mired in abject poverty across 112 Aspirational Districts in India by the year 2030. Focusing on education, health, and nutrition, ABC aims to achieve this ambitious goal through targeted initiatives, collaborative efforts, and innovative solutions.
Genesis: Launched in response to the stark reality that 41% of India’s impoverished population resides in 112 Aspirational Districts, the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) was initiated by the Government of India. Piramal Foundation, in partnership with NITI Aayog, has been actively working in 25 of these districts across seven states, making significant strides in health and education indicators.
ABC’s Approach: The Aspirational Bharat Collaborative acknowledges the compounded complexities of aspirational districts, such as tribal dominance, geographic challenges, and socio-economic issues hindering development. ABC commits to addressing these challenges through hyperlocal collaboration, leveraging community power, and ensuring sustainable, scalable behavior change.
Two-Pronged Approach – Collaboration and Convergence:
- Collaboration: ABC provides a platform for local entities to work collectively, engaging NGOs, colleges, local media, faith leaders, self-help groups, and Panchayat Samitis. It aims to bring together over 6000 hyperlocal collaborators to drive change.
- Convergence: ABC advocates for inter-sectoral convergence at the district level, aligning various government programs and schemes. This strategic move strengthens governance, transforms on-ground delivery, and lays the foundation for sustainable development.
Journey So Far: The Aspirational Bharat Collaborative has initiated 12 campaigns, with four already making a substantial impact. These campaigns, such as “Surakshit Dada Dadi, Nana Nani Abhiyaan” and “Jal Swavalamban Abhiyaan,” have touched lakhs of lives, creating a transformative movement.
Future Scope: As the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative expands, it aims to integrate advanced technologies, enhance skill development for sustainable livelihoods, and promote climate-resilient practices. Focusing on quality healthcare and innovative education, ADC plans to empower communities, strengthen local governance, and foster global partnerships. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management will ensure impactful poverty alleviation, creating a brighter, more equitable future for 112 Aspirational Districts in India by 2030.