Established in 2022 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Girnar Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of CarDekho Group, has rapidly initiated an array of transformative programs. Aligned with five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the foundation has swiftly embarked on initiatives aimed at empowering vulnerable communities, promoting education, ensuring good health, and fostering environmental sustainability. With a particular emphasis on uplifting women and children, the foundation has made significant strides in a short span of time, demonstrating its commitment to holistic societal progress.
Over the next five years, the foundation aims to comprehensively engage with all 17 SDGs, solidifying its commitment to holistic and sustainable progress. Furthermore, in its dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable development, the CarDekho Group has set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
In an exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ms. Pihu Jain, Head, Girnar Foundation, articulates the foundation's steadfast commitment to transformative initiatives, emphasizing its alignment with United Nations SDGs. She provides a comprehensive overview of the foundation's impactful programs, focusing on education, gender equality, healthcare, climate action, and sustainable communities. Additionally, Ms. Jain delves into the foundation's community engagement strategies, expansion plans, and collaborative endeavours with stakeholders. She also highlights the foundation's utilization of innovative technologies and approaches to ensure a sustainable and positive impact on vulnerable communities.
Read the full interview to gain deeper insights into Girnar Foundation's comprehensive efforts in driving positive societal change.
Q&A
Q. What compelling stories or experiences led the Girnar Foundation to embrace specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how do these goals resonate with the foundation's core values and mission?
A. The Girnar Foundation's embrace of specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) is deeply rooted in its core values and mission to bring a change in society. The alignment with the UNSDGs has shaped the foundation's commitment to making a positive and sustainable impact in critical areas of development. Here's a breakdown of how these SDGs resonate with the foundation's values and mission:
Education (SDG 4 - Quality Education): The Girnar Foundation recognises that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for empowerment and social progress. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of education on individuals and communities. By focusing on women's education, we aim to break down barriers and empower women with knowledge and skills. This aligns perfectly with our core value of promoting education as a means to create a more equitable and just society.
Gender Equality (SDG 5 - Gender Equality): Empowering women is at the heart of the Girnar Foundation's mission. Gender equality is not only a standalone goal but also a crucial means to achieving sustainable development. We are committed to creating opportunities, reducing gender disparities, and promoting women's participation in all aspects of life. These efforts resonate deeply with our core value of fostering gender equality as a cornerstone for societal progress.
Healthcare (SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being): Access to quality healthcare is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. The foundation understands the significance of good health in enabling people to reach their full potential. By supporting healthcare initiatives, we are not only addressing immediate health needs but also contributing to the overall well-being of the communities we serve. This commitment aligns with our mission to improve the quality of life for all.
Climate Action (SDG 13 - Climate Action): The Girnar Foundation recognises the urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. We have witnessed the devastation caused by environmental challenges. By actively supporting climate action initiatives, we contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience. This aligns with our core value of ensuring a better future for all by safeguarding the environment.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities): The Girnar Foundation is committed to building sustainable cities and communities that are resilient, inclusive, and safe for all. We promote eco-friendly practices, sustainable urban planning, and green infrastructure development. This commitment aligns with our mission to create environments where people can thrive while preserving the planet for future generations.
In summary, the Girnar Foundation's commitment to these specific SDGs reflects its dedication to creating positive and lasting change in critical areas of development. These goals resonate deeply with our core values and mission, aligning with the broader global effort to achieve sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for people worldwide.
Q. Could you share captivating anecdotes that showcase the transformative impact the Girnar Foundation has had on individuals and communities it has touched?
A. Girnar Foundation has been involved in a variety of activities aimed at positively impacting individuals and communities, particularly focusing on girls and their education, health, and well-being. Here's how each of these initiatives makes a difference:
● Udayan Care Girls Corporate Visit - We organise motivational talks and workshops for girls so that we can inspire them and empower them.
● Sponsor Education of Girls - Education is often the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the lives of individuals and communities. By sponsoring girls' education, the Girnar Foundation plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality education.
● Sanitary Products Distribution and Female Health Talk with Girls - Distributing sanitary products and providing health talks have a profound impact on girls' health and hygiene. Our initiative helps address a critical need, ensuring that girls have access to menstrual hygiene products and education about female health.
● Warm Care - The Girnar Foundation's blanket distribution program provides warmth, comfort, and protection to those in need, helping them stay healthy and safe during challenging times.
● Ration and Book Donation Drive - Under this initiative, we provide essential food supplies through ration donations. It ensures that families have access to nutritious meals, reducing food insecurity.
Q. How does the Girnar Foundation engage with local communities, tailor its initiatives to address unique challenges, and contribute to building sustainable and inclusive communities?
A. The Girnar Foundation's approach to engaging with local communities, tailoring its initiatives to address unique challenges, and contributing to building sustainable and inclusive communities is characterised by a comprehensive strategy.
Community engagement lies at the heart of the foundation's work. We actively collaborate with local communities to identify beneficiaries for its programs. This approach ensures that the foundation's initiatives are closely aligned with the specific needs and priorities of each community.
Recognising the significance of addressing both tangible and intangible barriers to progress, the Girnar Foundation integrates psychological support and mindset-shifting components into its programs. These components, including mentorship, counselling, and workshops, are designed to foster self-confidence, resilience, and empowerment, particularly among girls and young women. The goal is to nurture positive mindsets that empower individuals to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.
Awareness building constitutes a vital component of the foundation's work. A lack of awareness can impede progress in many communities. To address this, we organise informative sessions and workshops to raise awareness among community members. These sessions cover essential topics such as education, healthcare, gender equality, and sustainable practices, equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions.
Furthermore, customisation is fundamental to the foundation's approach. We acknowledge that each community is unique, with its own set of challenges and strengths. Therefore, initiatives are tailored to address the specific challenges prevalent in a particular community. For instance, in areas with limited access to education, the foundation focuses on scholarships and improving educational infrastructure. At the same time, in regions with healthcare disparities, its support encompasses healthcare clinics and awareness campaigns.
The Girnar Foundation's commitment extends beyond short-term interventions. We aim to create a lasting impact by building the capacity of communities to sustain positive changes. This often involves imparting skills and knowledge that promote self-sufficiency and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to the long-term well-being of the communities we serve.
Q. In which geographical areas has the Girnar Foundation been most active, and are there plans to expand its initiatives to new regions in the future? Please elaborate.
A. The Foundation currently operates in Gurugram and Jaipur. However, it has ambitious plans to extend its influence and reach across the entirety of India in the coming years.
Q. What steps is the foundation taking to ensure the long-term sustainability of its projects and initiatives, both financially and in terms of community engagement?
A. As dedicated proponents of environmental responsibility and staunch advocates for sustainable development, the CarDekho Group has made a resolute commitment to attain carbon neutrality by the year 2050, in alignment with the United Nations framework. Furthermore, the group has embraced five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). In a remarkable display of personal commitment, the founders and their families have taken proactive steps to neutralise their carbon emissions by directing them towards supporting a wind power project. To realise these objectives, a comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy is being formulated to effectively address climate-related objectives. In a visionary pursuit of a sustainable future, the Group has established the Girnar Foundation as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm, with a strong foundation based on five UNSDGs: promoting good health and well-being, advancing quality education, fostering gender equality, contributing to sustainable cities and communities, and actively participating in climate action. This endeavour is a significant contribution toward the advancement of a more developed, sustainable, and inclusive India.
Girnar Foundation is actively engaged in sustainability efforts. We are dedicated to reducing plastic consumption in both office and home environments. Additionally, we organise informative sessions focused on sustainability to promote environmental awareness and responsible practices among our stakeholders.
Q. What innovative approaches or technologies is the Girnar Foundation utilizing to ensure that its initiatives make a lasting and positive impact on the well-being of vulnerable communities?
A. The Girnar Foundation is deeply committed to leveraging innovative approaches and technologies to ensure that its initiatives have a lasting and positive impact on the well-being of vulnerable communities. These innovative strategies are integral to the foundation's mission of creating sustainable and transformative change.
The foundation has developed a holistic educational model that extends beyond traditional academics. It establishes schools that not only provide students with academic knowledge but also offer vocational training. This innovative approach equips students with practical skills, enhancing their long-term prospects and overall well-being. Furthermore, the Foundation recognises the importance of addressing the psychological and mindset aspects of individuals and communities. Through innovative programs and interventions, it works to shift mindsets, promote self-belief, and foster a sense of agency among beneficiaries. These initiatives empower individuals with the resilience and confidence needed to overcome challenges effectively.
Technology plays a pivotal role in the foundation's initiatives. It leverages digital tools and platforms to enhance the reach and effectiveness of its programs. This includes using e-learning platforms for education, conducting virtual counselling sessions, and employing data analytics for program assessment and improvement. In addition to technology, community engagement is a cornerstone of sustainability. The Foundation actively involves the communities it serves, encouraging their participation in project planning, implementation, and management. This approach ensures that initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of each community, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
The foundation also embraces data-driven decision-making. By collecting and analysing relevant data, it gains valuable insights into the impact and effectiveness of its programs. This data-driven approach enables the foundation to continuously refine and improve its initiatives to serve vulnerable communities better.
Moreover, strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations and stakeholders are another key element of the Girnar Foundation's innovative approach. Collaborative efforts bring together expertise, resources, and networks to enhance the scope and impact of initiatives. These partnerships enable the foundation to address complex challenges more effectively and contribute to lasting change.
Q. How does the Girnar Foundation collaborate with other organisations, governments, or stakeholders to scale its projects and make a broader societal impact?
A. The Girnar Foundation is deeply committed to fostering broader societal impact through strategic collaborations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including other organisations, government entities, and community partners. These collaborations are instrumental in scaling the foundation's projects and initiatives to make a meaningful and lasting difference. Here is an overview of how the foundation collaborates effectively:
Engagement through Ground Visits: The Foundation adopts a hands-on approach to better understand the needs and requirements of its partner NGOs and organisations. Ground visits are conducted to establish a direct connection and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the communities being served.
Active Involvement through Volunteering Sessions: Collaboration extends beyond financial support. The foundation actively encourages its team members and volunteers to engage in on-site volunteering sessions with partner NGOs. This active involvement fosters a deeper understanding of the projects and allows for firsthand contributions to community initiatives.
Identifying and Fulfilling Specific Requirements: The Foundation takes a proactive role in working with partner organisations to identify and fulfil their specific needs. This may involve providing critical resources such as educational materials, medical supplies, or infrastructure improvements. By addressing these specific requirements, the foundation enhances the impact of collaborative efforts.
Alignment through Office Visits: To ensure alignment in values and social responsibility approaches, the Girnar Foundation conducts office visits with its partners. These visits provide an opportunity to understand the corporate culture and shared values, facilitating more effective collaboration in pursuit of common goals.
The Foundation's collaborative approach is characterised by active engagement, resource-sharing, and a strong commitment to working alongside partners to achieve shared objectives. Through these collaborative efforts, the foundation aims to not only scale its projects but also extend its positive impact on society, ultimately contributing to the betterment of vulnerable communities and broader societal well-being.
Q. The time since Girnar Foundation began its CSR work, what valuable lessons or insights has the organisation gained, and have there been any specific experiences or initiatives that have inspired its approach to social responsibility?
A. The Girnar Foundation's journey in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been marked by valuable lessons and inspirational experiences that have shaped its approach to social responsibility. Here are some insights and experiences that have influenced the organisation's commitment to CSR, particularly in the context of women's education –
● One of the most significant insights the Girnar Foundation has gained is the transformative power of education, especially women's education. Recognising that education is a catalyst for change, the foundation has learned that investing in women's education not only empowers individuals but also has a profound impact on the entire community and society.
● The foundation has realised that education knows no age limits or societal positions. Everyone, regardless of age or background, has the potential to learn and grow.
● Through its work, the Girnar Foundation has observed that child education and women's education play pivotal roles in reshaping and improving society.
● One particular experience that has profoundly impacted the foundation's CSR approach was a meeting with the Udayan Care girls. Interacting with these young girls who have overcome adversity through education and support highlighted the importance of providing opportunities to those in need.
