Since its inception in 2006, Ishanya Foundation has been at the forefront of driving inclusive and sustainable community development across India. Founded with the vision of creating self-reliant and dignified communities, the Foundation has spent nearly two decades empowering individuals through livelihood creation, skills training, education, healthcare, and women-centric initiatives. What began as a focused effort to promote vocational skills has evolved into a holistic movement for social transformation, rooted in sustainability, collaboration, and empowerment.
As the Foundation celebrates 18 years of impact, it continues to redefine CSR by moving beyond short-term aid to long-term, sustainable outcomes. From pioneering the Vocational Skill Development Project and Wadi and Dairy Development programmes to curating the nationally recognised Yellow Ribbon NGO & Artisan’s Fair, Ishanya Foundation has created a lasting ecosystem for change.
In an exclusive interaction with TheCSRUniverse, Mrs. Parul Mehta, Managing Trustee of Ishanya Foundation, reflects on the Foundation’s journey, the milestones that have shaped its evolution, and how it continues to build pathways for inclusive growth with dignity and purpose.
Read the full interview below.
Q&A
Q.Ishanya Foundation has been driving inclusive growth since 2006. What was the original vision behind setting it up, and how has that vision evolved over the years?
A. When Ishanya Foundation was set up in 2006, the original vision was simple yet powerful — to act as a catalyst in creating self-reliant and dignified communities by equipping people with skills, resources, and opportunities that could transform their lives. We believed that true empowerment comes when individuals can stand on their own feet, not just through aid, but through sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance.
Over the years, this vision has evolved into a deeper and broader one. While we began with a strong focus on vocational training and livelihood creation, we soon realized that sustainable impact requires a holistic approach. That is why we expanded into healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, and community development. We also embraced collaboration — partnering with NGOs, government bodies, and international nonprofits — to extend our reach and amplify impact.
Today, our vision continues to evolve in response to the changing social and economic landscape, but the core remains the same: empowering individuals with dignity, inclusivity, and the means to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Q. Looking back, what are some of the most transformative milestones in the Foundation’s journey so far?
A. As Ishanya Foundation celebrates its 18th year, several milestones stand out as truly transformative in our journey.
One of the earliest breakthroughs was the Vocational Skill Development Project (VSDP), which helped urban youth and women build employable skills and achieve financial independence. It set the tone for our focus on sustainable livelihoods rather than short-term aid.
The launch of our Yellow Ribbon NGO & Artisan’s Fair (YRNF) in Pune was another turning point. What began as a small effort to connectNGOs to urban markets has grown into a nationally recognised platform with participation of registered Artisans, Self Help groups, Social Enterprises, and Farmer Producers. Over the years, it has empowered thousands of self-help groups and NGOs by not just providing them sales opportunities but also training them in market access, digital tools, and entrepreneurship.
Equally transformative have been our Wadi and Dairy Development projects in rural areas, which have enabled marginalized farmers and women to secure sustainable income, adopt better agricultural practices, and build resilience. These initiatives embody our belief in helping communities rise with dignity.
On the social front, our health interventions through Aarogyam—including pathological and diagnostic investigations for the underprivileged,preventive health camps, dental and eye care, and skin disease detection—have touched thousands of lives, especially in underserved communities where healthcare is often inaccessible.
Another milestone has been our embrace of digital learning and school upgradation. By modernising village schools and introducing e-learning, we have opened up opportunities for rural children to compete on equal footing in an increasingly digital world.
Finally, a defining element of our journey has been our commitment to research-driven programmes. By grounding our interventions in data and insights, we have ensured that our initiatives remain relevant, scalable, and impactful.
Looking back, each of these milestones reflects our core ethos: to empower, enable, and uplift with dignity. Together, they have shaped Ishanya Foundation into a catalyst for inclusive growth across urban and rural India.
Q. How do micro-entrepreneurship initiatives translate into long-term financial independence for women and their families?
A. At Ishanya Foundation, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to build sustainable livelihoods for women. When women are supported with skills, resources, and market access, they earn not just an income but also build assets, gain confidence, and create security for their families.
Our Entrepreneurship Development initiatives help marginalised individuals in the community start or expand small businesses by providing them with tools, equipment, and training. Whether it is a sewing machine, a beauty parlour kit, or a small shop, these interventions open the door to consistent income generation. Over time, this translates into the ability to pay for children’s education, access better healthcare, and invest in the growth of their businesses.
We have seen remarkable stories — like Vasudha, whose small Tapari increased her family’s daily income by 60%, or Lilaben, whose general store earnings nearly doubled after we supported her with a refrigerator. These are not just short-term gains; they create a cycle of independence where women can reinvest, expand, and stand on their own feet with dignity. In the long run, entrepreneurship transforms women into contributors to the household economy and role models in their communities.
Q. What are the biggest challenges women face when stepping into entrepreneurship, and how does the Foundation help them overcome these?
A. For many women from underprivileged backgrounds, entrepreneurship often feels out of reach due to multiple barriers. The biggest challenges include limited skills and knowledge, a lack of financial resources to invest in equipment or inventory, and poor access to markets. Social barriers also play a role, with many women hesitant to step forward due to low confidence or lack of family support.
At Ishanya Foundation, we address these challenges through a combination of capacity building, like a digital marketing training program, resource support, and handholding. We provide vocational and entrepreneurial skills training, equip women with essential tools and machines to start their businesses, and connect them to local as well as urban markets. Through initiatives like the Yellow Ribbon NGO & Artisan’s Fair, we also help women’s groups gain visibility and reach new customers.
Equally important, we work to build confidence. When women see their income rise, as in the case of beneficiaries whose earnings improved by 20–80% after our support, they gain the courage to grow further. Our role is not just to provide resources, but to nurture belief — showing women that they can be self-reliant, respected, and capable entrepreneurs.
Q. The Yellow Ribbon NGO & Artisan Fair has become an iconic platform over the past 18 years. What inspired its inception, and what makes this year’s edition special?
A. The Yellow Ribbon NGO Fair was born out of a simple yet powerful idea — to give grassroots NGOs, artisans, and self-help groups a dignified platform to showcase their talent and earn livelihoods. When we started in 2006, we realised that while these groups had incredible skill and products, they lacked access to markets and visibility. The Fair became a bridge between their creativity and urban consumers’ demand, especially during the festive season.
In FY 2024-25 edition was particularly special as it brought together 162 organisations from 12 states, representing a vibrant mix of crafts, textiles, organic produce, and eco-friendly products. With sales crossing ₹1.12 crore and over 10,000 footfalls, it reinforced the Fair’s role as more than just a marketplace — it is a celebration of inclusive growth and India’s cultural heritage. The curated corporate gift hampers, benefitting NGOs, Artisans,and SHGs, also showcased how collective impact can be created by weaving in social responsibility with festive gifting
Q. How have consumer preferences evolved over the years, especially regarding eco-friendly products and traditional crafts?
A. Over the years, we have seen a clear shift in consumer behaviour. Earlier, buyers were primarily attracted to affordability or novelty, but today’s urban consumers are far more conscious about sustainability, authenticity, and ethical sourcing. Eco-friendly, hand-made, and organic products have moved from being “niche” to being mainstream choices.
There is also a renewed respect for traditional crafts and indigenous skills. Consumers are increasingly valuing the stories behind the products — who made them, how they were created, and what cultural legacy they represent. This evolution has given our participating NGOs and artisans not just sales, but recognition and pride in their craft.
Q. What role do you see the Fair playing in bridging the gap between rural artisans/NGOs and urban conscious consumers?
A. The Fair plays the role of a connector and enabler. For artisans and NGOs, it opens up access to an urban marketplace that they otherwise find difficult to reach. For consumers, it offers the opportunity to directly engage with the people behind the products, understand their stories, and make purchases that are both meaningful and responsible.
Beyond transactions, the Fair creates awareness. It helps urban buyers see the value in choosing hand-made over machine-made, sustainable over disposable. In that sense, the Yellow Ribbon Fair is not just a marketplace but a platform for dialogue, empathy, and conscious action.
Q. Conscious consumerism is gaining traction in India. From your perspective, what does this shift mean for local artisans, farmers, and SHGs?
A. The rise of conscious consumerism is a game-changer for grassroots communities. It means that artisans, farmers, and SHGs no longer have to compete only on price — they can compete on values like sustainability, tradition, and authenticity. This shift creates space for fair pricing, respect for craftsmanship, and dignity of labour.
For many women and small farmers, this also means greater financial security and social recognition. When an SHG sees its handmade basket or organic produce being valued in an urban household, it validates their hard work and motivates them to continue. Conscious consumerism, in essence, is helping transform livelihoods into legacies — ensuring that traditional skills and eco-friendly practices are preserved while creating sustainable income for communities.
Q. Ishanya Foundation is redefining CSR by focusing on sustainable outcomes rather than one-time interventions. Can you elaborate on this approach and its long-term benefits?
A. At Ishanya Foundation, we have always believed that true social responsibility goes beyond one-time aid — it is about creating lasting change. Our approach is rooted in sustainability and self-reliance. Instead of offering short-term relief, we design interventions that equip individuals and communities with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in the long run.
For example, rather than distributing food or temporary assistance, we invest in Vocational Skill Development, Entrepreneurship programmes, Wadi and Dairy projects, and Farmer capacity-building initiatives. These empower beneficiaries — women, farmers, and youth — to build independent and sustainable livelihoods. Similarly, through Aarogyam, we emphasize preventive healthcare, ensuring that communities are healthier and less vulnerable in the future.
Our Yellow Ribbon NGO & Artisan’s Fair is another example of this philosophy. It doesn’t just give artisans and NGOs a stall for a few days — it builds their confidence, exposes them to new markets, and equips them with digital and entrepreneurial skills that last far beyond the event.
The long-term benefits of this approach are visible: families achieve financial stability, women gain decision-making power, farmers adopt better agricultural practices, and children access improved education. Most importantly, our beneficiaries no longer see themselves as recipients of charity — they become equal participants in their own growth stories.
In essence, redefining CSR for us means moving from charity to empowerment, from short-term fixes to sustainable futures. This ensures that the impact of our work continues to multiply long after a project has ended
Q. As you look to the future, what is your vision for Ishanya Foundation in the next 10 years?
A. Looking ahead, our vision is to deepen our role as a trusted catalyst for inclusive growth and to expand our impact across more geographies in India. Over the next decade, Ishanya Foundation will continue to focus on building sustainable livelihoods, but with greater emphasis on integrating technology, digital skills, and innovation into our programmes to ensure our beneficiaries remain future-ready.
We also envision strengthening our interventions in healthcare and education, because these remain the foundation for long-term social change. Women’s empowerment and farmer-centric initiatives will remain at the heart of our work, as we believe these are powerful levers for community transformation.
At the same time, we see ourselves becoming a knowledge-driven foundation — one that uses research, data, and ground-level insights not only to design impactful programmes but also to influence policies and inspire collective action.
In essence, our 10-year vision is to help create resilient, self-reliant communities that are not only economically independent but also socially inclusive and culturally vibrant — communities where every individual has the power to dream, achieve, and thrive with dignity.
