Harish Jagtani is a reputed businessman of Indian origin based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Coming from humble beginnings in Jaipur, Rajasthan, his business house operates in multiple sectors today, including but not limited to, domestic and international air cargo, real estate and infrastructure development, healthcare and hospitality. However, it is not just his remarkable business success that sets him apart. His philanthropic endeavors are as inspiring as his business journey with the same level of unwavering dedication, ambition and accomplishment.
Harish's acts of charitable giving in war-stricken Congo had garnered substantial recognition even before the establishment of a formal foundation. These experiences led him to aspire for greater philanthropic goals and HJ Foundation came into existence in 2016. Guided by the Gandhian philosophy of trusteeship, the Foundation is striving to empower communities, nurture potential, and catalyze development. Focusing on education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and women and youth empowerment, HJ Foundation implements impactful projects tailored to the specific needs of the communities it serves. From establishing schools and vocational training centers to providing access to healthcare and clean water, the foundation's transformative initiatives have touched countless lives. They recently provided immediate disaster relief to more than 400 families affected by the floods in South Kivu in DRC.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Harish Jagtani, Founder of HJ Foundation, takes us through the work of the Foundation, the approach that has led to such impressive results, and the blueprint that guides the foundation's future.
Scroll down to gain more insights from the full interview:
Q. You have been a prominent businessperson in the Democratic Republic of Congo for nearly two decades. How did you fulfill your social duties prior to the formation of HJ Foundation (e.g. donations to charities, through an internal team, etc)? What kind of causes did you mostly associate with?
A. As a prominent businessperson in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), I have always considered it important to give back to society and contribute to the betterment of our community. While the HJ Foundation has become a significant avenue for philanthropic activities, prior to its formation, I fulfilled my social duties and obligations through various means.
One of the ways I engaged in social responsibility was by making regular donations to charitable organizations and causes that aligned with my values and the needs of the local community. These donations were typically made through personal contributions or partnerships with established charitable entities in the DRC. I believed in supporting initiatives that aimed at addressing key social issues, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and women and youth empowerment.
Q. What led you to establish a full-fledged foundation for your social initiatives and how did this step strengthen your initiatives? What are the core areas that HJ Foundation focuses on?
A. The decision to create a full-fledged foundation was driven by a desire to amplify the positive impact of my philanthropic efforts and create a sustainable platform for addressing social challenges in the DRC. This step has significantly strengthened my initiatives in several ways. First and foremost, establishing the HJ Foundation provided a dedicated organizational structure to streamline and expand the scope of my philanthropic activities. It allowed for more efficient management, increased transparency and enhanced accountability in carrying out social initiatives. By having a dedicated team and resources solely focused on philanthropy, we were able to plan out and execute projects in a more strategic and impactful manner.
The core areas of focus for the HJ Foundation encompass a comprehensive range of social issues that are vital for the development of the DRC. These core areas include:
- Education: The foundation is dedicated to improving access to quality education, building schools, providing scholarships and supporting educational infrastructure to empower youths and promote lifelong learning
- Healthcare: We prioritize initiatives that enhance healthcare services, improve medical facilities, promote public health awareness and ensure better access to healthcare for underserved communities
- Poverty Alleviation: The foundation aims at alleviating poverty through various programs that focus on economic empowerment, vocational training and support for small-scale entrepreneurs, particularly in the marginalized areas
- Environmental Conservation: We recognize the importance of preserving the DRC’s natural resources and biodiversity. The foundation supports projects related to sustainable development, environmental conservation and raising awareness about climate change and ecological challenges
- Women and Youth Empowerment: The HJ Foundation places special emphasis on initiatives that empower women and youth, providing them with opportunities for education, skill development and entrepreneurship, thereby fostering their active participation in society’s progress
Q. Could you share the key initiatives under each focus area? Which of these initiatives do you consider to be the most transformative ones and why?
A. EDUCATION:
- Building and Renovating Schools: Constructing new schools and renovating existing ones to provide better learning environments for students.
- Scholarships and Education Grants: Offering financial assistance to deserving students to pursue their education and overcome financial barriers.
- Teachers’ Training & Capacity Building: Providing professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills and teaching methodologies.
Among these initiatives, I consider scholarships and education grants to be the most transformative. By providing financial support to talented students, we help them access quality education and unlock their potential. This initiative has had a profound impact on individuals, families and communities by breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for long-term success.
HEALTHCARE
- Medical Infrastructure Development: Investing in improvement of healthcare facilities and infrastructure, ensuring better access to quality healthcare.
- Health Outreach Programs: Conducting medical camps and mobile clinics to reach underserved communities with essential healthcare services.
One of the most transformative initiatives in the healthcare focus area is the development of medical infrastructure. By investing in modern facilities and equipment, we enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. This initiative improves health outcomes, reduces mortality rates and positively impacts the well-being of individuals and communities.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION
- Microfinance and Entrepreneurship Support: Providing microloans, business training and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved areas.
- Livelihood Development Programs: Offering vocational training and skill development opportunities to empower individuals to secure sustainable livelihood.
Among these initiatives, microfinance and entrepreneurship support have the potential for transformative impact. By providing financial resources and business training, we empower individuals to start their own businesses, create employment opportunities and lift themselves out of poverty. This initiative not only promotes economic growth, but also fosters self-reliance and community development.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
- Reforestation and Forest Protection: Undertaking tree planting initiatives and implementing measures to conserve and protect forests.
- Renewable Energy Promotion: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources and supporting clean energy projects.
One of the most transformative initiatives in the environmental conservation focus area is reforestation and forest protection. By restoring and preserving forests, we contribute to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and the protection of natural resources. This initiative has long-term benefits for ecological balance, sustainable livelihood and the overall well-being of communities.
WOMEN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
- Women’s Entrepreneurship & Leadership Programs: Offering training, mentoring and financial support to empower women in starting and expanding their businesses.
- Gender Equality Advocacy: Promoting gender equality, challenging social norms and advocacy for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.
Among these initiatives, women’s entrepreneurship and leadership programs are particularly transformative. By empowering women economically and socially, we contribute to gender equality, women’s empowerment and the reduction of gender-based disparities. When women are empowered, they become agents of change, driving social and economic progress in their communities.
Q. Could you share more specifics on your recent health outreach programs- which areas are you working on currently and what has the impact been like?
A. A few of the programs we run every quarter include ‘Stop Malaria’ campaigns because, here, malaria is quite rampant. People even die due to malaria. So, we provide free malaria testing to people. We conduct camps in different areas, different cities—from orphanages, schools, slums and remote locations across Congo. We conduct a rapid malaria test and provide free medications to people who test positive for malaria. We hold a lot of vaccination campaigns throughout the year. We conduct free eye check-up camps and dental checkups in schools, orphanages and old-age homes. These are some of the basic CSR activities that we carry out on a regular basis.
Apart from this, we have been doing major campaigns for the past couple of years which include free cataract surgery campaign, named ‘Gift a Vision’, or ‘Dong de la Visio’. We started this campaign in 2020, when we conducted 100 free of charge cataract surgeries. For this, we also conducted a free eye check-up camp in which we screened over 2,000 people in Kinshasa, Mbujimayi and Goma. We are planning to start the next campaign for this soon, in which we will be taking care of 500 patients and 500 free cataract surgeries.
Q. The Foundation’s website mentions taking inspiration from the Gandhian philosophy of trusteeship. What does this philosophy mean to you and how has it shaped the work of the HJ Foundation?
A. The philosophy of trusteeship, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, holds a profound meaning for the HJ Foundation and has greatly shaped our work. To me, this philosophy signifies a moral and ethical responsibility towards the well-being of society and recognition that wealth and resources are to be utilized for the betterment of all.
At its core, the concept of trusteeship emphasizes that individuals who possess wealth or resources are mere custodians or trustees of those assets. It highlights the notion that their role is to manage and utilize these resources in a manner that benefits the broader community and promotes social welfare. It encourages a mindset of stewardship, emphasizing the duty to redistribute wealth and empower marginalized sections of society.
- Social Impact Focus: The foundation’s initiatives are designed with a deep commitment to addressing societal challenges and creating positive change
- Holistic Approach: The philosophy of trusteeship guides us to consider the holistic well-being of individuals and communities
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Trusteeship encourages collaboration and cooperation to maximize impact. The HJ Foundation actively seeks partnerships with like-minded organizations, NGOs and government agencies to leverage collective resources, expertise and knowledge
- Accountability and Transparency: Trusteeship places great importance on accountability and transparency in management of resources. The HJ Foundation upholds these values by maintaining high standards of governance, financial integrity and reporting
- Empowerment and Participation: The philosophy of trusteeship emphasizes the empowerment of individuals and communities
In summary, the philosophy of trusteeship is deeply ingrained in the work of the HJ Foundation. It guides us to view wealth and resources as a means to fulfilling our moral duty towards society. By embracing this philosophy, we strive to create a positive and lasting impact, promote social justice and contribute to the well-being and empowerment of individuals and communities in line with the Gandhian principles of trusteeship.
Q. What are some of the toughest challenges that you came across (pertaining to planning or implementation of social initiatives) and how did you overcome them?
A. At the end of the day, we are trying to do something for the people of the country, in general, and the people who need this, in particular. So, I do not believe there were many challenges. I think I was fortunate enough, or had good support from my team and the appropriate people and we just needed to get to the people who actually needed these reforms. We have been operating these campaigns by self-discovery, finding that every company in our group contributes to these events, campaigns and the foundation’s operation. We have not taken any money from any other sponsor or benefactors. So, I don’t think there have been any difficulties; consequently, there isn’t anything that worries us about overcoming these difficulties.
Q. When working in communities with widespread poverty, there is always a risk of resources being spread too thin. How do you ensure that your initiatives remain focused and an optimum social returns on investment (RoI) is created?
A. At the HJ Foundation, we place high priority on maintaining focus and maximizing social returns on investment (RoI), especially when working in areas where poverty is pervasive. To maximize the impact of our projects, we understand how crucial resource allocation and strategic decision-making are. Here are some strategies we use to stay focused and provide the best social RoI.
- Needs Assessment: Before implementing any initiative, we conduct a thorough needs assessment in the target community. This helps us understand the specific challenges, priorities and aspirations of the community members
- Strategic Planning: We develop comprehensive strategic plans that outline clear objectives, target outcomes and timelines for each initiative
- Stakeholder Engagement: We actively engage with community members, local leaders and relevant stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. By involving them in the decision-making process, we ensure that our initiatives are aligned with their aspirations and needs
- Impact Measurement & Evaluation: We employ rigorous impact measurement and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of our initiatives. By collecting and analyzing relevant data, we evaluate the outcomes and social impact of our projects
- Collaboration & Partnerships: We collaborate with other organizations, NGOs and government agencies to leverage resources and expertise
- Adaptive Management: We remain flexible and adaptive in our approach, allowing us to respond to changing community needs and external factors
- Sustainability Planning: We integrate sustainability planning into our initiatives from the outset
We try to retain a laser-like concentration while maximizing the social RoI of our activities by utilizing these tactics. We are aware of the value of resource conservation and the necessity of bringing about lasting revolutionary changes in the areas we serve. We want to have the maximum impact and improve the lives of people and communities affected by poverty through rigorous planning, stakeholder participation and ongoing evaluation.
Q. Have you collaborated with government bodies in DRC for your social initiatives? If yes, how was the experience?
A. The HJ Foundation has collaborated with government bodies for several of our social initiatives. The experience has been positive and fruitful. Collaborating with government entities allows us to leverage their resources, expertise and reach to maximize the impact of our initiatives.
Working in partnership with government bodies has provided us with valuable insights into local priorities, community dynamics and existing infrastructure. This has helped us design and implement initiatives better aligned with the needs of the communities we serve. Additionally, collaborating with government agencies has facilitated smoother implementation, as they often possess the necessary permissions, clearances and local knowledge required for the projects we undertake.
Government collaborations have also enabled us to tap into existing networks and channels for service delivery, amplifying our outreach and impact. By combining our resources and efforts, we have been able to scale up our initiatives and reach a larger population.
Q. What are your plans for the near future (2-3 years) with respect to the foundation?
A. Projects in the Pipeline: We are in the process of identifying and developing major projects that address critical social and environmental challenges. These projects will focus on creating sustainable change and improving the lives of individuals and communities.
New Focus Areas: The foundation intends to explore new focus areas aligned with emerging needs of society and global priorities. We will conduct thorough research and needs assessments to identify areas where our expertise and resources can make a significant difference.
Wider Geographic Coverage: While maintaining our commitment to our existing regions, we aim at extending our geographic coverage to reach underserved communities in other areas. This expansion will enable us to have a broader reach and impact across different regions.
Innovative Implementation Mechanisms: We plan to adopt innovative implementation mechanisms that leverage technology and best practices. This includes utilizing digital platforms, data analytics and other technological tools to enhance project efficiency, monitoring and evaluation.
Strengthen Monitoring & Evaluation: We will further strengthen our monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the outcomes and impact of our initiatives accurately. This will help us make data-informed decisions and continuously improve the effectiveness of our programs.
Overall, the HJ Foundation is dedicated to expanding its footprints and improving the lives of individuals and communities. Through new projects, focus areas, implementation mechanisms, technology adoption, collaborations and strategic partnerships, we aim at creating sustainable and transformative change in the medium term and beyond.
Q. Do you see yourself expanding your business or social footprints in India any time in the future?
A. As the HJ Foundation primarily operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we do not have immediate plans to expand our business or social footprints in India. Our focus remains on creating a positive impact and addressing social challenges in the communities we currently serve. However, we remain open to exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnerships that align with our mission and vision, including potential initiatives in India or other regions, if they arise in future.
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