The Hinduja Foundation, established over 50 years ago by philanthropist P. D. Hinduja, embodies a profound commitment to social responsibility. Guided by the principle that the Group has a moral duty to give back to the communities supporting its businesses, the Foundation has evolved into a dynamic entity under the leadership of the Hinduja family. Its focus has sharpened over recent years to address four critical areas of need: Healthcare, Education, Water Stewardship, and Rural Development. By building on its historical efforts, the Foundation has fostered synergies across the Hinduja Group to amplify its impact on improving lives and livelihoods.
In an interview with CSR Mandate, Mr. Paul Abraham, President of the Hinduja Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s mission: “We are inspired by our founder P. D. Hinduja’s motto, ‘My dharma (duty) is to work so I can give.’ This guiding principle drives our commitment to social impact through various initiatives in healthcare, education, water stewardship, and rural development.”
Flagship CSR Programs and Strategic Focus
Addressing the critical issue of water access, the Foundation’s Jal Jeevan initiative is a cornerstone of its water stewardship efforts. The program aims to provide sustainable solutions for water scarcity and improve water management across communities. On the healthcare front, the Foundation complements its prestigious tertiary care hospital with primary care initiatives such as the T1D (Type 1 Diabetes) Programme, rural healthcare delivery, and Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), focusing on underserved populations.
In education, the Foundation’s efforts extend from higher education at the KPB Hinduja College of Commerce to primary education programs like Road to School and Road to Livelihood. Rural development projects, including an integrated rural development program in Maharashtra’s Jawhar Taluka, aim to enhance income generation and improve living standards.
The Foundation also champions the preservation of Indian heritage through its invaluable collection of historical artifacts, including the Lance Dane bequest. This collection is showcased through various media, including the HindujaHeritage.com website and public exhibitions.
Impact and Future Endeavors
The Foundation’s initiatives have significantly impacted communities across India. The Jal Jeevan Water Programme has restored 56 lakes and provided safe drinking water to over five million people. The education programs have reached over 437,000 students and supported 6,015 schools. The Integrated Rural Development Programme has positively influenced 22,600 lives and transformed 924 hectares of wasteland.
Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to expand its healthcare initiatives, including new collaborations with King’s College London and an extension of the T1D Programme to Bangalore. The restoration of historic stepwells, like the Navlakha Bawri in Jodhpur, highlights the Foundation’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Collaborations and Future Plans
The Hinduja Foundation’s partnerships with NGOs and government bodies are instrumental in achieving impactful results. Strategic collaborations with organizations such as the Ambuja Cement Foundation and the Learning Links Foundation enhance the effectiveness of its programs.
“We believe in collective action and collaboration,” says Mr. Prakash Hinduja. “Our goal is to create a sustainable future by addressing critical needs in water, health, education, and rural development.”
The Foundation’s vision for the future includes scaling its interventions and hosting symposiums, like the November 2023 Water Practice & Policy event, to address resource challenges and foster innovation in water solutions. The redevelopment of the KPB Hinduja College of Commerce will further elevate educational opportunities, impacting more than 4.3 lakh students annually.
Through these diverse philanthropic efforts, the Hinduja Foundation continues to make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals across India, exemplifying a legacy of positive impact and commitment to societal well-being.
Mr. Prakash Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation and Chairman of Hinduja Group, Europe stated, “Our legacy of philanthropy is built on a deep-seated commitment to societal well-being, guided by the vision and values of our founder. We are dedicated to continuing this journey with a focus on creating lasting, positive change across the communities we serve.”
About Hinduja Foundation
Deeply rooted on the philanthropic principles of its Founder of Hinduja Group, Shri Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, this Foundation is a public charitable trust established first in Mumbai in 1968. In its 50 years of existence, with the guidance of the Hinduja Family and support from Hinduja Group companies, its global presence has led to the development in the fields of Education, Healthcare, Water Stewardship, Sustainable Rural Development, Social Welfare, Sports and Arts & Culture. It also works actively with the Group Companies in delivering an aligned approach to creating Social Impact.
About the Hinduja Group
The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerate. Employing about 200,000 employees, with a presence across 38 countries, it has a multi-billion-dollar revenue. The Group was founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja whose credo was “My duty (dharma) is to work so that I can give.” The Group owns businesses in Mobility, Digital Technology, Banking and Financial Services, Media, Project Development, Lubricants and Specialty Chemicals, Energy, Real Estate, Trading, and Healthcare. The Group also supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.
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