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With pride and purpose, Manjari Foundation marked its 11th Foundation Day, celebrating a transformative decade of empowering women and building resilient rural communities. Held under the theme “A Decade of Serving: Journey So Far and Way Ahead for Dignity and Development,” the event brought together policymakers, development professionals, thought leaders, and grassroots changemakers in a vibrant gathering of shared vision and impact.
The celebration opened with a warm welcome by Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director of Manjari Foundation, who reflected on the journey:
“Women in villages are not meant to live within limits, but within possibilities. We gave them skills, a platform, and most importantly, the confidence to believe in themselves. Because when change begins from within, it becomes sustainable.”
A short film screened during the event offered a compelling glimpse into Manjari Foundation’s grassroots impact—capturing powerful stories of transformation, resilience, and renewed hope across rural India. What began as a humble dream shared by a small group of passionate individuals has today blossomed into a movement for rural empowerment. With a footprint reaching over 2 lakh rural households, Manjari Foundation has ignited change from within. We have witnessed the spark in women’s eyes, the strength in their voices, and the joy in their laughter—as they step into a future shaped by confidence, dignity, and opportunity.
The event featured an engaging panel of distinguished speakers who shed light on critical issues of rural advancement:
- Ms. Apurva Rathod, Chief Sustainability Officer and CSR Head at L&T Finance, highlighted the transformative potential of CSR in partnership with grounded nonprofits like Manjari. She celebrated the achievements of the Digital Sakhis initiative, underscoring the value of trust and tangible outcomes within just one year of collaboration.
- Ms. Madhu Khetan, Integrator at Pradan, emphasized the strategic importance of investing in women-led institutions. She spoke of how institutional absence hinders women’s leadership and called for sustainable, long-term funding to build strong female-centered ecosystems.
- K.M. Sharma, Assistant General Manager at Uttarakhand Gramin Bank, spotlighted the role of financial inclusion in bridging digital divides and empowering women as entrepreneurs. He stressed the importance of digital literacy, financial services, and inclusive banking as levers for socioeconomic progress.
- Dr. Padhmanaban V, Associate Professor at Goa Institute of Management, reflected on the vital role of academic-nonprofit partnerships. He praised the community-driven innovation seen in rural enterprises and emphasized the need to connect real-world marketing solutions with the lives of those at the margins.
The event also witnessed the launch of two key initiatives:
- Sarvodaya Fellowship – Announced by Prof. Sanjeev Kumar, Board Member of Manjari Foundation and Director at the International Institute of Goat Management. The fellowship is designed to nurture grassroots leadership, grounded in the spirit of Sarvodaya — upliftment of all. Prof. Kumar stressed the need to build leadership early, cultivate courage, and strengthen institutions for deep-rooted impact.
- Jhulki Website – A dedicated platform for women artisans and rural enterprises was launched by Mr. Yatesh Yadav, Executive Director of Ibtada and Manjari Board Member. He shared pride in Manjari’s remarkable short-term growth, describing the digital platform as a step forward in increasing visibility and economic access for rural women.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Naresh Nain of Manjari Foundation, expressing gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and the communities that made this journey possible.
As Manjari Foundation enters its 11th year, the celebration stood not only as a reflection of the path traveled but also as a renewed promise — to continue walking alongside rural women, igniting change with dignity, opportunity, and purpose.
About Manjari
Manjari Foundation is working in 900+ villages across 23 districts of 4 Indian States (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand). Our vision is to empower women from marginalized communities both socially and economically, so that they become catalysts of change, not only in their own lives but also for their families and the entire community.
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