3 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | Legacy Much before the concept of corporate social responsibility had evolved into its present form, Atul Ltd (Atul) has been engaged in serving the society with diverse initiatives related to education, empowerment, health, relief, infrastructure and conservation. Kasturbhai Lalbhai, the Founder of Atul and an Indian legend, ensured complete commitment to community development and welfare in every company he established. The primary reason for the establishment of Atul was to generate large-scale employment and consequently improve the standard of living in rural India. His passion to give back to the society was reflected in his daily schedule; he spent half a day on growing businesses while the other half was dedicated solely to social service. He appointed Balwantrai Mazumdar, an economist and Siddharth Lalbhai, his elder son and a chemical engineer, to develop Atul, both of whom continued with the fine legacy. In 1978, Siddharth Lalbhai laid the foundation of Atul Rural Development Fund in an endeavour to further the rich legacy of his father and bring focus to rural development initiatives undertaken by Atul. He personally oversaw these initiatives which were being implemented and took a keen interest in consistently improving their quality, variety and impact. Over the years, with an increase in the number and scope of various initiatives related to serving the society, Atul Foundation was established in 2010 as an umbrella trust of Atul. Siddharth Lalbhai (1923 - 1998) A chemical engineer and the elder son of the Founder, Siddharth Lalbhai dedicated his life to the development of Atul. He accorded equal value to creation of wealth and service to society. He upheld the principles of trusteeship, lived by the personal qualities of integrity, perseverance and simplicity and gave single-minded devotion to the tasks on hand. Balwantrai Mazumdar (1902 - 1981) An economist, Balwantrai Mazumdar was a voracious reader, sound thinker, patient listener and a farsighted professional. He created an atmosphere of camaraderie that brought out the collective best in the people of Atul. He was the moving force behind making the first site of Atul one of the largest eco-friendly manufacturing facilities of its kind in the world. He remained with the Group till the end of his life as did most of the people who worked with Kasturbhai Lalbhai. Kasturbhai Lalbhai (1894 - 1980) Kasturbhai Lalbhai was an institution builder par excellence. He made seminal contributions, particularly in the fields of industry, education, culture and religion. His pioneering efforts helped transform a colonised and impoverished India to a land of emerging hopes and opportunities. He led a purposeful life guided by integrity, discipline, excellence, perseverance and simplicity. Index Legacy Identity, Purpose and Values Chairperson’s foreword Organisation Footprint and outreach Institutions Impact assessment Sanjeevani 2024 Financial highlights Acknowledgements Make a difference 3 4 6 7 8 12 54 56 57 58 59 The cover page features a check dam constructed on the Parnera hillock in Atul village, designed to conserve soil and water during the monsoon season. The area transforms into a picturesque landscape, beautifully capturing the essence and serenity of nature during monsoon. These check dams are a part of the natural resource management initiative of Atul Foundation and reaffirm its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Atul Foundation was established on November 25, 2010 and is registered under the Gujarat Public Trusts Act, 1950. It was created to bring together and strengthen all social initiatives under one umbrella. The Foundation reflects the Purpose and Values of Atul and demonstrates a strong commitment to serving society. Atul Foundation is committed to fostering sustainable socio-economic upliftment, particularly in the lives of the underprivileged through relevant programs and projects. Values Identity Purpose Benevolence Help the needy without any discrimination, selflessly and humbly. Collaboration Work as a team and develop meaningful partnerships to serve others. Quality Conceive and execute projects to provide exemplary deliverables. Honesty Reflect uprightness and transparency in every action. Empathy Perceive, relate and respond to the difficulties, emotions and needs of others. 5 4
7 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | Organisation Atul Foundation Trust (Atul Foundation), is committed to fostering sustainable socio-economic upliftment, particularly in the lives of underprivileged communities, through relevant programs and projects aligned with national priorities such as education, empowerment, health, relief, infrastructure and conservation. The activities of Atul Foundation are implemented through a network of dedicated institutions and committed project teams, whose combined efforts exemplify strong collaboration, mutual trust and a shared sense of purpose. This team-oriented approach fosters efficiency and adaptability across a range of developmental areas. The Management Committee of Atul Foundation works under the direction and guidance of the Board of Trustees. It is supported by teams responsible for operations and projects. Its impact is regularly reviewed by the Management of Atul Ltd, its Board and the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. Chairperson’s foreword Dear Readers, This annual report presents an overview of the work undertaken by Atul Foundation throughout 2024-25 in the areas of education, empowerment, health, relief, infrastructure and conservation. Our collective efforts have not only strengthened the ongoing initiatives but also enabled us to explore new avenues to improve the lives of people in need. The Foundation continued to implement its programs in collaboration with various partners, with a focus on addressing the needs of underprivileged communities in a structured and sustainable manner. This year, the engagement deepened significantly across various regions and communities. Efforts were intensified to improve access to quality education, empower tribal and rural population, promote healthier families, support individuals living in challenging circumstances, enhance village infrastructure and advance environmental conservation. The projects undertaken delivered positive outcomes while contributing to the development of long-term resilience and local capacity. Under the education initiative, we were selected by Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) to establish GMDC Atul Vidyalaya, a school located near a key mining site in the remote village of Kadipani, close to the Madhya Pradesh border. This initiative brings structured, quality education to children residing in Kadipani and neighbouring villages, marking a meaningful step in expanding our educational outreach. It also serves as an acknowledgement of our expertise in providing quality education, nurturing young minds and managing schools and educational institutions. A noteworthy development this year has been the commencement of focused implementation of a wide range of projects in Mama Bhacha village, one of the remote areas in the region. In view of its unique vulnerabilities, we have prioritised this village for integrated development, combining interventions across education, empowerment, health, relief, infrastructure and conservation to create a model village through active community participation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our team members, distributors, vendors, customers, and the overseas offices of Atul Ltd, as well as to volunteers, institutions, gram panchayats and well-wishers, for coming together in support of our Sanjeevani initiative, under which we collectively planted 1,25,019 trees on July 3, 2024. We will now make this an annual event as a symbol of our contribution towards building a greener and healthier planet. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our reach to underserved regions and marginalised communities. Our strategic roadmap involves forging innovative partnerships, learning from experts, developing our own sustainable economic model and implementing it on a larger scale with the active involvement of local communities. We aim to apply the insights gained over the past years and scale up our projects, thereby further broadening our outreach. We remain dedicated to improving the lives of the less privileged and creating a lasting impact that upholds and advances the vision of our Founder. We are deeply grateful to all our donors, partners and government bodies for their continued support and trust. It is their belief in our mission that enables us to continue making a meaningful difference. I thank all supporters and well-wishers for their unwavering support and encouragement. Sincerely, Vimla Lalbhai (Chairperson) 6
Atul Foundation received the Gold Award for Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education, at the Global Sustainability Awards 2024, hosted by ARCed. The recognition acknowledges the commitment of the Foundation towards promoting inclusive and equitable education. Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | 9 Outreach touched 104 villages with conservation initiatives helped 12 villages with infrastructure projects supported 629 people with relief activities reached 36,463 individuals through health initiatives empowered 38,201 people through various activities nurtured 42,085 children through quality education Footprint Atul Foundation predominantly works in and around the locations where Atul has its operations and offices. It is working to gradually widen its coverage to other parts of India. During 2024-25, it has undertaken | supported projects in four states - Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and one union territory, Daman. The map below indicates the outreach in India where Atul Foundation has undertaken | supported projects to serve society. 8| Footprint education empowerment health relief infrastructure conservation
10 | Empowerment Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | 11 Our journey *public-private partnership
13 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | initiated summer internship program for students of grades 11 and 12 mentored Vaarij Acharya who secured first position in school in XII Science examinations and qualified for the Government of India INSPIRE–SHE scholarship Atul Vidyalaya Established: 1991 | Current strength: 1,248 Atul Vidyalaya is a private unaided school affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations and managed by Atul Vidyalaya Trust. The school has classes from pre-primary to grade 12 in English medium. It offers education in optional combinations of Arts, Science and Commerce streams at the higher secondary level. organised 10 sessions led by the school alumni for students of grades 11 and 12 facilitated Yatisha Desai to clear the National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam with an outstanding rank mentored Rutuja Shinde to secure first position in an international art competition Kalyani Shala Established: 1953 | Current strength: 1,745 Kalyani Shala was established to provide quality education to the children of the team members of Atul and the surrounding villages. The school is affiliated with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, with the medium of instruction being Gujarati. It is managed by Atul Kelvani Mandal, offering classes from pre-primary to grade 12, and education in Arts, Science and Commerce streams at the higher secondary level. imparted life skills, UNSDGs and value education to 1,186 students organised an alumni meet with 840 participants conducted five sessions for 360 parents on topics like health and nutrition, parenting skills and pre-school methodology supported 36 students to qualify the Common Entrance Test (CET) Institutions 12| Institutions
15 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | enrolled 76 students in the first year conducted lessons on value education, life skills, UNSDGs through activity-based learning organised field trips and science sessions for the students held 15 workshops and training programs for school educators GMDC Atul Vidyalaya Collaborated: 2024 | Current strength: 76 GMDC Atul Vidyalaya operates in partnership with the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd and Atul Vidyalaya Trust. It caters to the students residing in Kadipani and surrounding villages, situated in the Chhota Udepur district of Gujarat. It offers classes from junior kindergarten to grade 5 in affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education. supported 3 students to qualify for the JEE advanced examination supported 7 students to gain admission at NITs and eight students in MBBS programs provided 2 students the opportunity of meeting the Honourable President of India, Srimati Droupadi Murmu during the Independence Day celebrations conducted an Ikigai themed workshop for 60 students Eklavya Model Residential School, Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir) Collaborated: 2009 | Current strength: 357 (public-private partnership with Government of Gujarat) Eklavya Model Residential School, Pardi (Atul Vidyamandir) operates under the public-private partnership model with the Tribal Development Department of Government of Gujarat. It caters exclusively to the tribal students and provides them with residential facilities. It offers classes from grades 6 to 8 in affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education and grades 9 to 12 in affiliation with the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board. 14 | Institutions
17 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | trained 945 youth in 10 trades organised an anaemia testing camp for 379 students conducted eye check-up camp for 386 students facilitated a dental treatment camp for 194 students Atul Institute of Vocational Excellence Established: 2011 | Students graduated: 10,723 (public-private partnership with Government of Gujarat) Atul Institute of Vocational Excellence (AIVE) is a vocational training center that operates under the public-private partnership model with Tribal Development Department, Government of Gujarat. It imparts employment-oriented skill training in 12 vocations to tribal youth. With state-of-the-art workshops, laboratories, residential and other infrastructure facilities, AIVE aims to bring about a qualitative change in the lives of tribal youth. trained 1,124 students in six trades conducted stitching classes for 64 women through two remote vocational centers collected 6,088 units of blood through 53 blood donation drives provided education kits to 5,993 children from 41 schools Atul Rural Development Fund Established: 1978 Atul Rural Development Fund (ARDF) was formed with the purpose of serving society and uplifting the lives of the communities living in and around Atul. Currently, ARDF is an implementing agency for Atul Foundation, engaged in conducting blood donation camps, eye check-up camps, imparting vocational training and building infrastructure. 16 | Institutions
19 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | received approval for operating as the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Outpatient Department (OPD) provided diagnostic and consulting services to 23,347 individuals conducted 4 health camps and 1 HPV vaccination drive organised 11 training and 8 awareness sessions for the community Atul Foundation Health Center Established: 2023 Atul Foundation Health Center caters to the primary medical needs of the residents of 10 villages in and around Atul. Spread over an area of 32,000 sq ft, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the general health and emergency medical needs of the patients. organised a sports event in ITI Billimora for 360 students provided 50 chairs for ITI Pardi conference rooms provided drinking water stations at ITI Ankleshwar and ITI Sagbara installed smartboard at ITI Sagbara Industrial Training Institutes Collaborated: 2011, 2017 and 2022 Through the Institute Management Committees, Atul manages Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Khergam, Sagbara, Ankleshwar, Bilimora and Pardi operating under the public-private partnership model with the Government of Gujarat. It also contributes to the governance of the institutes, the introduction of new courses and training of the students. The ITIs offer courses for a duration of one to two years in a range of vocations. 18 | Institutions
21 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | Urmi Established: 1953 Urmi empowers women residing in and around Atul by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. The women prepare sun-dried and iron-pounded spices using age-old traditional practices. Atul Club Established: 1995 Atul Club provides quality sports and recreational facilities to residents of Atul and surrounding towns | villages. It offers facilities for badminton, billiards, swimming, table tennis and also has a well-equipped gymnasium. Ulhas Established: 1961 Ulhas promotes the health and well-being of residents of Atul and the surrounding villages. It organises cricket tournaments, inter-village volleyball competitions and marathons. Utkarsh Established: 1965 Utkarsh provides a platform to promote social and cultural programs for residents of Atul and surrounding villages. It organises music and dance competitions, annual funfairs and cultural events. 20 | Institutions Education Relief • Atul Adhyapika • Atul Adhigam • Ojas • Community-based rehabilitation • Atul Uttara • Adhikar • Godaan • Model Anganwadi • Child-friendly Infrastructure • Eye camps • Sampoorna • First 1000 Days • Ujjwal Atul • Renewable energy • Water conservation • Green cover Empowerment Infrastructure Health Conservation
The Atul Adhyapika project continues to transform the educational landscape in remote villages by nurturing local women educators who are committed to delivering joyful and interactive learning. Carefully selected and trained over six months, these women, known as adhyapikas, are placed in primary schools within their own communities. Their deep cultural and linguistic connection with the students enables them to address individual learning needs while fostering a nurturing environment rooted in love, care and understanding. Given the inconsistent student–teacher ratio in primary schools in tribal villages, caused by a chronic shortage of trained teachers, it is nearly impossible to cater to the individual needs of each child. Additionally, the diversity of local dialects in these remote villages often becomes a barrier to effective classroom communication and learning. Here, the adhyapikas play a crucial bridging role, as they are members of the same communities, • reached 7,756 students through 87 adhyapikas as knowledge partners, across 55 schools to spark interest in mathematics and science • conducted training sessions for 287 educators through adhyapikas • noticed a significant rise in student attendance at anganwadis • organised joy workshops across multiple centers, enhancing learning through play fluent in the local dialects, and possess an inherent understanding of the social and economic context in which the children grow up. This allows them to better interpret student behaviour, remain accessible to parents and provide a personalised, context-sensitive approach to the growth and well-being of each child. Their constant presence in the village also means they can stay in touch with the broader community and neighbourhood, offering holistic support to the child both inside and outside the classroom. Building on this foundation, the Anuja Adhyapika initiative brings joyful pre-primary education to children in local anganwadis. As part of the First 1000 Days nutrition program, 25 anuja adhyapikas received specialised training. This enabled them to support early childhood development through both educational activities and community engagement. Four students from grade 3 of Fali Primary school, Valsad district, Gujarat, were facing challenges in reading and writing, showing little interest in language activities and struggling with basic letter recognition. Despite initial efforts, they remained inattentive and disengaged during lessons. Jaya Bhoya, an adhyapika placed in that school, introduced supportive measures such as visual aids, peer learning and regular remedial sessions. Gradually, the students began recognising letters, reading simple words and showing greater involvement in class. With continuous encouragement and personalised attention, their confidence and language skills improved noticeably. 23 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | Atul Adhyapika improving the quality of primary education project initiated in 2017 11,747 children | 112 adhyapikas EDUCATION 22 | Education
25 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | In collaboration with Agastya International Foundation, a mobile science van equipped with 235 interactive models travels to schools across 14 villages, helping students in grades 6 to 10 understand science through experiential learning. The aim of this project is to deliver hands-on, concept-based learning to students in underserved rural areas. • conducted 456 mobile science sessions • delivered 307 digital learning sessions • organised 4 science fairs to showcase student creativity and knowledge • conducted 3 seasonal camps (summer and winter) • nurtured 112 student leaders through 7 young instructor leader (YIL) sessions • delivered 5 teacher training workshops, covering 256 teachers • held 75 science awareness sessions, engaging 1,765 community members • continued regular classes at 2 community locations under Operation Vasanta for underprivileged children In addition to model-based demonstrations, the project integrates digital learning via tablets, structured science lessons and creativity-focused teaching approaches to deepen conceptual clarity and improve engagement of students. Emphasis is also placed on sustainability through the use of eco-friendly educational tools. Tanay Rathod, a grade 7 student from Sarvodaya High School, Segvi village, Valsad district, Gujarat, once struggled to understand science and mathematics. through traditional methods Encouraged by facilitators and inspired by real-life models, his learning took a transformative turn. He successfully built a ‘smoke box’ model, presented at a science fair and learned critical skills like public speaking and teamwork. “Now I am excited about science and how it can improve lives,” he shares. Other projects Projects Location Number of students impacted provision of education kits to 41 schools Valsad and Bharuch 5,993 support for learning and life skills among children Bengaluru 2,034 provision of sports kits and musical instruments in 3 schools Bharuch 576 provision of computer education in 2 schools Valsad 269 support for educational institutions in tribal areas Navsari and Valsad 414 provision of scholarships to meritorious students in need Valsad 79 promotion of indian culture through publication of books Jaipur - Atul Adhigam promoting love for science among children project initiated in 2023 3,029 children | 20 schools | 14 villages EDUCATION 24 | Education
The Atul Uttara project plays a vital role in strengthening the financial and social institutions of rural women in Valsad district in Gujarat through the self-help group (SHG) model. This project focuses on building sustainable, community-based financial ecosystems that empower economically disadvantaged women to adopt saving habits, access credit and actively participate in financial decision-making within their households and communities. In rural settings, women often face structural barriers to financial inclusion. Many are engaged in informal labour with irregular income and are traditionally excluded from household financial planning. Limited literacy, unfamiliarity with formal banking and lack of exposure to savings and credit mechanisms compound their vulnerability. SHGs address these issues by creating collective platforms for learning, savings and financial empowerment. Through monthly savings contributions, SHG members build a shared fund that is deposited into a group bank account. Members can borrow from this pool at low interest rates agreed upon by the group. Over time, this • formed 66 SHGs, adding 798 women • supported collective savings of ` 125 lakh • helped 101 SHGs to access cash credit of ` 363 lakh • facilitated circulation of ` 104 lakh through internal lending among members system encourages responsible financial behaviour, credit discipline and peer accountability. The group dynamic also fosters confidence, allowing women to gradually navigate banking systems, access formal credit and make independent financial choices. In addition to financial inclusion, the project supports the entrepreneurial ambitions of SHG members. Atul Foundation conducts micro-enterprise training sessions and exposure visits for groups that express interest in collectively starting small businesses. These sessions include basic training in enterprise planning, book keeping, marketing and supply chain awareness. Exposure visits allow women to interact with successful SHG-led businesses, helping them visualise viable business models. Groups that complete this preparatory phase are encouraged and supported to apply for loans from banks to initiate their businesses. This pathway enables SHG members to move from informal labour to collective enterprise, thereby increasing household income and strengthening economic self-reliance. Dhanu Patel of Parnera village, Valsad district, Gujarat, supported her family by selling goods door-to-door, carrying her stock on her head. Financial stress and lack of support limited her income and well-being. After joining a self-help group in her village, she began saving regularly, accessed low-interest loans and received guidance on government schemes. With the loan amount, she could get her daughter married without much financial strain. 27 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | 26 | Empowerment Atul Uttara Empowering women through self-help groups project initiated in 2021 2,498 women | 221 self-help groups EMPOWERMENT
29 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The Adhikar project is helping people living in the remote tribal villages of Valsad district in Gujarat to apply for and avail benefits from over 20 government schemes. These remote villages in hilly and forested terrains, have limited access to mobile networks and digital connectivity, making it difficult for locals to stay informed or apply for government welfare schemes. The Community Service Centres (CSCs), which act as intermediaries for such services, are often located far from the villages. Most residents are farmers or daily Number of beneficiaries wage earners, and a journey to a CSC not only involves losing a daily wage but also incurring additional travel and application charges. Language barriers further add to their challenges for applying to these schemes. The project not only assists with scheme registration but also delivers laminated cards containing important identification and scheme details right at the doorstep of the beneficiaries Name of scheme 2024-2025 cumulative Ayushman Bharat 14,670 17,015 e-KYC of Ration Card 4,729 4,729 e-Shram Card 3,193 3400 PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana 472 477 e-Nirman 904 904 PM Vishwakarma scheme 1,269 1,339 iKhedut 241 241 Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) 1244 1289 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) 1240 1285 Others (11 schemes) 346 1,809 Total 28,308 32,488 Meena Rinjad from Ghanveri village, Valsad district, Gujarat, met with a serious accident for which she was advised an emergency surgery costing ` 40,000, which her family could not afford. Adhikar team facilitated her application and within hours, her Ayushman Bharat card was issued. This allowed Meena to receive surgery free of cost, with the entire ` 40,000 covered under the scheme. Adhikar facilitating government schemes project initiated in 2023 28,308 people | 89 villages EMPOWERMENT 28 | Empowerment
31 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The Godaan project aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal families from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This is achieved by providing high-quality breed cows and training in scientific cattle-rearing practices. It addresses rural poverty, reduces seasonal migration, and empowers families, particularly women, through dairy farming as a reliable source of income. • distributed 20 cows with calves to families from primitive tribal communities in 2 remote villages of Navsari district • provided all beneficiary families with comprehensive support, including scientific training, insurance cover and veterinary services Sharda Patel from Kaprada, Valsad district, Gujarat, had limited formal education, faced financial hardships and relied on seasonal farming. Additionally, she had to migrate for work, which disrupted the education of her children. She was provided with a cow and a calf, along with training in best practices for cattle management. Within a year, she expanded her herd to five lactating cows. Milk production on her farm increased from 7 to 45 litres per day, resulting in a monthly income of ₹ 25,000. Inspired by her success, 150 women in her community adopted dairy farming, and the local cooperative in her village now collects 3,000 litres of milk daily. The project adopts a holistic and community-driven model. Rather than focusing solely on livestock distribution, it integrates training, veterinary care, fodder support and provides market access to ensure that dairy farming becomes a viable and lasting source of income for tribal households. Additionally, maize and bajra seeds are distributed to promote fodder cultivation and ensure a secure feed supply for the animals. Other projects Projects Location Impact number of youth provision of skill training to youth as apprentices Valsad 145 support for micro-entrepreneurs Valsad 70 Godaan empowering tribal families with cattle rearing project initiated in 2021 395 cows with calves EMPOWERMENT 30 | Empowerment
33 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The eye camps aim to address widespread, yet preventable, vision-related health issues. It is being held regularly in tribal villages since 1978. A large proportion of the rural population continues to suffer from uncorrected refractive errors, untreated cataracts and other vision impairments due to a combination of factors, like limited awareness, poor access to medical facilities and financial constraints. Regular eye check-ups are rarely a priority and many individuals live with deteriorating vision, which in turn affects their ability to work, study and live independently. For elderly villagers, untreated cataracts often lead to complete loss of vision. For children, poor eyesight impacts their learning ability and school performance, perpetuating cycles of deprivation • conducted eye check-ups of 19,531 beneficiaries through 63 camps • distributed 15,003 spectacles • conducted 812 cataract operations Out of the 63 eye camps conducted this year, 46 camps were sponsored by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India. Each camp includes preliminary vision screening, refraction test, consultation with ophthalmologist, distribution of spectacles and identification of cataract cases. Those requiring cataract surgery are supported with free transportation, food and accommodation during the surgery. Post-operative care is also ensured through follow-up visits. Bhagwandas Gupta, a resident of Godthal village, Navsari district, Gujarat, had been experiencing poor vision due to cataracts in both eyes. During a free eye check-up camp held in his village, he was diagnosed with cataracts and successfully underwent cataract surgery on both eyes. The treatment restored his eyesight, improving his daily life. Eye camps promoting eye health project initiated in 1978 1,25,474 beneficiaries | 368 camps HEALTH 32 | Health
35 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The Sampoorna project aims to reduce the prevalence of anaemia and undernutrition by fostering awareness, screening and treatment, while empowering individuals, especially women and adolescents, to take charge of their health. Special emphasis is placed on improving knowledge, attitudes and practices related to nutrition, reproductive health and hygiene. The project involves working with adolescents, both girls and boys, as this is a crucial age for building lifelong healthy habits. Peer educators have been formed in schools to take care of their own health and positively influence their peers to do the same. Community awareness sessions are conducted in villages where women are advised on healthy eating practices and are counselled to prioritise their health. Women and girls are also educated about best hygiene practices to promote overall well-being. • screened 9,315 adolescent girls, boys and women for anaemia • distributed 3,49,794 iron folic acid tablets • provided one-to-one counselling sessions to promote behaviour change • conducted awareness sessions on anaemia, nutrition, reproductive health, and hygiene • trained 332 peer educators and 164 teachers to spread health awareness • trained 19 village volunteers and formed 30 women health groups to sustain community mobilisation The project has led to significant improvements in awareness and preventive health practices across the target communities. Participants reported better understanding of the importance of iron-rich diets, regular screening and hygienic practices. • improved anaemia levels, 18% of beneficiaries became non-anaemic after the intervention • reduced anaemia prevalence by 26% in women of reproductive age group and adolescent boys Twinkle Nayka and her mother Tina Nayka, from Kotlav village, Valsad district, Gujarat, were identified as anaemic during a routine health screening under the Sampoorna project. Twinkle, aged 25, had a haemoglobin level of 9.5 gm/dl, indicating moderate anaemia, and her weight was around 30 to 32 kg. She was counselled on anaemia and provided with iron and folic acid tablets. During the second screening, she happily reported an improvement in her health, with her weight increasing to 33 kg and her haemoglobin rising to 12.1 gm/dl. Her mother, Tina also showed progress, with her haemoglobin improving from 10.4 gm/dl to 12 gm/dl. As a result, both mother and daughter experienced better overall health, reduced symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, improved appetite and a noticeable decrease in concerns about their well-being. This highlights the positive impact of awareness, counselling, and timely intervention. Sampoorna empowering women and adolescents for better health project initiated in 2021 9,315 beneficiaries | 22 schools | 14 villages HEALTH 34 | Health
37 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The First 1,000 Days project focuses on empowering and educating pregnant women and lactating mothers about the importance of proper nutrition, healthcare and caregiving practices. The project promotes the health and nutrition of mothers and young children during the critical first 1,000 days of a child, from conception to the age of two. This period is widely recognised as a window of opportunity for laying the foundation for the long-term health, development and well-being of a child. • trained 533 healthcare practitioners to provide specialised care and nutritional support to mothers and children during the crucial period • counselled 304 pregnant and lactating women on breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices • invited to serve as an NGO member on the District Nutrition Committee, contributing to policy discussions and local strategy development related to maternal and child nutrition The project team met Preeti Nayka when she was 19 years old and in the fourth month of her pregnancy. Due to her young age early marriage and lack of general awareness, she had very little knowledge about pregnancy care, nutrition or health. Her haemoglobin was just 9 g/dl and she was underweight. She showed no visible signs of pregnancy and was unaware of the importance of care during this period. She was gradually counselled on the importance of maternal nutrition and pregnancy care. She followed the advice sincerely, took iron and folic acid tablets regularly and included iron-rich foods in her diet. Her haemoglobin improved to 11.1g/dl, leading to a normal delivery. Her baby was born with a healthy weight of 2.4 kg. After birth, Preeti was guided on breastfeeding techniques. As a result, she and her baby, both, are now in good health. She continues to maintain a nutritious diet, ensuring the well-being of herself and her child. Other projects Project Location Impact promotion of nutrition gardens in tribal areas Valsad 100 tribal families upgradation of sports infrastructure and equipment Atul youth from 10 villages provision of medical equipment Valsad patients of Valsad district First 1000 Days promoting nutrition, maternal and child health project Initiated in 2023 1,216 health practitioners | 622 mothers HEALTH 36 | Health
39 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The Ojas project extends vital support to children living in challenging conditions, bringing them joy, hope and opportunities for a better future. Many of these children have lost parents or live with step-families under poor socio-economic circumstances. The socio-economic structure is particularly difficult, as these children often come from broken families where childcare tends to be a lower priority. Their living environments present numerous additional challenges, including the absence of safe spaces for the children to learn, develop, and grow. This lack of support systems often forces them to drop out of formal education or resort to non-ethical behaviour and practices. To address these complex challenges, the project organises children into categories based on their specific needs and prepares Individual Care Plans (ICPs), tailored to each child. Regular meetings are conducted with parents or guardians to ensure continuous engagement • conducted 83 group activities, fostering life skills, resilience and social skills • facilitated 23 vocational training and scholarship linkages, providing pathways to future opportunities • supported 4 families through economic rehabilitation initiatives, promoting sustainable livelihoods • organised 21 story camps, engaging 1,005 children in creative and emotional learning experiences • arranged 5 exposure visits for 155 children, broadening their horizons beyond their immediate environment • conducted 2 summer camps for 136 children, promoting holistic development through recreational activities • held 2 ‘Ideathon’ workshops with 75 children, encouraging innovation, leadership and problem-solving skills and need-based support is provided as required. The entire process revolves around building trust with the children and their communities, enabling collective efforts to nurture these children into responsible and capable citizens. Children are also encouraged to attend school or enroll in vocational courses regularly. These interventions have fostered resilience among the children, enabling them to overcome the diverse challenges they face. Many have shown remarkable progress in areas such as public speaking, activity participation and adopting core values like mindful speaking and listening. Their school attendance has noticeably improved, with many attending school more regularly compared to before. Additionally, the children have begun to take on leadership roles, with several now mentoring and supporting younger peers, which highlights a growing sense of responsibility and self-worth. Priyanshi had dropped out of school and avoided interactions with outreach workers. Her family was initially indifferent to her education. Through repeated visits, counselling and assigning her a small leadership role, she gradually changed her attitude. Encouraged by her teacher and brother, she now attends school regularly, prepares for exams, no longer visits neighbours to play cards and has developed a positive attitude toward education. She is active, responsive and enjoys being in school with her peers. Ojas reaching out to children living in difficult conditions project initiated in 2020 249 children | 6 villages RELIEF 38 | Relief
41 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The community-based rehabilitation project focuses on empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs) in rural villages by ensuring access to essential rehabilitation services. Community-based rehabilitation is a strategic approach to promoting equal opportunities and protecting the human rights of PwDs. Other projects • provided need-based support kits to 94 PwDs • supported 5 families through economic rehabilitation initiatives A community toilet block was constructed near a brick kiln site in Valsad, ensuring safe sanitation facilities for the families residing there. Alongside the construction, awareness sessions were conducted for brick kiln workers, educating them on the proper use and maintenance of the facility. Provided basic reading and writing classes to 45 children of migrant workers, helping bridge foundational learning gaps and promoting educational inclusion. Project Location Impact contribution to organisation of samuh lagna Valsad 108 couples support for children of brick kiln workers at bal vikas kendra Valsad 50 children provision of cupboards and mattresses to therapy center for schizophrenic patients Valsad 50 patients support for patients in need Valsad 33 patients Community-based rehabilitation enhancing quality of life for persons with disabilities project initiated in 2022 94 PwDs | 14 villages RELIEF 40 | Relief
Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | 43 The Model Anganwadi project was initiated to improve early childhood education environments in rural and under-resourced areas. Many anganwadis operate in dilapidated conditions with broken doors and windows, leaky walls, poor sanitation and unhygienic kitchen facilities, posing significant risks to the health and learning of children. Atul Foundation identifies severely underperforming anganwadis, carries out structural repairs, restores basic utilities and incorporates vibrant educational wall designs to stimulate learning. • renovated 6 anganwadis, benefitting 230 children • enhanced environment with educational wall art, child-friendly infrastructure and improved hygiene facilities • created safe, colourful and engaging spaces that promote both learning and well-being The refurbished anganwadis have significantly improved attendance, engagement and early learning outcomes. Children now learn in cheerful, clean environments designed to encourage curiosity and cognitive growth. Anganwadi workers also reported increased ease in conducting activities and a better connection with the children under their care. Anganwadi worker, Suman Patel, residing in Nava Tariya, a remote village in Navsari district, Gujarat, struggled with conducting classes outdoors and relied on neighbouring houses to provide meals for the children as her designated anganwadi was in a tattered state. Now the structural damages have been repaired, hygiene facilities restored, and the space has been redesigned to be safe, colourful and child-friendly. “Earlier, it was unsafe even to step inside. Now, our children have a place where they can play, learn and grow without fear,” says Suman. Model Anganwadi transforming early childhood spaces project initiated in 2017 2,857 children | 65 anganwadis INFRASTRUCTURE 42 | Infrastructure
45 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The child-friendly infrastructure project focuses on essential upgrades such as classroom renovations, construction of toilets, drinking water stations, roads, development of parking areas and the creation of engaging recreational spaces. These efforts aim to foster an environment where children feel secure, inspired and encouraged to attend school regularly. • renovated 13 classrooms and painted 12 classrooms at Kalyani Shala, benefiting 1,745 students • renovated 4 classrooms at a school, impacting 105 students • developed a park for children in a village to promote play and outdoor activities Other projects Project Location Impact support for Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology Ahmedabad 14,087 individuals upgradation of Ulhas cricket ground Valsad 3,280 players construction of individual household toilets Valsad 250 individuals installation of 150 LED streetlights Valsad village residents construction of a fence around the playground Bharuch - Child-friendly infrastructure providing safe spaces for children to learn and grow project initiated in 2017 10,411 students | 38 schools INFRASTRUCTURE 44 | Infrastructure
47 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The Ujjwal Atul project is a rural waste management initiative that promotes sustainable practices in the villages of Valsad district. It encourages household level waste segregation, conducts awareness sessions in communities and schools and manages daily waste through a waste management center, where dry waste is sorted into 26 categories and sent to appropriate recyclers, while wet waste is processed into compost. This integrated approach cultivates behavioural change and youth engagement, creating a model that aligns with national sustainability goals and promotes long-term environmental stewardship. In many rural areas, people often burn their waste or dump it on roadsides, which is harmful to health and leads to diseases being spread through insects and mosquitoes. Recognising this challenge, the project team goes door-to-door to raise awareness about the dangers of unhealthy waste disposal. They educate households on the importance of waste segregation, how to do it effectively and the benefits it brings to health and environment. Community engagement is further strengthened through awareness sessions in schools and villages, as well as impactful street plays. The project encourages home composting, thus promoting the use of kitchen waste to feed animals or converting it into compost for household gardens or farming fields. By adopting these practices, families can reduce waste, recycle nutrients back into the soil, and contribute to a cleaner, greener and healthier environment for all. The project also implements plastic waste management in collaboration with Swachh Bharat Mission by involving 10 ragpickers. • signed MoU with Swachh Bharat Mission and 90 gram panchayats • implemented structured waste management systems in 78 villages and 7 colleges The project engages 10 ragpickers to collect plastic waste from public spaces and roadside areas, often overlooked and littered with unattended waste piles. The project ensures cleaner surroundings as a result of proper disposal. Ujjwal Atul promoting effective waste management practices in villages project initiated in 2020 78 villages | 7 colleges CONSERVATION 46 | Conservation
Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | 49 The renewable energy project addresses water access and energy challenges in remote tribal areas, where communities often face frequent water shortages, agricultural instability and seasonal migration. With livelihoods heavily dependent on agriculture and daily wage labor, traditional irrigation methods using dieselpowered pumps places financial strain on farmers and are environmentally unsustainable. To promote a cleaner, more resilient future, the project facilitated the installation of solar-powered water pumps and grid-connected solar systems for both community farming groups and institutions. • installed 10 new solar pumps for farmer groups at 10 locations • eliminated diesel expenses, resulting in higher agricultural yields, cost savings and year-round farming • installed grid-based solar energy systems at 4 institutions (66.3 kW) The project has improved irrigation reliability, reduced dependency on rainfall, eliminated diesel expenses, and enhanced food security. It has also introduced sustainable energy infrastructure to public institutions, contributing to long-term climate resilience and promoting awareness around green energy solutions. A group of 10 farmers residing in In Moti Palsan, a remote village in Valsad district, Gujarat, previously relied on diesel-powered pumps to draw water from a nearby river, spending nearly ` 1,000 on diesel each day. Seasonal rains made the situation even more uncertain. With the installation of a solar pump, the group now enjoys consistent, costfree water supply delivered through pipelines directly to their fields. The savings have allowed them to invest more in their crops, grow throughout the year, and reduce their reliance on unpredictable rainfall. Renewable energy promoting green energy project initiated in 2021 52 solar pumps of 198kW | 12 grid-based solar of 150 kW at 12 institutions CONSERVATION 48 | Conservation
51 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The water conservation project involves implementation of soil and water conservation measures in ecologically sensitive and agriculturally dependent regions. These efforts play a crucial role in ensuring water availability, improving soil health and mitigating the adverse effects of erratic monsoons and climate change. By slowing down surface runoff and promoting groundwater recharge, the initiative helps reduce soil erosion, supports vegetation cover and enhances agricultural productivity. Such interventions are vital for sustaining rural livelihoods and preserving natural ecosystems. • constructed eight Bori-bandhs to slow water flow and aid percolation • excavated one pond to support rainwater harvesting and storage • desilted four existing check dams, restoring their holding capacity and improving water retention Other water conservation initiatives: Water conservation conserving water and soil project initiated in 2021 1.364 structures | 6 villages CONSERVATION 50 | Conservation Operating seven nature-based wastewater recycling systems with a total capacity of 317 KLD, the initiative ensures the reuse of water in gardening and flushing of toilets, promoting eco-friendly practices in water management. Rainwater harvesting systems have been installed in 15 institutions, contributing significantly to water conservation efforts. 137 lakh litres of rainwater was conserved during the previous monsoons across 36 institutions. 27 farmers have been supported to adopt drip irrigation systems, fostering efficient water use and enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable practices.
53 Atul Foundation | Annual Report 2024-25 | The green cover project aims to restore natural ecosystems, improve air quality, enhance biodiversity and serve as green lungs for the environment. The Miyawaki forest technique is a method of creating dense, fast-growing and self-sustaining native forests in a short period. By planting a diverse mix of indigenous species close together, this method promotes rapid growth, up to ten times faster than conventional afforestation and requires comparatively less maintenance after the initial establishment phase. • developed six Miyawaki forests, nurturing a total of 55,325 trees from 62 native species. • developed a Miyawaki forest with 25,000 trees of 45 species • nurtured 55,325 trees in 6 Miyawaki forests Other projects Project Location Impact conservation of energy through biogas Valsad 100 families provision of sparrow houses Valsad 700 sparrow houses rehabilitation of cows Nagpur 44 cows Equally critical to ecological stability are mangroves, which play a vital role in protecting coastal regions. Mangrove ecosystems act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, tidal surges and cyclones. They also serve as rich breeding grounds for fish and marine life, support livelihoods and contribute significantly to carbon sequestration. Atul Foundation planted 82,200 mangroves across 40 hectares of the coastal belt in Valsad. Green cover preserving biodiversity through afforestation project initiated in 2022 82,200 mangroves | 55,325 trees in 6 Miyawaki forests CONSERVATION 52 | Conservation
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