A Note from the Director

Three years ago the thoughts and ideas of a few people to contribute to social development in India crystallized into what is today The Hans Foundation. In our three years of existence, I like to think our foundation has begun to make a small mark, which encourages us to reiterate our commitment to make a difference. Though in many ways three years is not a long period but I like to think that our foundation has had a chance to grow out of infancy and begin what we like to hope is a long, mature and happy life.

The Hans Foundation in the past years has supported over 500 organizations all over India. Our partners have been both prominent non-profits and the small community organizations that are run by dedicated people in villages who with their meager resources strive to extend a helping hand to the community. The team has strived to support a variety of ideas, from simple tasks of purchasing vehicles for schools where children travel from far distances to ensuring those in school also get the opportunity to have a healthy nutritious mid-day meal. We have helped provide sustained measures for empowering villages by setting up local employment centers and also learnt that one way to promote stronger community based rehabilitation for people and children living with disability is to involve and educate their families first.

We have always encouraged the inventive approach- pushing ourselves to think outside the box and coming up with innovative ideas as solutions to problems, and that has been our strength. We have learnt valuable lessons from every partner and some will continue long lasting relationships with us. Our main focus still remains on education, disability and healthcare but even within these areas, the necessary development of society as a whole, remains the bigger picture. We appreciated each hurdle in our way and realized that to reach our main goal we sometimes have to shift the goal post and meet all the challenges that present themselves.

In all this the team has remained strong and resolute as ever. Our work depends so much on teamwork and complete and honest participation between our workers, partners and even the volunteers. The spirit and bonhomie of the THF team has made every project a fun experience and I want to take this opportunity to thank every person who has contributed to the work of The Hans Foundation. The THF team has made lasting friends in many places and all of you count in making the organization what it has become today.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and ideas with all of you from this space and hope to hear from you over the coming months and years.

Sincerely,

Sweta Rawat