Project Vivek Vidya is a flagship project of Deepak Foundation providing education services through a mobile facility and aims at supporting government primary school children (6-12 years age) of rural and remote areas by strengthening their foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The project’s strategic interventions promote a blended learning approach, ensuring that children receive the quality inputs and remain engaged within education system and reduce the risk of school dropouts. The project aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 to achieve the goals of the NIPUN Bharat Mission and contributes to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – Quality Education.
Project Vivek Vidya adopts a holistic approach in achieving its goals by creating a comprehensive academic framework that nurtures learning and creativity of government school children across three states of India at six locations: Gujarat (Nandesari, Savli, Bharuch), Maharashtra (Roha & Pune) and Telangana (Hyderabad).
The project is also dedicated to empowering local community women (Vivek Vidya Sathis) who are assisting in project as skilled education facilitators and making substantial contributions for their sustainable development and social improvement.
Key Interventions:
Nandesari Education Project aims to improve Mathematics, Science and English subjects by introducing comprehensive remedial sessions in these subjects through subject experts, which focus on providing in-depth subject knowledge and conceptual clarity through smart classrooms and tech-based digital methods and practical based learning. The project helps students in bridging their learning gaps and overcome their fear of these challenging subjects while fostering a deeper interest in learning.
The project is overseeing secondary grades in Nandesari (rural) of Vadodara district in Gujarat state with an aspirational goal of providing academic assistance and encouraging students to achieve high scores in their final exams.
Key Interventions:
Project Young Scientist emphasizes on multi-disciplinary education to deliver scientific and practical-based learning in government primary school students in Nandesari (rural), Vadodara district, Gujarat and Roha (tribal), Raigad district, Maharashtra through STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). This initiative equips students with 21st century skills, like problem solving, analytical & critical thinking and adapt them to evolving technology, fostering teamwork and collaboration, retention of knowledge through experimentation and prepares students for future needs. Through such diverse skill-set approach and experiential learning (hands-on learning), STEM intervention of Deepak Foundation is empowering young learners of unexplored communities that will create an emerging STEM workforce with their innovative minds and creative potential to thrive in tech-centric society.
The STEM project nurtures student’s artistic talent, knowledge, creativity, imagination, and competitive spirit and creates various opportunities for the beneficiaries to showcase their innovative thoughts and dedication at various STEM related exhibitions in their schools and communities and encourages to participate in district and state level STEM competitions.
Key Activities:
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), launched in 1975, is one of India’s key social welfare programs. Since 1996, Deepak
Foundation has supported 67 Anganwadi
Centres under two PHCs in Sankarda and Angadh (Vadodara rural block) to enhance ICDS implementation. Alongside government services, the Foundation offers value-added interventions such as Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), health check-ups, eye screenings, treatment for developmentally delayed children, and uniform distribution.
In 2024-25, five Digital Model Anganwadi Centres were established, aligned with NEP 2020. These centres feature interactive learning walls, digital devices, quality infra-structure, and engaging educational spaces to boost school readiness. Additionally, 27 Anganwadi Centres were equipped with water purifiers to ensure safe drinking water.
Anganwadi workers are trained in child-centered approaches, phonemic awareness, storytelling, hygiene, nutrition, and school readiness domains like cognitive, emotional, motor, and language development-fostering a rich and stimulating learning environment for young children.
Khalapur is a small town where a large population of women come from marginalized communities. Like many other regions in India, Khalapur faces economic disparities and a lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for women. However, it is becoming increasingly attractive to multinational corporations, developers, and investors, thanks to its significant growth potential driven by industrialization.
In this region, most households are involved in agricultural or industrial labor. Empowering women is crucial, especially in the post-lockdown era, to help supplement family incomes through entrepreneurial activities. To address this situation, the Deepak Foundation, in collaboration with Godrej Enterprises Group, initiated an innovative project last year, involving self-help group (SHG) women in the production of low-cost, environmentally friendly personal hygiene products like hand wash and soap.
The partnership with Kohler India Corporation Private Limited (KICPL) began in January 2024 with a focused initiative on Wate Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Jhagadia Taluka of Bharuch district, Gujarat. This WASH initiative emphasizes raisir community awareness and ensuring access to safe sanitation practices. As part of efforts to promote open defecation-free stati in the region, the initiative aims to construct 127 toilets and 144 bathroom facilities across four villages in the Jhagadia are In addition to improving sanitation, a parallel initiative was launched in December 2024 to support environmenta
Rural households, particularly those in Gujarat’s rural regions, engage in animal husbandry as a significant source of income.
At the lowest possible investment per unit, this sector also has the greatest potential for creating rural self-employment. The livestock owners need veterinary services, particularly curative and advisory services to improve the productivity of their livestock. Most of the interior areas are not able to receive institutional service delivery facilities due to the distance factor. Veterinary hospitals/dispensaries are located 8-10 km away from the villages, and it becomes a difficult job to avail required services and save their animals from untimely death.
The Veterinary Health Care unit is an alternative model of animal health care delivery system in a specified location, depending upon the needs of the animal owners and their willingness to pay a small remuneration for better & quicker services. The unit is equipped with a specialized team led by a Veterinary doctor with supporting equipment and drugs. The unit is designed to provide breeding, preventive, curative, and feed & fodder services to the surrounding villages at a subsidized rate, which are otherwise underserved under normal circumstances.
In the heart of Dahej, Bharuch, where the simplest journey to a doctor can be an difficult challenge. Imagine a mother, her smile etched with worry, finally having access that cares for her and her unborn child. Picture a young girl, her energy often sapped by unseen deficiencies, now offered the chance for a healthier, brighter tomorrow. Funded by Deepak Nitrite Limited and implemented by Deepak Foundation. It’s the story of Swastha Sakhi a Health Unit on wheels, reaching the most remote corners to embrace the health and well-being of women. For pregnant mothers, it’s the reassurance of Safe Mother Care. For little ones, it’s the nourishment of attention, addressing malnutrition and paving the way for playful laughter. It’s the wisdom shared on family welfare. Think of the relief as an on site mammography test becomes a reality, breaking down barriers of distance and fear, offering early detection. Envision the simple act of a dental examination, bringing comfort and smiles. Anemia screening for adolescent girls, investing in their strength and potential.
Beyond the screenings for common diseases, blood pressure, and sugar levels, this initiative is about something more profound. It’s about dignity. It’s about care arriving at their doorstep.
Our Services Include:
India has a coastline of 11098.81 GOI 29th April 2025 (old 7516 km) and Gujarat has the biggest coastline in the country with 2340.62 km (old 1600km) followed by Maharashtra with 877.97km. The coastline of Gujarat has two Gulfs; the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat.
The coasts are home to unique ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs and estuaries. These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity and provide natural protection against erosion and extreme weather events besides providing critically important minerals for various industrial needs.
The State of Forest Report 2023 has reported the total Mangrove cover of the country as 4,991.68 sq. km, 0.15 % of total geographical area along the 11098.81 km long Indian coastline, with Very Dense Mangrove – 1,463.97 sq. km (29.33%), Moderately Dense Mangrove – 1,500.84 km2 (30.07%), Open Mangroves constitute – 2,026.87 sq. km (40.60%). In comparison to the 2021 assessment, there is a net decrease of 7.43 sq. km in the country’s Mangrove coverage, with Gujarat having a notable decrease of 36.39 sq. km.
Due to rampant human exploitation, urban development, and climate change impacts leading to coastal erosions the mangrove cover is declining. Mangroves are not only ecological powerhouses but also guardians of coastal resilience, protecting vulnerable communities from climate-induced sea-level rise and extreme weather events. The Gulf of Khambhat is oriented with its tail towards the north and mouth towards the south covering about 3,120 sq. km. The funnel like structure of the gulf with wide mouth and narrow head (width 200 km at mouth of Gulf terminating to ~6 km at the tail) makes the Gulf second in the world in terms of tidal amplitude. Several rivers including major rivers of Gujarat like Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati and Mahi open in the Gulf, draining down water and alluvium to the gulf and coastal area.
The coastline of Bharuch situated along the Gulf of Khambhat near Dahej is highly prone to erosion according to study on the status of Shoreline Changes along the Gujarat Coast (map.1). Deepak Foundation has initiated a three-pronged approach for the protection of the coastline along Paniyadra village in Bharuch district: Habitat restoration, Biodiversity documentation and Community sensitization.
Eroded coastline near Jageshwar village- Dahej.
Deepak Foundation with support from Deepak Phenolics Limited has initiated Mangrove restoration along the high erosion zone near Paniyadra village under Vagra block and expanding in Jhambusar block of Bharuch district. An area of 100 acres have been identified for the restoration in cooperation with the local community and the state forest department (map).
Along with the Avicennia marina plantation in 100 acres we are creating a database of the biodiversity found in its vicinity and till March 2025 our team has documented more than 130 biodiversity species including plants, fishes, reptiles, crabs and birds in Vagra block, which is 3% of total Mangrove Forest biodiversity of India. An earlier study by GEC in 2011 had documented 44 biodiversity species from Vagra block, an increase of 195% in 13 years period but as the study is ongoing, we expect it will increase further.
To sensitise the community and students we have developed outreach materials outlining the role and importance of mangroves for humans and the associated wildlife. Through 26 outreach programs in 12 villages along the coastal area we have reached out to 1829 people in the area and expanding further.
Outreach programs in villages.
Common Pleco, Hypostomus plecostomus
Puffer, Takifugu oblongus
Old lady Octopus Cistopus indicus
Chiloscyllium arabicum (Near Threatened)
Nidaan Van will have been acknowledged to be useful in providing quality diagnostic services for underprivileged and hard to reach areas where diagnostic facilities/providers are non-existent, non-functional, or inaccessible.
The project intends to achieve the following specific objectives:
• To initiate mobile diagnostic services in rural & tribal communities residing in the remotest area.
• To improve timely diagnosis & referral which reduces morbidity & mortality.
• To conduct timely universal drug susceptibility testing (UDST) for diagnosed TB patients.
• To create awareness by health promotional activity.
Sankul Band
Music is deeply ingrained in all of us in various degrees. Music is something that can be enjoyed by all and sundry alike. Music is a therapy in itself and has the capacity to rejuvenate. We at Samaj Suraksha Sankul always believed that music as a therapy could help its students to relax and with a bit of help, they could add playing knowledge of various instruments to their repertoire of skills. Sankul has a Music teacher who teaches the kids different musical instruments like Guitar, Piano, and Octapad along with vocal music classes. The children totally enjoy it. One day, the idea of a band for the children was naturally cropped up. Why not? The children were already learning music and various music instruments and a music band was a natural culmination for the learning.
We were keen and waiting for an appropriate opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skill sets. Finally, the much-awaited opportunity came knocking. The band of the students, Sankul Band, were invited to perform in Vadodara Marathon. As icing on the cake, MG Motors came forward as sponsors of Sankul Band in Vadodara Marathon. The venue of our maiden performance was at Nyay Mandir where the capacity crowd was enthralled by our students’ superlative performance. All through the performance, the crowd was standing and applauding the students and the crowd response immensely helped and motivated our children. It turned out to be a remarkable and memorable day for each and every one in the Band. The response of the crowd uplifted the mood of the band, and the children drew energy from the crowds’ response and performance turned out to be better than anticipated. Students’ confidence level and motivation to do better was apparent and a natural outcome of the performance.
Deepak Foundation has significantly contributed to women’s empowerment by giving them opportunities to enhance their livelihood. Women in Nandesari, a small, closed community, now have the opportunity to gain new skills and ensure a living thanks in large part to campaigns that support women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and women’s dairy cooperatives (WDCs).
The Deepak Foundation has launched a new effort on the use of advanced reproductive technology in dairy animals to further raise milk output and enhance income through dairy cooperatives. In this project, 100 beneficiaries from women dairy cooperative societies in Nandesari, where the Foundation has been active for the past 20 years, will have their dairy cows selected using sex-sorted semen. A cutting-edge reproductive technology is sexed semen.
The Government of India has been working on TB since 1962 & launched a program called National Tuberculosis Program which later converted into the Revised National Tuberculosis Program in 1997 which was further converted to National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, with a goal to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025.
The project intends to achieve the following specific objectives within three years:
▪ To accelerate the early detection of TB cases in high-risk group.
▪ To ensure patient ease and convenience for providing the sputum sample at health facilities and linking to appropriate transport and testing services.
▪ To institute a mechanism for the collection of respiratory (GA/IS/BAL) and extra-pulmonary samples.
▪ To avoid/reduce the travel of patients, to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, and reduce loss in referral.
▪ To ensure access to free and quality assured investigations for pre-treatment evaluation and follow-up of DR-TB patients.
▪ To ensure easy access to free X-ray investigation for patients in the public and private sectors.
objectives of the project identified based on the need assessment survey are as follows:
• To establish a Skill Upgradation Centre that creates proficient quality workforce in various sectors.
• To provide vocational training for the Manual Housekeeping course
• To provide vocational training for the Domestic Data Entry Operator
• To ensure 100% industry exposure to all the registered beneficiaries to provide them hands-on training during internship tenure.
• To ensure that at least 80% of the trained candidates secure certification from government at the completion of course.
• Use natural product like neem seeds/leaves and create income from them,
• Make available neem-based hygiene products like hand wash and homemade soap to the rural community at lower rate.
• Create awareness among the communities about the use of environment friendly hand wash & soap.
• Give a secondary income source of income to SHG members by selling of neem-based hand made products.
