In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or the Global Goals, to encourage global action towards ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity by 2030.
The 17 SDGs are interconnected, recognising that progress in one area affects outcomes in others, and development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. It's crucial to prioritise progress for the most marginalised communities, and the SDGs are designed to tackle issues such as poverty, hunger, AIDS, and gender inequality.
Achieving the SDGs requires the collective efforts of all sectors of society in every context.
The Dholakia Foundation is a sustainable development Foundation in India committed to positively impacting society by conserving the environment and empowering communities. Initiated in 1996 by Savjibhai Dholakia, the founder of Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., The Dholakia Foundation aims to improve the lives of individuals and communities through various philanthropic activities focused towards sustainable development with an emphasis on communities and environmental conservation.
Our Foundation is based in Surat and has actively supported education, healthcare, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability, among other areas.
Below is a list of Dholakia Foundation's SDG portfolio:
Goal 1
No Poverty
Our initiatives and social activities have contributed significantly to poverty eradication, providing employment opportunities, and supporting regional economic growth.
As a result, we have played a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being of locals and creating a positive social impact.
We prioritise local recruitment and actively contribute to regional economic growth. We take pride in our low staff turnover and the involvement of young people in our skills development programme. Even during the Covid pandemic, we remained committed to our employees, avoiding redundancies. By supporting the "Vocal for Local" initiative, we aim to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Our diligent efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. We are committed to creating a better future for all, with a focus on promoting inclusive growth.
Through our initiatives, the Dholakia Foundation has not only transformed lives but also sparked a sense of hope and optimism in the hearts of many.
GOAL 2
Zero Hunger
We take our social responsibility seriously and strive to impact the lives of underprivileged communities positively. Our commitment to giving back is evident in the various food and nutrition security programs we undertake to support needy and poor communities in the areas where we operate. Our programs demonstrate our belief that everyone deserves access to necessities, and we are dedicated to playing our part in creating a better future for all.
We celebrate the birthdays of our stakeholders by organising lunches for 100 underprivileged individuals every day. This is a small gesture, but it represents our belief that even small acts of kindness can go a long way in creating a more compassionate and equitable society.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognised the importance of coming together as a community to support those in need during these difficult times. We actively supported local communities in and around our operating areas in India, providing much-needed relief to those struggling.
GOAL 3
Good Health & Well-Being
We prioritise our employees and their families' health and well-being. We recognise that our workforce is our greatest asset, and their health is paramount. We are proud to align our efforts with Sustainable Development Goal 3 to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all.
Our Foundation has taken several measures to promote health and well-being, including organising blood donation camps, health check-up camps, and Thalassemia check-up camps. We also provide regular occupational safety training and promote mental health awareness. Through these initiatives, we aim to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and encourage healthy lifestyles.
We understand the global impact of drug abuse and traffic accidents, and thus, we are actively involved in programs that prevent and treat drug abuse and reduce traffic accidents. Our various health-related activities and programs reflect our commitment to achieving SDG 3 targets.
GOAL 4
Quality Education
Our Education Assistance program is a powerful tool for reducing inequalities in access to education and promoting cultural heritage. By providing inclusive and equitable education to underprivileged children and communities in Gujarat, the program ensures that every child can attend school and complete their education.
The Dholakia Nirman (DN) Community is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to creating alternative educational opportunities that foster independent, responsible, and sensitive citizens who can contribute positively to society. DN's unique approach to learning focuses on educating the heart, hand, and head to create a happy and democratic world.
GOAL 5
Gender Equality
We are dedicated to empowering all women and girls and achieving gender equality. Our women's empowerment project has provided employment opportunities and training to 200 women, contributing to the goal of economic empowerment for women.
We understand women's safety is critical and have taken proactive steps to address it. The distribution of 6000 women's helmets to promote safe driving practices for women is a prime example of our commitment to ensuring women's safety on the roads.
Our initiatives focus on economic empowerment and promoting women's health, education, and social welfare.
Our Empowerment of Women program aims to provide women with vocational training and skills development programs, enabling them to become financially independent and support their families. We believe empowering women is key to achieving a sustainable and equitable future for all.
GOAL 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
We take great pride in our various initiatives, including India's most steadfast water conservation project- #Mission100Sarovar. Through this project, we aimed to construct 100 Sarovars (lakes) in rural areas, benefiting local communities by providing them access to safe water and enhancing their resilience to climate change.
Until now, we have successfully constructed over 124 Lakes and continuously benefited 20 villages and more than 200,000 farmers by storing 7 Billion litres of water spread over 25 km. This initiative has not only improved water availability but has also increased agricultural productivity and improved the livelihoods of local communities.
In addition to our Sarovar project, we work closely with local communities to identify and implement sustainable water management strategies. Our efforts include rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and groundwater recharge. We are proud to have been recognised by the United Nations for our focus on protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems and their biodiversity, receiving special accreditation for the UN Water Conference in 2023. Through this conference, we aim to share our "Conserve Water to Nurture Life and Generations" journey with the world and promote the importance of sustainable water management practices. As a foundation, we remain committed to achieving SDG 6 and creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
GOAL 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
We understand energy access and transformation are critical for human and economic development. We are committed to contributing towards achieving SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy for All. We acknowledge the importance of various energy sources available in the environment, including renewable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biofuels, and non-renewable sources like natural gas, coal, and nuclear.
As a responsible business, we have taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a cleaner environment by adopting solar energy to meet our energy generation needs.
Our 2.7 MW Solar plant at HK Hub has generated around 8 million energy units annually in our diamond manufacturing operations, significantly contributing to our sustainable energy use. The surplus energy of over 30,000 units is distributed back to the government power grid suppliers, further promoting sustainable energy use.
We are committed to energy and sustainable development in India, which has reduced approximately 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. We continue to promote sustainable energy practices through our various initiatives.
GOAL 8
Decent Work and Economic Growth
We know the importance of providing fair working conditions and promoting long-term economic expansion in all operating regions. We are dedicated to creating safe and secure workplaces for our employees. We take pride in providing them with the necessary support and resources to enhance their well-being and livelihoods.
We recognise that our employees are the backbone of our business, and their hard work and dedication play a significant role in our success. As a result, we advocate for implementing Employee Social Support Programs that promote their welfare and well-being.
As a responsible and ethical business, we are committed to timely tax payment and contributing to local, national, and international economic and governance systems. Our commitment to long-term growth extends beyond profits and is integral to our values.
In line with our commitment to our employees' well-being, we introduced a unique "Loyalty Program" in 2014, which has garnered widespread media attention. We gifted 207 houses, 500 cars (Fiat Punto), and 570 Kisna Diamond Jewellery (Special Edition) to 1,277 HK Group employees. In 2016, 1,665 employees qualified for this Loyalty Bonus.
In 2018, we hosted a "Skill India Incentive Ceremony" as part of our loyalty bonus program, providing incentives in the form of cars and fixed deposits to approximately 1,700 diamond artists and diamond engineers. The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendrabhai Modi, personally handed over car keys to a few of our employees in New Delhi and gave his warm blessings to over 25,000 family members back in Surat at HK HUB through a live video conferencing.
GOAL 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
We firmly believe that economic growth and environmental sustainability can coexist. We are the forerunners of environmental development and sustainability in India.
Innovation and technology are key drivers of sustainable industrial growth, and we are committed to supporting and adopting practices that promote sustainability. We believe that by working with startups prioritising eco-friendly practices, we can promote a more sustainable future.
GOAL 10
Reduced Inequalities
We promote diversity and inclusivity in our workforce. We recognise that people from different backgrounds and abilities bring unique skills and perspectives that can benefit our business and contribute to a positive work culture.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to everyone, including those who may face challenges finding employment elsewhere. We actively seek out and hire differently-abled people and provide them with the necessary training and accommodations to perform their job responsibilities. Hiring people from diverse backgrounds and abilities creates a culture of acceptance, respect, and inclusion.
Moreover, we understand that supporting the differently-abled goes beyond providing employment opportunities. We also strive to provide a supportive work environment that accommodates their needs and fosters growth and development.
GOAL 11
Sustainable Cities & Communities
As a responsible business, we have taken steps to support and promote the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign, which aims to address the challenges of waste disposal, pollution reduction and conservation of natural resources in India.
We have implemented various initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling, such as segregating and composting organic waste and using eco-friendly packaging. We also encourage our employees to adopt sustainable practices, such as carpooling, using public transport, and conserving energy.
In addition, we actively participate in clean-up drives and awareness campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of waste management and environmental conservation. We believe these initiatives contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment and benefit our business by improving our public image and promoting customer loyalty.
GOAL 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
As part of our commitment to responsible consumption, we have implemented measures to reduce food waste in our operations. We strive to ensure that excess food is not wasted and instead is shared with those in need.
We have partnered with local non-profit organisations to donate excess food to those facing food insecurity. This initiative has not only helped reduce food waste but has also contributed to supporting our local communities.
Additionally, we understand that some food may be beyond consumption for people, but it can still be put to good use. To this end, we have implemented a composting program to ensure that organic waste is diverted from landfills and used to enrich the soil.
GOAL 13
Climate Action
We are committed to fighting climate change and promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and communities. Our focus on carbon sequestration through tree planting has resulted in planting 2.5 million trees, reducing rainwater runoff, mitigating urban heat, and improving soil fertility. Our efforts in promoting sustainable practices serve as an example for others to follow in the fight against climate change. We believe that working together can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
GOAL 14
Life Below Water
One of our main projects involves carbon sequestration through the planting of trees. We have planted 2.5 million trees, which helps maintain the earth's temperature and support the biological cycle and community livelihoods.
Besides our tree plantation initiative, we are also involved in reducing rainwater runoff and urban heating, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting sustainable agriculture. These efforts aim to impact the environment and promote sustainable development positively.
We are also dedicated to creating awareness about conserving natural resources, such as water bodies and marine resources. We believe healthy rivers, oceans, and other water bodies are essential to human life. Hence, we have taken up several initiatives to conserve and sustainably use these resources.
Through our various sustainability initiatives, we aim to create a better world for future generations. We believe that sustainability and economic growth coexist and strive to balance these aspects in all our operations and decisions.
GOAL 15
Life on Land
We believe in the critical importance of preserving diverse life forms on land. To achieve this goal, we have implemented targeted efforts to protect, restore, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and other ecosystems.
In 2020, we introduced the "Kisna Nature Park," an excellent example of our commitment to this cause. The park boasts 45 different varieties of exotic birds and 40 distinct species of marine creatures and animals, providing a natural habitat for them to thrive in. Additionally, the park offers a peaceful area for meditation and yoga, surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The creation of our natural ecosystem has helped various species, such as the kingfisher bird, to prosper again. Our initiatives aim to ensure biodiversity conservation, promoting the health and well-being of animals and humans alike.
GOAL 16
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
At Dholakia Foundation, we strongly believe in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and effective and accountable institutions, as outlined in SDG 16. We understand that building a just and equitable society requires more than just charitable initiatives, it involves empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to create positive change in their communities.
Our education and vocational training programs give underprivileged youth the tools to become change agents. Education and vocational training provide employment opportunities and promote critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and civic responsibility. Moreover, our initiatives go beyond formal education and include Vipassana meditation and Jivan Vidhya Shibir to help cultivate inner peace, reduce conflicts, and promote positive social interactions.
We recognise that access to justice is a fundamental right that should be available to all members of society. To this end, we support legal aid clinics, awareness campaigns, and policy reforms to promote access to justice for marginalised communities. Additionally, our Jivan Vidhya Shibir life skills workshops equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex legal and social systems.
GOAL 17
Partnerships with the goals
SDG 1: We employ people from outside the industry to improve the economic situation of an increasing number of people.
SDG 2: We have distributed food grains in a few villages around Lonavala (near Mumbai) since 2018.
SDG 3: We organise a Blood Donation Drive annually and have donated thousands of blood units to hospitals across India.
SDG 4: Children We supply school supplies, including uniforms and textbooks, to help children attend school.
SDG 5: Diamond manufacturing is traditionally seen as "men's work"; however, with proactive programs and inclusion, we are increasing the number of women in its workforce.
SDG 6: We received special United Nations 2023 Water Conference accreditation.
SDG 7: Our buildings in Surat are powered by solar energy from panels directly on their roofs.
SDG 8: We work towards developing a sustainable, value-driven business and are committed to providing ongoing employment for its 8000-person-strong workforce.
SDG 9: Our buildings are built using modern technology, sustainable practices and state-of-the-art recreational facilities for its staff.
SDG 10: We employ people from diverse backgrounds, including those who are differently-abled and may have trouble finding employment in other companies.
SDG 11: We strongly support and promote the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) campaign about waste disposal, reducing pollution, and conserving natural resources.
SDG 12: We support responsible consumption by sharing excess food with needy people. Any food that is beyond use for people is then composted.
SDG 13: We are committed to climate action by reducing direct carbon emissions through renewable power sources.
SDG 14: We have built over 111 lakes under our #Mission100Sarovar initiative.
SDG 15: We have planted 2.5 million trees across 25 locations in Gujarat, including some species of tree nearing extinction.
SDG 16: We treat employees like family, so there hasn't been any case of theft or lawlessness.
SDG 17: We work with various organisations and institutions, including the United Nations and other government bodies, to achieve the SDGs.
