The power of sports to transform lives and build stronger communities has been our belief. Through our “Leveling the Playing Field” project, we focus on distributing sports equipment, providing sports training, and developing sports infrastructure in government schools across South Rajasthan and till now have covered Udaipur, Salumber, and Chittorgarh districts. Our initiative aims to address the critical issue of unequal access to sports facilities and coaching in rural areas. We provide essential sports equipment, such as balls, nets and uniforms, to help students engage in various sports. In addition, we develop sports infrastructure, such as playgrounds and courts, ensuring safe and adequate spaces for students to practice and play. A key aspect of our project is encouraging the participation of girls in sports. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to enjoy and excel in sports. To further support this, we train school sports coaches, equipping them with the skills needed to manage injuries with first aid and design effective training programs.
In partnership with Caratlane’s CSR, we have successfully completed two phases of this project, impacting the lives of many young athletes. Over the past two years, we have reached 150 government schools, directly benefiting 30,000 students. Our goal is not just to provide equipment but to create a nurturing environment where students can discover their passion for sports, develop their full potential and represents India at Global level.
At Aakriti Newage Foundation, we understand the harsh reality of winters, especially for those who lack access to adequate warm clothing. Through our project Warmth, we strive to ensure that underprivileged individuals, including children and the elderly, receive the necessary protection against the cold. Our initiative involves collecting and distributing woollens, sweaters, blankets and other winter essentials. We accept donations of new and gently used items, which are then sorted and distributed to those in need. This project is part of our larger Distribution drive, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of our community members. For the past five years, we’ve been reaching out to poverty ridden areas and other areas in Udaipur that are particularly vulnerable, such as tribal, rural and poverty-stricken regions.
In 2023, we successfully distributed 1,111 sweaters and blankets and in 2024, we reached a new milestone by providing 2,222 sweaters. Our ambitious goal for the winter of 2025 is to distribute 3,333 sweaters. This effort is not just about providing warmth but also about preventing serious health issues. Hypothermia, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold, can be life-threatening, particularly for the elderly and young children. In Rajasthan, where winters can be unexpectedly cold, the risk is significant. Providing warm clothing is a crucial preventive measure, as recent reports indicate a rising number of hypothermia cases during colder months.
Trees are vital for a healthy environment and sustainable future. Our focus on distributing and planting tree saplings and seed bombs is part of our commitment to combating deforestation and promoting greenery, especially in areas affected by high temperatures and environmental degradation. Through our initiatives, we distribute & plant tree saplings and seed bombs to local communities, schools and individuals who are eager to contribute to reforestation efforts. We also provide training on how to plant and maintain these saplings, ensuring they grow into healthy trees. Our seed bomb initiative is particularly exciting, as it is linked with sustainability cause and allows for easy and effective reforestation, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Seed bombs are a simple way to introduce plant life to barren lands, as they contain seeds wrapped in a nutrient-rich mixture that helps them germinate. Over the years, we’ve collaborated with local authorities and other organisations to plant thousands of trees. Our efforts include organising community planting drives, where volunteers come together to plant saplings in designated areas. These activities not only help in greening the environment but also raise awareness about the importance of trees.
Deforestation and rising temperatures are significant issues in Rajasthan. The state has experienced severe forest loss and increasing temperatures due to the reduction of green cover. According to recent statistics, Rajasthan’s forest cover is only about 4.5% of its total geographical area, much lower than the national average. This deforestation contributes to extreme temperatures and environmental imbalance, making tree planting crucial.
At Aakriti, our tree planting and seed bomb distribution initiatives aim to restore green cover, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
We recognise the importance of menstrual health and hygiene for women and young girls. Our mission includes distributing sanitary pads and educational materials to ensure that menstruation is no longer a taboo subject and that women have access to the resources they need for a healthy and dignified experience. Our approach involves providing sanitary pads to women and girls in rural areas, where access to such products is often limited. Alongside the pads, we distribute educational materials that explain proper usage, hygiene practices and the importance of menstrual health. In addition to distribution, we conduct awareness sessions in schools and communities, teaching about the menstrual cycle, debunking myths and promoting open discussions. This not only educates but also encourages a supportive environment where girls feel comfortable seeking help and guidance.
In rural Rajasthan, the lack of awareness and resources around menstruation remains a significant issue. Many girls use unsafe alternatives due to the unavailability of sanitary products, leading to health problems and absenteeism from school. Recent statistics reveal that a large percentage of girls in rural areas still rely on unhygienic methods during their menstrual cycle. The lack of proper menstrual products and education affects their overall well-being and confidence. Till now Aakriti has distributed 10,000+ pads around Udaipur and in the coming months we are starting to set up repurposing old cloth & organic fibers into sanitary pads centers in tribal areas of Udaipur in order to provide affordable menstrual products to women in need & use of less & less of synthetic material.
Something as simple as a pair of shoes can make a significant difference in people’s lives. Our shoe distribution program aims to provide new and gently used shoes to those in need, particularly students, laborers and working-class individuals in factories and government schools in Rajasthan. Shoes are more than just a comfort; they are a necessity for protection and mobility. In many rural areas and impoverished communities, the lack of proper footwear leads to a range of issues. For students, not having shoes can result in injuries, infections and even absenteeism, as attending school without proper footwear can be painful and dangerous. Similarly, for laborers and factory workers, inadequate footwear can lead to injuries and health problems, affecting their ability to work and earn a livelihood.
In the past two years, Aakriti has distributed 5,000 pairs of shoes in Udaipur district alone. These shoes have been provided to school children, factory laborers and others who lack the resources to purchase them. By giving these individuals proper footwear, we help reduce the risk of foot-related diseases and injuries, enabling them to attend school and work safely and comfortably. These efforts not only provide immediate relief but also promote the recycling of footwear, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Many individuals, especially children, walk long distances barefoot, exposing themselves to infections and injuries. According to recent data, a significant number of children in government schools do not have access to quality shoes, leading to frequent absences and health issues.
At Aakriti, our shoe distribution program is part of our broader commitment to improving the quality of life for those in need. Our work is about more than just giving shoes; it’s about giving people the freedom to walk safely and live healthier lives.
Having the right tools and a comfortable learning environment can make all the difference in a child’s education. That’s why we’ve focused on distributing stationery kits and school furniture to government schools, especially in areas where resources are scarce. Over the years, we’ve provided thousands of stationery kits, which include essentials like notebooks, pens, pencils, and erasers. These kits ensure that students have the necessary supplies to participate fully in their education. In addition, we’ve delivered 200 tables and chairs to various schools in Udaipur district alone during the years 2023 and 2024. By doing so, we’ve helped create a more conducive learning environment, where students can sit comfortably and focus on their studies. The distribution of stationery and furniture isn’t just about providing physical items; it’s about encouraging attendance and enhancing the quality of education. In Rajasthan, many government schools struggle with inadequate funding, leading to a lack of basic supplies and poor-quality furniture in primary schools. This situation often results in lower attendance rates and a less engaging learning experience for students. Recent statistics show that many government schools in the state still lack sufficient desks and chairs, forcing students to sit on the floor, which can be uncomfortable and distracting.
At Aakriti, our mission goes beyond just distributing items; it’s about developing a sense of dignity and motivation among students.
