About Us – Dholakia Foundation

About

About Dholakia Foundation

Dholakia Foundation (DF) is the philanthropic arm of Hari Krishna Group, founded in 1996 by Padma Shri Awardee Savji Dholakia, Himmat Dholakia, Tulsi Dholakia and Ghanshyam Dholakia. The foundation embodies their commitment to societal and environmental well-being, particularly through initiatives aimed at ecosystem restoration and sustainability in India.

Driven by a deep commitment to environmental development and social progress, DF actively contributes to achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on ecosystem restoration, encompassing the restoration of lakes, rivers and establishment of forests. As an actor of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, DF’s dedication to environmental stewardship has garnered recognition on a global scale. Our efforts have been instrumental in achieving significant milestones in ecosystem conservation and restoration.

The foundation is committed to scaling its work on ecosystem restoration through its initiatives focusing on water conservation and tree plantation. This dedication is evident through its evolving initiatives. First came Mission 100 Sarovars – a successful initiative that laid the groundwork for ambitious projects on water conservation, followed by Mission 100x, which aimed to gather 100 excavator machines to develop lakes in water-scarce areas. Now, Dholakia Foundation has set sights even higher with Mission River, a project focused on rejuvenating rivers. In addition to our water conservation efforts, the foundation has an ambitious initiative called Mission 102030, which aims to plant 10 million trees by 2030. This large-scale tree plantation effort will contribute significantly to increasing biodiversity in the surrounding areas, creating a healthier environment for all.

Vision

Inclusive and human-centred foundation empowering communities in India and beyond by initiating social and environmental transformation.

Mission

To preserve environment and empower communities in India and beyond by providing access to water, leading afforestation, and nurturing biodiversity for sustainable and equitable future for all.

Founders

Mr. Himmat Dholakia

Mr. Savji Dholakia

Mr. Tulsi Dholakia

Mr. Ghanshyam Dholakia

Second Generation Leaders

Mr. Hasu Dholakia

Mr. Dharmesh Dholakia

Mr. Rajesh Dholakia

Mr. Pintu Dholakia

Mr. Brijesh Dholakia

Mr. Hitarth Dholakia

Mr. Dravya Dholakia

Mr. Heet Dholakia

Founder’s Message

“The Dholakia Foundation has served as a bridge, unfurling a noble legacy far beyond our glittering gems and jewels that have adorned the world, and exploring the kindness to create a positive difference. delving into the humanistic fabric of altruism. Our journey, spanning over two decades, has been marked by a genuine desire to give back to the community. Long before the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) took the global stage, we had etched our dedication towards achieving ambitious objectives into our corporate identity—standing at the forefront, leading by example, and championing transformative change within our communities.”

Mr. Savji Dholakia

Director’s Message

"At the Dholakia Foundation, our vision extends beyond philanthropy; we aim to be catalysts for systemic change. By aligning our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to addressing the pressing challenges of our time. Our focus on ecosystem restoration, particularly through water conservation and afforestation, is a reflection of our steadfast dedication to creating a sustainable and equitable future for all. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to working with communities, governments, and organizations to achieve our shared goals. By fostering partnerships and empowering local communities, we can drive positive change and build a resilient future for generations to come. Our initiatives, such as Mission 102030 and Mission River are steps towards building a resilient and equitable society. We strive to create a ripple effect, inspiring communities to become active participants in safeguarding our planet. By empowering local communities and fostering partnerships, we are building a resilient future where nature and humanity thrive in harmony."

Mr. Brijesh Dholakia

CEO's Message

“When I reflect on my journey from the halls of the United Nations to leading the Dholakia Foundation, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of purpose and gratitude. The road has been challenging, yes, but also profoundly rewarding. From COPs to the 2023 UN Water Conference, I have witnessed the transformative power of youth engagement in international policy-making. Working with various member states, industries, and youth from over 170 countries, we developed the Water and Climate Youth Development and Agenda. This document stands as proof of the capabilities and insights of young people worldwide, serving as a guide to address water and climate issues effectively.

However, my vision for the Dholakia Foundation goes beyond what I have accomplished in my career. Here, at the Dholakia Foundation, my goal is to create an organization that is a catalyst for change, driven by empathy, authenticity, and a deep connection to the communities we serve. Water is life, and it is a fundamental human right. Yet, millions around the world still lack access to clean and safe water. Our mission is to change this narrative, ensuring that every individual has access to this vital resource.

One of our most cherished projects is the restoration of the Saraswati River in Patan and Banaskantha. This isn't just about building infrastructure; it's about breathing life back into these communities. When we work on water conservation, climate resilience, and community development, we do it with the belief that real change comes from within. It starts with listening to the hopes and dreams of the people we serve and doing everything in our power to make those dreams a reality.”

Ms. Keziah Theresee Gerosano

Advisory Board Member

Mr. Satya Tripathi

Advisory Board

Management Team

Keziah Theresee Gerosano, raised in the Philippines, witnessed firsthand the impact of typhoons on vulnerable communities. This experience fueled her passion for empowerment, leading her to engage in post-disaster relief and later broaden her focus to policy and youth engagement. Working with both private and public sectors, she developed inclusive strategies to drive meaningful change. As the CEO of the Dholakia Foundation, she remains dedicated to making the Foundation's projects inclusive and impactful, ensuring every team member contributes to the mission.

Ms. Keziah Theresee Gerosano

Chief Executive Officer

Charu Mishra is a dynamic leader dedicated to societal betterment, currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer at the Dholakia Foundation, India. She holds work experience of more than 9 years in the social/development sector by working with various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Her strategic vision has driven impactful programs integrating social and environmental priorities, fostering significant community engagement and sustainable practices.

Ms. Charu Mishra

Chief Operations Officer

Bhakti Raut oversees Sustainability at the Dholakia Foundation. Having 8 years of extensive experience in diverse places across India in capacity building, liaison, outreach, partnership engagement and policy research. At DF, she spearheads planning, execution, partnerships and adoption of sustainable practices.

Ms. Bhakti Raut

Program Manager - Sustainability

Nisha is the Program Manager at the Dholakia Foundation, where she oversees youth development programs and manages a diverse range of partnerships. With extensive experience in program management, she is dedicated to driving impactful collaborations and advancing initiatives focused on ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability.

Ms. Nisha Jain

Program Manager - Youth

Janvi Patel is a dedicated Program Associate at the Dholakia Foundation, India. She manages partnerships, writes content and takes care of documentation, researches relevant issues and trends, and handles VIP management during events. Janvi's versatility and efficiency in managing multiple tasks make her an invaluable team member.

Ms. Janvi Patel

Program Associate - Environment

Ayushi brings a unique voice to the Dholakia Foundation’s digital presence. She skillfully handles the Foundation's social media strategies and crafts stories that resonate, making every post feel real and heartfelt. Ayushi manages various writing projects and ensures that all communications are authentic, impactful, and aligned with the Foundation's mission. She doesn't just manage content; she creates connections, turning followers into a community. Her love for storytelling, dedication to building connections, and strong commitment to the Foundation’s vision make Ayushi an irreplaceable team member.

Ms. Ayushi Raiyani

Public Relations Manager

Gagan Makkar's diverse experience in FMCG, E-commerce, and manufacturing, combined with his commitment to societal betterment, uniquely positions him to contribute effectively to the Dholakia Foundation's sustainability initiatives. His alignment with the Foundation's mission and vision underscores his dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and society.

Mr. Gagan Makkar

HR Manager

Ankita Raval is an Admin Associate at the Dholakia Foundation. She’s having 2 Years Experience in bank accounting. She Manages Database, Inbound and Outbound Df Calls, manage and organize calendars for the CEO and COO, Logistics for events, Workshop and conferences.

Ms. Ankita Raval

Admin Associate