Exclusive interaction with Rupa Bohra, Managing Director ‘TNS India Foundation’

Could you let us know about TNS India Foundation in detail?

Rupa Bohra:

At TNS India Foundation, we bring more than a decade of expertise in implementing effective programs that drive national economic reconstruction. We don't just see ourselves as an organization but as active partners in the journey of economic change. Our efforts have transformed countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on individuals, their families, and entire communities.

 As a non-profit group, we started as a part of TechnoServe Inc. in 2012, but we've been working independently since 2022. We team up with big companies and groups to make long-term programs that help fight poverty all over India, primarily focusing on empowering women.

Our primary goal is to address economic inequality, with a particular focus on women. We believe that when women get the right skills, they can handle financial challenges better. Together, we want to make India fairer and more prosperous for everyone.

What are the various sectors TNSIF concentrates on?

Rupa Bohra:

Since we began, we've been working hard in different areas to make things better. We help young folks get ready for jobs in banks, IT companies, and factories. Our focus is to support women in starting their own small businesses, whether it's selling clothes, food, or making products. In farming, TNSIF also helps farmers work together by forming groups called Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). We connect them to markets and give advice on crops. Another initiative is teaching them how to manage water and take care of the soil. So, we're all about making things better in lots of different ways!

Can you provide insights into the impactful projects that TNSIF has undertaken and its ongoing initiatives that are driving positive change across various sectors?

Rupa Bohra:
Absolutely! TNSIF has been actively involved in a range of impactful projects, with a focus on driving positive change across various sectors.

For urban youth, TNSIF has successfully equipped them with a combination of soft, technical, and financial skills, leading to an impressive 80% placement rate. This not only aids them in finding their place in the formal workforce but also enables them to make a meaningful impact within their communities.

In support of women entrepreneurs, TNSIF has a comprehensive program for both urban and rural sectors. These initiatives empower women with essential business growth skills, from financial acumen to effective product marketing, fostering economic growth and empowerment.

TNSIF's rural livelihood initiatives have been remarkably transformative. In the Gir region of Gujarat, our FPO Talala Gir Kesar Khedut Producer Company Ltd (TGKKPCL) has turned Kesar Mango farmers into the acclaimed brand known as The Gir Farming Co. This initiative supports 1,500 farmers, ensuring sustainable mango production. Similarly, our Ankur-Uday Project in Nashik has brought about positive change for grape and tomato farmers. With a particular emphasis on empowering women, through innovative methods such as Organic Kitchen Gardens, we've created sustainable opportunities making a real difference in their lives.

To date, TNSIF has delivered over INR 330 crores in financial benefits. We've set our sights on impacting 50,000 beneficiaries by March '24, which includes empowering more youth, supporting women entrepreneurs, and uplifting dedicated farmers.

Regarding our ongoing initiatives, TNSIF is actively involved in several projects. The *C2C Program* provides soft skills training to final-year graduation students in Mumbai. Our *C2TC Program* equips engineering and IT students across 10 states with advanced technical skills for their future careers. With the *C2IC Initiative*, in partnership with Lenovo and Microsoft, we help 8,000 ITI and Polytechnic students unlock their potential in industrial jobs and green skills. We're also working on a program focused on Financial Tech, specifically designed to prepare commerce students for the workplace. 

What plans and projects do TNSIF aspire to work towards?

Rupa Bohra: 

At TNS India Foundation, we've got some exciting plans in the works that are going to make a real difference in people's lives.

First off, we're spreading our programs to more places like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and more. Our goal? To give the youth the skills they need to do well in their jobs. Plus, we're setting up Centre of Excellence hubs in more areas. Now, for our women's empowerment programs, we're dreaming big. We hope these empowered women will get to show off their businesses on famous platforms like Shark Tank India. We will  train them and give them lots of support, so they become independent in business.

Looking ahead, we're feeling pretty optimistic. We want to help 1 lakh people all over India in the next three years with our different programs. Our mission revolves around creating positive transformations and strengthening communities. So, some exciting times are coming as we keep changing lives for the better!