Latest news with #M3MFoundation
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Where women build, economies rise: M3M India's livelihood push
'Our vision is not to support women as recipients of aid, but to help them emerge as economic stakeholders,' says Pankaj Bansal, Director, M3M India. In today's India, where economic growth is increasingly being measured by its inclusivity, one question defines real progress: who gets to lead it? For a country eyeing a $5-trillion economy, the role of women as economic drivers is no longer just a moral imperative—it's a strategic necessity. Yet in semi-urban and rural India, opportunity often halts at the doorstep of skilling. Not due to lack of ambition, but due to a vacuum in access, infrastructure, and market connectivity. That's the gap M3M India, India's largest non-listed real estate developer is bridging through its philanthropic arm, M3M Foundation. Led by Ms. Payal Kanodia, Trustee and chairperson, Foundation, the organisation is crafting a development model that integrates skill-building with dignity, income, and long-term transformation. Its flagship skilling initiative, Kaushal Sambal, is at the heart of this shift—an effort that goes beyond training to foster entrepreneurship at the grassroots. A standout example is Lala Ji Ki Rasoi, a decentralised network of community kitchens, operated and owned by women trained under Kaushal Sambal. The pilot kitchen in Bajghera, Haryana, is the first of 100 such units M3M Foundation plans to establish across north India by 2028. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo These kitchens serve not just affordable meals, but also a powerful idea: women as income-earners and decision-makers in their communities. But Kaushal Sambal is just one dimension of a wider ecosystem M3M Foundation is building—where livelihoods, education, and leadership intersect. Training in tailoring, hospitality, digital services, and beauty care is accompanied by structured pathways to income-generation and entrepreneurship. Complementing this is iMpower, the Foundation's grassroots outreach platform, which helps set up Women's and Mothers' Committees—forums where women engage in decision-making, financial literacy, healthcare access, and legal awareness. To scale its impact, the Foundation is also investing in civil society. Through the DoCC–M3M Social Impact Grants 2024-25, launched in collaboration with SPJIMR, it is funding 13 non-profits projects across seven states with ₹2.5 crore—supporting initiatives like Kutumb in Varanasi, which equips rural women with skills and connects them to market linkages. Payal Kanodia, Trustee and Chairperson, M3M Foundation, said, 'At M3M Foundation, we believe empowerment begins when women are seen not just as beneficiaries, but as changemakers. Our focus is on creating sustainable livelihood ecosystems where women lead, earn, and inspire—transforming their communities in the process.' Education, too, is a critical focus. The Saakshar initiative supports school-going children—especially more than 50% girls—from marginalised communities. Through its Buniyaad programme, M3M Foundation makes a striking commitment: for every M3M home sold, it funds the full academic journey of one girl child—embedding philanthropy into the business model itself. Some interventions break the mould entirely. Neev Se Shikhar Tak uses mountaineering to build confidence among adolescent girls, while Dream Weavers trains rural youth in design and creative skills—connecting untapped talent to India's growing creative economy. The common thread: helping individuals imagine a life beyond circumstance. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, M3M Foundation's work spans gender equity, quality education, decent work, and reduced inequality. But rather than ticking boxes, the approach is holistic, scalable, and rooted in long-term community ownership. In an industry often associated with hard assets and bottom lines, M3M's social footprint offers a compelling counter-narrative—of how corporate resources can be channelled not just to build infrastructure, but to build futures. Because when women don't just participate in the economy—but lead within it—the impact echoes far beyond any balance sheet.
The Wire
5 days ago
- General
- The Wire
M3M Foundation Announces Batch 2 of ‘Neev Se Shikhar Tak': A Transformational Leadership & Mountaineering Initiative for Young Girls
Delhi, August 3, 2025: In celebration of 11 years of visionary leadership by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, M3M Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Batch 2 of its flagship initiative—'Neev Se Shikhar Tak'—a bold and inspiring mountaineering and leadership programme that empowers young girls from grassroots communities to rise to their fullest potential. The inaugural batch, flagged off by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh Saini, saw 11 daughters of Haryana courageously scale Sethi Dhar Peak (16,000 ft) after completing the Basic Mountaineering Course at ABVIMAS, Manali. Building on the overwhelming success of Batch 1, the Foundation is now inviting applications for Batch 2. In a significant expansion, the Foundation is welcoming applications not just from Haryana, but also from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, offering more young women an opportunity to embark on this transformative journey. This extraordinary expedition is guided by India's Fit India Ambassador, ensuring that each girl is motivated to push her physical, mental, and emotional boundaries—and truly climb beyond limits. Selected participants will receive rigorous training in rock craft (climbing, rappelling, jumaring), snow and ice craft (step cutting, ice axe arrest, crampon use), and rope work (knot making, anchoring, river crossing). They will also learn essential survival skills such as tent pitching, shelter building, and high-altitude living, along with leadership development focused on teamwork, discipline, and resilience—equipping them to conquer both mountains and life's challenges. Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee of M3M Foundation, shared her thoughts on the announcement "'Neev Se Shikhar Tak' is more than a mountaineering initiative—it is a leadership journey that begins at the grassroots and ascends toward greatness. These young girls are not just scaling peaks; they are breaking barriers and rewriting what is possible. With Batch 2, we are proud to extend this opportunity to aspiring daughters of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Our mission is to ensure every girl with a dream is given the tools, training, and confidence to rise—physically, socially, and emotionally'. With its core aligned to the spirit of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', the initiative aims to empower adolescent girls through structured physical challenges, mentorship, and skill development—fostering confidence, independence, and leadership. Applicants can register to be a part of the second batch of M3M Foundation's 'Neev Se Shikhar Tak' by visiting (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
LegaXy and M3M Foundation launch ‘Pickle Pros' to promote pickleball in India
NEW DELHI: LegaXy, a new sports, media, and entertainment brand, and M3M Foundation , the philanthropic arm of M3M Group, have announced the launch of Pickle Pros, a nationwide initiative to introduce, develop, and promote pickleball as a mainstream sport in India. The programme will roll out courts & infrastructures across cities beginning with Delhi NCR. By combining physical infrastructure with structured programmes such as training camps, community activations, open-play events, and local tournaments, Pickle Pros aims to make pickleball widely accessible and engaging across different age groups, skill levels, and geographies. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Public Policy Product Management CXO Project Management Others Design Thinking MCA Digital Marketing Leadership Management Healthcare Data Science PGDM Degree MBA Data Analytics Cybersecurity Artificial Intelligence others Data Science Finance Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee, M3M Foundation, said in a statement, 'At M3M Foundation, we believe sport is not just play - it's a powerful catalyst for change. Through Pickle Pros, we are championing a movement that inspires active, healthy living while unlocking new avenues for growth, inclusion, and community empowerment. This collaboration is a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to purpose-driven impact — where every game played echoes with opportunity, wellness, and the spirit of togetherness'. Amitesh Shah, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, LegaXy, said in a statement, 'Pickle Pros is more than a sporting initiative - it is a movement that celebrates accessibility, excellence, and joy. Bringing together three cricketing legends for the first time in support of this vision is a testament to its significance and potential. We are committed to making India a force in the global pickleball arena, while inspiring everyone to engage with this dynamic sport'. The initiative is supported by Indian cricketers Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Umesh Yadav. Pickle Pros will collaborate with educational institutions, local governments, and private partners to expand its footprint. Live Events
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
M3M India advances ESG and digital inclusion goals, reaches 4.8 Mn across India
As Indian enterprises integrate ESG priorities and digital inclusion into long-term strategy, the role of corporate-led foundations in enabling grassroots development is gaining renewed relevance. Against this backdrop, the M3M Foundation backed by M3M India has announced that its initiatives have reached 4.8 million individuals across 22 states and 85 districts—through long-term programmes in education, employability, healthcare, and community impact aligns with national efforts such as the Digital India mission, which seeks to promote digital access, skill development, and service delivery in rural and underserved regions. With ESG reporting frameworks now placing greater emphasis on social indicators like education equity, rural skilling, and digital access, enterprises are expected to move beyond CSR optics toward measurable, collaborative outcomes. The Foundation's interventions include enabling first-generation learners, providing academic scholarships, establishing skill training centres , and improving access to clean water and healthcare. More than 600,000 students have benefited from its education initiatives . During the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, the Foundation facilitated the distribution of over 21 million meals as part of its emergency response. Its operational model—built on partnerships with over 40 government departments, civil society groups, and local institutions—emphasizes continuity, local ownership, and alignment with public policy, rather than short-term relief-based interventions. A growing mandate for business, technology, and ESG leaders Recent data from the India ESG Alliance (2025) indicates that over two-thirds of large enterprises are now incorporating community impact and digital inclusion into their sustainability disclosures. The M3M Foundation's work reflects this trend, offering a case study in how corporate-linked entities can co-create social and digital infrastructure alongside the state. As businesses adopt more integrated ESG approaches, the expectation is shifting—from one-time contributions to sustained, systems-led engagement that supports national goals like Digital India, Skill India, and inclusive growth. The evolving model positions business not just as an enabler of innovation, but as a long-term partner in building social resilience.
Fashion Value Chain
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Value Chain
Jaipuri Banno: Celebrating Craft, Empowering Women, Creating Timeless Fashion
In a world increasingly driven by speed and short-lived trends, Jaipuri Banno stands as a quiet force of timeless beauty and purpose. For over 13 years, this Jaipur-based label has celebrated India's rich craft traditions through clothing that brings together heritage, comfort, and contemporary elegance. Jaipuri Banno – Celebrating Craft, empowering women, creating timeless fashion Founded by Neetu Mahajan, a homemaker and mother of two, Jaipuri Banno began not in a studio or fashion hub, but at a kitchen table. With no formal business background and no investors, Neetu followed her instinct and love for Indian textiles. She began working with block prints and pure cotton, creating garments that reflected both tradition and modern ease. What started as a personal pursuit quickly grew into a beloved brand, worn and adored by women across the country. Jaipuri Banno is best known for its use of traditional hand block printing techniques combined with soft, breathable fabrics. Each garment is made with care by skilled artisans, many of whom come from families with generations of experience in this craft. The prints are thoughtful and earthy, the silhouettes are flattering yet relaxed, and the fabrics are chosen to suit the Indian climate and lifestyle. Whether it's a kurta for daily wear or something more vibrant for a festive moment, every piece carries the brand's signature of understated charm. Among its many collections, two have stood out as favourites among customers and admirers alike – Raag and Patola. The Raag collection is inspired by the emotional depth and graceful rhythm of Indian classical music. The garments in this line are soft, fluid, and rooted in a calm elegance. Raag uses earthy colour palettes, subtle prints, and flowing forms that feel meditative and timeless. Each piece is designed to be worn and re-worn – for quiet gatherings, moments of reflection, or simply when one wants to feel beautifully at ease. Much like a raag in music, the collection moves gently but leaves a lasting impression. The Patola collection brings a vibrant and bold dimension to Jaipuri Banno's offerings. Crafted in breathable cotton and adorned with striking block prints, Patola is tailored into modern silhouettes that are both festive and functional. With jewel-toned colours, geometric and floral motifs, and easy-to-wear cuts, the collection has become a favourite for women who like to stand out without sacrificing comfort. Whether worn to a family celebration, a day at work, or a casual brunch, Patola delivers confident style with a distinctly traditional soul. At the heart of Jaipuri Banno, beyond the design and fabrics, is a deep commitment to women's empowerment. As the brand gained recognition, Neetu remained rooted in her vision of using fashion as a tool for social change. With the support of the M3M Foundation, she began training young women from rural areas in garment construction, embroidery, and tailoring. This led to the formation of a collective proudly known as the Dream Weavers. For many of these women, joining Jaipuri Banno marked a new beginning. Through their training and work, they gained financial independence, creative confidence, and a sense of identity. Today, they are not only the hands behind the clothes but also an integral part of the brand's story. Their proudest moment came during Times Fashion Week 2024, where the Dream Weavers didn't just work backstage – they walked the runway, side by side with professional models, presenting the very garments they had helped bring to life. It was a powerful moment of recognition, resilience, and celebration. Jaipuri Banno's journey proves that fashion rooted in purpose and authenticity can quietly but powerfully shape the industry. With no need for gimmicks or mass marketing, the brand has built a loyal following through consistency, care, and an honest connection with its audience. Customers often describe the experience of wearing Jaipuri Banno as comforting, graceful, and deeply personal. Today, the brand's collections are available on major platforms including Nykaa Fashion, Myntra, Ajio, and through its own official website. Despite its growing popularity, Jaipuri Banno remains focused on small-batch production, ethical practices, and a hands-on approach to quality. Each garment is still designed with the same attention to detail and emotional resonance as it was in Neetu's early days. In a market filled with mass-produced fashion, Jaipuri Banno offers something far more meaningful – clothes that carry a story, honour a craft, and support a community. Whether it's a Raag kurta worn on a quiet evening or a Patola kurti that lights up a celebration, each piece is made to be remembered and re-worn. Neetu Mahajan's journey is a reminder that powerful change often begins in the smallest of spaces. From her kitchen table to fashion week, from block printing to building futures, she has woven together creativity, purpose, and resilience into every thread of Jaipuri Banno. And through her work, she continues to inspire women everywhere to wear their roots with pride. Jaipuri Banno is not just a brand. It is a tribute – to handmade artistry, to cultural continuity, and to the courage of women who dare to dream and do.
