New Delhi, India, May 24, 2025: Shilpa Mehta Jain and Dilip Jain, directors of the dJED Foundation, were honored with the prestigious Citizens’ Gratitude to Gallant Warriors 2023 award on May 11th, 2023, by the 14th President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. The award ceremony took place at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi, and was organized by the Ek Hi Rasta (Trust). The Jains were recognized for their exceptional contributions to society through the foundation’s innovative 3E model: Environment, Education, and Entrepreneurship.
dJED Foundation’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
The dJED Foundation is a prominent NGO that prioritizes ecology over economy and focuses on the restoration and regeneration of nature to support marginalized communities. Their impactful work has expanded to seven locations across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
Their environmental initiatives include:
- Watershed management through the construction of ponds, check dams, and wells.
- Afforestation with native saplings.
- Plastic waste management.
In the past three years, they have made significant strides in areas like Chinchwadi Adivasi village in Karjat district, Maharashtra, Hirjipura village in Karjan district, Gujarat (known as the RevAranya Project), and Jawai Bisalpur village in Pali district, Rajasthan (the Save Jawai Wildlife Project).
Educational and Social Initiatives
The dJED Foundation also focuses on education through initiatives such as:
- Aadi Maanav Academy, where children study under a banyan tree.
- Rann Raani sports program, designed for the “queen of forests.”
- Me2 Kids Club, which educates city children on nature, adventure, and volunteering.
Despite suffering from polio, Shilpa Mehta Jain has played a pivotal role in organizing many of these activities. She recently launched the SMS scholarship to support people with disabilities pursuing careers like CA (Chartered Accountant).
Entrepreneurship and Grassroots Support
The foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives support grassroots communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, empowering local self-reliance and Gram Swaraj. These initiatives are closely tied to the foundation’s educational and environmental efforts.
Dilip Jain, Co-founder of the dJED Foundation, emphasized the importance of alternative thinking, stating, “In the ChatGPT era, where machines handle most tasks, we must focus on solving the world’s most pressing issues—issues that machines cannot address. This includes restoring natural resources, questioning the current model of growth and development, and finding new ways to care for both the planet and its people.”
Mentoring Other Initiatives
The dJED Foundation is also mentoring other initiatives, such as:
- Dharavi Dream Project, which empowers under-resourced children in Dharavi through music, dance, and graphics.
- Project DEEP, which aims to uplift a village out of poverty through universal and unconditional direct cash transfers.
About dJED Foundation
dJED Foundation is a Section 8 Company (‘not-for-profit’), focusing on ecological conservation, education, and sustainable livelihoods. The foundation works closely with indigenous tribal communities, such as those in Chinchwadi Adivasi village, nestled in the foothills of the Sahyadris, near Neral Station. The goal is to support these communities in addressing their diverse needs while fostering environmental consciousness and creative ambitions.
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Rajneesh Singh is a journalist at Asian News, specializing in entertainment, culture, international affairs, and financial technology. With a keen eye for the latest trends and developments, he delivers fresh, insightful perspectives to his audience. Rajneesh’s passion for storytelling and thorough reporting has established him as a trusted voice in the industry.
