Together, We Rise

As we stand at the crossroads of a year ending and another beginning, we are reminded of the profound strength in togetherness. In this edition of Together We Rise, we look back at 2024—celebrating the lessons we’ve learned, the conversations that broadened our horizons, the people who enriched our journey, and the collaborations that empowered us to grow and connect with more communities.

Perspectives on Progress

I sincerely hope to dedicate this new year to understanding communities, their challenges and ourselves better. We need to invest in our thoughts, ideas and needs of the communities who continue to repose their faith in us to do the right thing. - Sourav Roy

As we approach the end of this year, it is imperative to look back at the year that was and the learnings we have had. This year, many of us ventured into the deepest corners of our operational areas, not just to implement, but to take a cue of lesson from the rich wisdom lying untapped in the rural contours.

We have key learnings to reflect on the ways in which we implement and initiate. We have intrinsic ideas from those we serve, and it has helped us recalibrate our approach to our programmes.

We have had talented youth and social impact practitioners join us, adding more value to the Foundation family, and thereby on the work we do, with their experiences and ideas. We have not only grown in numbers but also in geographical context, that has helped take our impactful implementations to newer territories, through need-based and baseline survey.

Several of the Foundation's programs are nearing a decade or has just entered the new decade. It has given us all fresh hope to ideate, innovate and implement, with the help of the vast network of our long-term partners who accentuate this journey. As we now near the end of the financial year, formulate new plans. It is important to remember that it takes a village to implement change.

We have had significant conversations with like-minded social impact practitioners, community changemakers, real-life role models to understand the perspectives of change and challenge. We have been able to streamline several policies with the help of our ever-expanding, diverse workforce who bring their indispensable inputs to every execution. Given this perspective, I sincerely hope to dedicate this new year to understanding communities, their challenges and ourselves better. We need to invest in our thoughts, ideas and needs of the communities who continue to repose their faith in us to do the right thing. There has been a significant learning curve to realise that we need to commit ourselves to social impact to deliver on our promises with more empathy and efficacy.

-Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation

Community Voices

My name is Lalita Kumari Mahato, I belong to a small village – Lal Bunglow Dumri Basti, Dhanbad District in Jharkhand. I lived with my family and my father is a small businessman, I was born into a middle-class family, and my life was filled with numerous challenges from an early age including financial instability and societal expectations. The path to achieving my dream was not too easy with a lot of difficulties. I have completed my Class 10th and 12th from TATA DAV School, Jamadoba and I have also completed my Graduation and Post-Graduation. After completing my post-graduation, I focused on enhancing my technical and interpersonal skills through computer courses from NIT Foundation, Jamadoba. Through these qualifications and skills, I got the opportunity to work as an admin and computer teacher in Adarsh High School, Dhanbad. It was my life's first working experience. After relentless efforts. I finally received an offer for the post of IT trainer in Ramgarh district from NIIT Foundation. This opportunity was a turning point in my life. I am deeply thankful to NIIT Foundation and TATA Steel Foundation for recognizing my potential and giving me a chance as an IT trainer. This journey has taught me that no matter how difficult the circumstances, believing in oneself can lead to success. Thank you NIIT Foundation and TATA Steel Foundation for being a part of my success story.

Programs Focus

Championing Inclusion on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD), we stood united for inclusion across Jamshedpur, West Bokaro, and Keonjhar.

Moments of Impact:

• Walkathon: Over 200 people joined hands to raise awareness and amplify voices for inclusion.
• Disability Awareness Workshop: Educated 50 participants on the RPWD Act and introduced SABAL and Indian Sign Language with 30 essential signs.
• Drawing Competition in Keonjhar: 123 students showcased their creativity, inspiring confidence and expression.
• Celebration at Bargaon: 40 individuals with disabilities participated in conversations on empowerment and inclusion.
• Pala Folk Art Campaign: Artists with disabilities reached 800+ people across 15 locations, sharing accessible information through traditional storytelling.
• Sabal Day Out at Remal Dam: A day of connection and joy for 35 individuals with disabilities and their families.

Empowering Women through Lac Bangle-Making

In Jamshedpur, the women of Vaishnavi and Shiv Samuh Aajeevika Sakhi Mandal have turned their shared vision into a thriving community-led enterprise. What started as small self-help groups has grown into a collective of 15 women mastering the traditional craft of lac bangle-making. Inspired by local stalls, they united with the idea of working together and expanding their horizons.

Through a four-day Disha training in Jamshedpur, these women not only honed their skills in intricate designs like Lahariya and Chhita but also gained confidence in marketing and sales. Today, their bangles are showcased at prominent exhibitions like Jharcraft, connecting them to new opportunities and allowing them to explore markets beyond their community.

"We start work at 10 AM and finish by 4 PM. We manage both household chores and the business. And we have become self-reliant. The best part is that we no longer have to ask our husbands for money."
-Pratima Devi, Ramgarh        

Check out the journey of Pratima Devi and the women in her enterprise below:

Highlights of the Month

• Rhythms of the Earth Performs at Hornbill Festival: The Hornbill Festival, a celebration of unity and cultural diversity, marked its 25th edition this year. Among the many voices echoing through the festival was Rhythms of the Earth, a collective of 22 artists from 6 tribes across 4 states. Through their heartfelt performance, they shared the richness of tribal heritage and contemporary artistry, blending languages, rhythms, and stories. Set against the serene backdrop of Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, the artists offered more than music—they brought forward their traditions and life experiences, rooted in heritage and resonating with a modern spirit. Since its inception in 2009, Rhythms of the Earth has been a platform that brings tribal musicians together to preserve and nurture their cultural legacy.

• Axis Bank Joins Hands with Tata Steel Foundation: In a shared mission to address learning deficits, Tata Steel Foundation and Axis Bank Limited have joined forces to impact the lives of 72,000 children across Jharkhand and Odisha. This partnership spans 7 blocks, 900+ public schools, and 555 villages, focusing on ensuring every child has access to quality education, while also strengthening the ecosystem through teacher training and community engagement. Together, with parents, teachers, and School Management Committees, we aspire to create a brighter, inclusive future for every child.

• Wildlife Conservation with Kotak Mahindra Bank: Through a partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank, a three-year project has been initiated to protect key species like the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Blackbucks, and Indian Peafowls in Ganjam, Odisha. At the heart of this initiative is the belief that conservation is not just about preserving wildlife—it’s about nurturing a balance where both nature and local communities thrive. By fostering sustainable livelihoods for those impacted by conservation efforts, we hope to ensure coexistence and mutual growth.

• Electric Mobility Revolution: TSF x Bosch India Foundation Tata Steel Foundation and Bosch India Foundation have collaborated to establish an Artisan Training Centre (ATC) at ITI Chandil, Saraikela Kharsawan to build a future-ready workforce through skill development and future-focused education. This center focuses on the Electric Vehicle (EV) trade, equipping youth with cutting-edge skills through a state-of-the-art EV lab and specialized training programs. What makes this initiative impactful is the collective involvement of communities, trainers, and youth, all working together toward building a skilled and empowered workforce. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, we envision a future where these efforts contribute to a sustainable and inclusive India.

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