• Reliance Foundation commits USD $10 million to the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), a joint effort by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
• Reliance Foundation’s commitment as a global anchor partner to WiDEF will double the consortium’s funding for innovative projects in India
• Reliance Foundation and USAID will help accelerate progress to close the gender digital divide and share best practices from India for the Global South

In a move to significantly close the gender digital divide in India, Reliance Foundation will provide up to $10 million to the Women in Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), a joint effort by USAID and BMGF.

Announced by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in March 2023, WiDEF aims to improve women's livelihoods, enhance economic security, and strengthen resilience, by identifying, funding and advancing effective solutions for women's economic empowerment. WiDEF in India is a joint effort between USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Reliance Foundation to accelerate progress on closing the gender digital divide. WiDEF in India is managed by the GSMA Foundation with support from the global WiDEF managing consortium.

Reliance Foundation’s support will double the available WiDEF funding in India and support the 2023 G20 Leaders commitment under India’s presidency to halve the digital gender gap by 2030.

Additionally, Reliance Foundation will support learning through development of knowledge products, dissemination of promising practices and other tools, and bolster measurement and learning for all India grantees.

“The Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) is a historic step for global collaboration to achieve the G20 commitment to close the gender digital divide by 2030 and Reliance Foundation is proud to come on board as a Global Anchor Partner,” said Ms. Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Foundation. “We are committed to increasing our efforts to advance digital inclusion to improve women’s livelihoods, economic security and resilience. Through WiDEF, Reliance Foundation will work together to accelerate innovative solutions to empower women through technology in India and also share best practices with other countries to help drive global progress towards this shared vision for a more equitable future.”

USAID/India Acting Mission Director Dr. Alexandria Huerta, said, “As the United States and India partner to advance and achieve global development goals, closing the gender digital divide is essential to progress in India and around the world. USAID is proud to partner with Reliance Foundation through the Women in the Digital Economy Fund to accelerate women’s economic empowerment. Building on our longstanding partnership and impactful results, USAID and Reliance Foundation aim to empower millions of women across India, ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy are accessible to all and fostering a more equitable future.”

This partnership builds on Reliance Foundation and USAID’s collaboration on WomenConnect Challenge India. The WomenConnect Challenge is USAID’s global call for solutions to improve women’s participation in everyday life by meaningfully changing the ways women access and use technology. USAID and Reliance Foundation created the USAID and Reliance Foundation WomenConnect Challenge India in 2020 to help bridge the gender digital divide for 600,000 women across the subcontinent. The initiative has selected 17 awardees across two rounds, focusing on innovative and culturally contextual solutions to bridge the gender digital divide. The awardees were selected based on criteria that emphasized the ability to effectively dismantle barriers, ensure equitable access, and digitally empower women from marginalized communities through innovative solutions.

In India, Reliance Foundation is also working together with BMGF to empower one million women entrepreneurs in several states of India. In addition, Reliance Foundation is supporting Reliance Jio and GSMA on a national roll-out of their Digital Skills Program, under the broader GSMA Connected Women Commitment initiative which aims to provide training to rural women and individuals from marginalized communities to help them make meaningful use of digital access.

Similarly, the U.S. Government prioritizes the advancement of women’s economic empowerment and digital inclusion in India and across the globe. USAID is also facilitating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to build their digital skills, including in digital financial literacy, which accelerates their participation in the formal economy. USAID has applied best practices from India throughout the South Asia region, including improving digital skills for over 16,000 women entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their businesses digitally through the South Asia Regional Digital Initiative.

Since its launch in March 2023, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) has several strongly committed partners in the global consortium, in addition to Reliance Foundation, USAID and BMGF. This includes governments, private sector companies, foundations, civil society, and multilateral organizations. Together the partners have pledged more than $1.01 billion to accelerate gender digital equality.

• Reliance Foundation, ORF and UN in India jointly organised panel discussions in New York in the week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly
• Minister of External Affairs, Govt. of India, Dr S Jaishankar articulated the leadership that India was providing to the global development agenda
• ‘Tiger’s Tale: Crafting a New Development Paradigm’ panel discussion explored India’s growing role as a leader in the Global South
• The Next Frontier, a publication focusing on future strategies and pathways for development, beyond 2030 was released during the events

High-level dialogues exploring India’s growing role as a leader in the Global South marked discussions during ‘India Day @ UNGA week’ in New York. Organised by Reliance Foundation in partnership with Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the United Nations in India office, the events provided insights and learnings along with pathways for sustainable development beyond 2030.

Delivering the opening address at the high-level event, Ms Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Foundation focused on what she coined as the ‘Pancha Tantra’ or five key pathways for sustainable development. These included unleashing the power of women, unlocking the power of youth, partnerships as multipliers of innovation, the transformational power of technology and crafting a bold vision for the future. “This week, as leaders from around the world gather in New York to discuss equitable development, it is clear that our world is changing rapidly. India in particular, is stepping into its rightful place, shaping the new global order. But this moment is more than just about change— it’s about creating a better future together, especially for our youth. The challenges we face are many, but by working together, we can make real progress,” said Ms Isha Ambani.

The dialogue, Tiger’s Tale: Crafting a New Development Paradigm, was a high-level dialogue exploring India’s growing role as a leader in the Global South and its potential to set new benchmarks in global development.

Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, spoke of how leadership from the Global South is now a reality. He added that at the UN – there is acknowledgement of India’s role as a nation with a heart, and a country that has brought the Global South back into the conversation. He also added that it was crucial to look at how we democratize technologies, democratize the global workplace and do it in an orderly, acceptable way.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World, stressed on the resilience inherent in international trade, thought, the current linkages being weak and we need to build connectivity that benefits all.

Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guyana, said the Summit of the Future reflects on the SDGs – we only achieved 17% success. Something is definitely wrong. While problems have been identified, we need to have the political will to leave no one behind and are depending on the leadership of countries like India.

Mr P Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, spoke of how India with the largest cohort of youth has a huge role to play. Those who turned 18 are an important part of the political process and youth will emerge as a key issue. “When the tale of the tiger is told, it will be told by the cubs and the young tigers,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the India Day @ UNGA panel discussions explored Pathways to the Rising South, Technology as an enabler, the Power of Women-Led Development and the LiFE Economy. These sessions that featured experts on the themes of discussion, proposed solutions and opportunities for the world ahead. The audience included key sector stakeholders, including government, multilaterals, philanthropic foundations, academia, think tanks, private sector and other organisations.

A special publication, jointly developed by Reliance Foundation, Observer Research Foundation and the United Nations in India office, “The Next Frontier: Charting the Contours of the Post-2030 Development Agenda”, was released during the events. A curation of 27 essays from global experts, the publication explores the strategies, innovations, and leadership required for a new global development agenda beyond 2030. The essays are by a range of authors from the development, philanthropy, think tank, as well policy and thought leaders with voices from both the Global North and the Global South. Download the publication here: www.reliancefoundation.org The India Day @ UNGA aims to build a strong resonance with India’s growing leadership in the development discourse of the world.

Reliance Foundation Hosts an Unprecedented Celebration of India's Olympians and Paralympian’s and their Inspirational Journeys

In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Reliance Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, hosted United in Triumph—an evening celebrating equality and excellence through the unifying power of sport—on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Antilia, Mumbai.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Nita M. Ambani said: “This is truly historic. Over the last two months, our Olympians & Paralympians proudly took the tricolor to the world! Tonight, for the first time, they are all under one roof. Tonight, for the first time, there are over 140 Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have come together on the same platform. United in Triumph, United in Celebration and United in the inclusive spirit of sport.”

Mrs Ambani also spoke about the ‘transformational power of sport’ and hailed the contribution of India’s female athletes to the country’s Olympic successes, saying, “Their successes are even more special because of the difficulties women face in pursuing professional sport. Not just economic challenges, even getting permission from their families, or finding facilities to train, access to physios and rehab centres, or simply how far they have to travel from their villages to reach a coach. It’s a long and difficult journey for girls to get recognized in sports. And despite that, our female athletes have reached the pinnacle of success. They are sending out a strong message to the little girls who are watching – a message that they are unstoppable and that nothing is impossible for them!”

Mr Akash Ambani thanked the athletes for their presence, saying, “On behalf of the entire Reliance family, thank you for your inspiration. I would also like to thank my mother, Mrs Nita Ambani, for making this evening possible. Like everything else we do at Reliance Foundation, United in Triumph is her vision”

Athletes across disciplines were honored for their hard work, passion, and the profound impact they've had in bringing India to the global forefront in both the Olympics and Paralympics. Among the attendees were Olympic and Paralympic medalists such as Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and Murlikant Petkar, India's first-ever Paralympic gold medalist. Also present were Devendra Jhajharia, the first Indian to win two Paralympic gold medals and the President of the Paralympic Committee of India, alongside Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, Harvinder Singh, Dharambir Nain, Navdeep Singh, and Praveen Kumar, who all secured gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event was graced by other notable athletes, including Preethi Pal, Mona Agarwal, Simran Sharma, Deepthi Jeevanji, and Olympians like Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, and Aman Sehrawat. The Indian men’s hockey team was represented by captain Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, both members of the medal-winning squad in Paris. Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain and Dhinidhi Desinghu, the youngest member of India’s contingent at just 14 years of age, were also in attendance. Their achievements have not only brought glory to the nation but have inspired future generations to strive for excellence in sports.

The ceremony was also attended by Indian sporting legends like Deepa Malik, Sania Mirza, Karnam Malleswari and Pullela Gopichand who have inspired countless younger athletes with their achievements and excellence.

Bollywood superstars Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan who starred in sports-centric movies like 83 and Chandu Champion respectively, were also at the event to show their support for India’s sporting heroes and cheer the athletes on as they were honoured.

In a heart-warming and moving gesture, Mrs Ambani was presented with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Torch, a symbol of equality and unity, by Devendra Jhajharia, Sumit Antil and Satyanarayana, chief coach of Paralympic Committee of India, as a token of appreciation for her efforts to make sports more inclusive in India.

United in Triumph not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the importance of equality in recognition, regardless of the arena. This event marked a new chapter in Indian sports, one where every athlete is celebrated for their dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence. The athletes reiterated their support for Mrs Ambani’s vision of helping India become a sporting nation that has success in multiple sports and acknowledged the need to further bolster the Olympic movement in the country by showing their solidarity and committing to making a difference in their ways by inspiring the next-gen.

• Volunteers on mission mode for Swachhata Hi Seva campaign by Reliance at 4,100 locations across the length and breadth of India.
• In addition to cleaning, volunteers also generated momentum for community awareness and action.
• Awareness efforts reached over 30,000 children, building their enthusiasm for the cause.
• Over 17,000 saplings were planted through community-driven initiatives.

In a significant boost to the nationwide Jan Andolan for Swachhata fortnight, over 75,000 volunteers joined Reliance’s campaign at 4,100 locations to make a strong statement #WeCare4Swachhata. Organised during the Government of India’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’, Reliance employees, their families, along with people in communities joined cleanliness drives, planted trees, facilitated awareness in schools and involved in several other efforts to drive positive change across India.

Speaking about the efforts, Mr. Jagannatha Kumar, CEO, Reliance Foundation, said, “For Reliance, Swachh Bharat is more than a mission; it is an opportunity for every member of our ecosystem, whether in rural or urban India, to contribute to the well-being of our environment. The WeCare4Swachhata campaign of Reliance this year marks a decade of our participation in the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign by the Government of India. With ‘We Care’ as a philosophy ingrained in the Reliance ecosystem, our campaign aims to strengthen the vision for a cleaner and greener India. Volunteerism being crucial to cleanliness across India, our aim was to galvanise communities to join and own the movement.”

Between September 17 and October 2, cleanliness drives were held in residential areas, schools, marketplaces, beaches, places of worship, railway stations and bus stands, historical monuments, besides along roads, in parks, and other public places.

Inspired by over 59,000 Reliance employees, nearly 16,000 people in communities and several civil society organisations working with Reliance Foundation across India also joined the campaign and volunteered in cleaning common spaces and water bodies, promoting reuse and recycling, and tree care. Additionally, over 30,000 children participated in awareness quizzes, painting and essay competitions, and other activities organised by Reliance volunteers. In continued efforts to enhance green cover for climate resilience, Reliance Foundation planted over 17,000 saplings across Odisha, Assam, Gujarat and West Bengal.

Reliance employees also took a pledge to keep their environs clean and motivate others to join the movement, to help sustain momentum generated through the campaign. The various Reliance businesses across the country including Reliance Industries Limited, Reliance Retail, Reliance Jio besides entities such as Reliance Foundation Schools and Jio Institute, were part of this large-scale campaign in response to the government’s call for ‘Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata’, and making this a Jan Andolan in the country.

Nine hundred children celebrated a unique Olympic Day organized by the Reliance Foundation, featuring a special carnival as part of the IOC's Let’s Move India initiative, promoting volunteerism and sports. The event on Saturday, 22nd June, held at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Mumbai, treated children from disadvantaged communities across Mumbai to a day filled with fun, sports, and educational activities centred around Olympic values such as excellence, respect, and friendship.

The highlight of the event was a meet-and-greet session with six-time Olympian Shiva Keshavan. He shared his experiences and emphasized the importance of key Olympic values such as excellence, respect, and friendship with the children. Keshavan also participated in a special "move and groove" session with the children.

The event aimed to inspire children to embrace an active lifestyle and recognize its significance. More than 200 employees from Reliance Ecosystem across verticals volunteered for the initiative, overseeing various sports stations such as basketball, football shootouts, walking races, and fitness sessions, alongside drawing and art activities. These sessions were designed to instil the importance of physical movement and activity among the children, motivating them to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Speaking about the initiative, Keshavan said, “Reliance Foundation has always taken the lead in supporting the growth of the Olympic movement in India. Let's Move is a great way to help children understand the benefits of being physically active and how movement is medicine. The kids were extremely enthusiastic, and their passion and energy were infectious. They had a lot of questions and will learn a lot from this experience. As an Olympian, I hold the Olympic values very close to my heart, and they are values that will serve the kids well in their lives too. I hope some of these kids are inspired to play sports actively and maybe even pursue a career in it”

Leandro Larrosa, Director, Digital Engagement and Marketing, IOC, added, "Thank you to the Reliance Foundation, for collaborating on the Let’s Move initiative in India, and creating this opportunity for young people to meet and learn from an Olympian. The initiative is all about encouraging people to embrace the joy of movement and an active lifestyle as the world warms up for Paris 2024 and we hope this will inspire more kids in India to join the fun of sport”.

Through the Let’s Move India campaign, Reliance Foundation aims to promote inclusivity, development, and the importance of physical activity among 10,000 children from disadvantaged communities across multiple cities in India in the coming weeks. This initiative will be facilitated by 500 volunteers from Reliance employees, who will work towards encouraging a healthier lifestyle and fostering positive growth among these children. The Let’s Move India edition aligns with Reliance Foundation's goal of supporting the expansion of the Olympic movement in India and engaging more kids with Olympic values through sports. The initiative is part of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), supported by a partnership between the Reliance Foundation and the IOC.

Be part of Let’s Move India on social media: @rfyouthsports, @reliancefoundation @olympickhel, using the following hashtags: #LetsMoveIndia #Paris2024 #RelianceFoundation #RFSports #LetsPlay

Catch the Paris 2024 Olympics Games action live, exclusively on Jio Cinema in India.

About the International Olympic Committee

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.2 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

*Charting India's Olympic Journey: Reliance Foundation & Indian Olympic Association announce the first ever India House at the Paris 2024 Olympics*

*India House will serve as a home away from home for the athletes, fans and a showcase of India to the world*

The Paris 2024 Olympics, which is exactly a month away, will see plenty of historic firsts but the one that holds immense significance for India will be the first-ever country House at the Olympic Games – the India House. Conceptualized by Reliance Foundation as part of their partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the India House will be a celebration of the nation’s rich cultural and sporting heritage, showcasing India’s storied past, vibrant present, and exciting future alongside advances in technology and digitalisation. As India House prepares to open its doors to athletes, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts from around the world, it will embody the spirit of unity, diversity, and excellence that defines the Indian ethos.

Speaking about the significance of the India House, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, IOC member and Founder and Chairperson, of Reliance Foundation said, “It is with immense joy and excitement that I am thrilled to announce the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympic Games. The IOC session in India last year, the first in 40 years, was a key milestone in our Olympic journey. And we are delighted to continue this momentum with the launch of India House – a space where we will honour our athletes, celebrate our wins, share our stories, and welcome the world to India.”

She further added, “We truly hope that India House will be one more step towards fulfilling the shared dream of 1.4 billion Indians to bring the Olympic Movement to India!”. Watch the full announcement video on India House here.

Ms. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said, "The inaugural India House in partnership with Reliance Foundation will be one of the main attractions for Indian fans and athletes at the Paris Olympics. It will also be a great way for fans and people from other countries to know more about India and what makes it so special. India has proven its mettle as a host of major events and India House will reflect the strides we have made as a sporting nation as well as in the Olympic movement. I would like to thank IOC Member Mrs. Nita Ambani for driving this initiative and India’s Olympic Movement."

A Showcase of Indian Culture and Heritage

Situated in the iconic Parc de la Villette, which has been designated as the "Park of Nations" during the Games, the India House will be surrounded by 14 other Hospitality Houses in the Park, including the Houses from Netherlands, Canada, Brazil and hosts, France. India House promises to provide a glimpse of India’s talent, potential, and ambition to the world by offering a variety of experiences for fans to immerse themselves in – from culture to arts and sports to culinary treats and experiences like yoga, handicrafts, music, and performances from Indian dance groups.

A Home Away from Home for Indian Athletes and Fans

India House aims to be a home away from home for the country’s attending athletes and to celebrate India’s victories and medal wins. It will also be a space for visitors to interact with sporting legends and the destination to catch key events with friends through engaging events as it will be open to media and fans from all countries. The Watch Parties of key Indian events will be exclusively held in partnership with Viacom18, the exclusive media rights holders for the Olympic Games in India at the India House.

Celebrating India's Olympic Journey and Ambition:

India House will commemorate 100 years since India competed at the Olympic Games for the first time under the aegis of the IOA in 1920. It symbolizes the evolution of India as a formidable contender in the world of sports and reflects the nation's unwavering commitment to the Olympic movement and ambition to host a future Olympic Games.

Opening the window to India

The India House in Paris will serve as a vibrant portal to the rich and diverse tapestry of Indian culture. Its logo, inspired by the intricate design of the jharokha, symbolizes this unique window to India. Rendered in a spectrum of India's vivid hues, the logo beautifully captures the essence of the nation’s diversity and will be woven into every aspect of the India House Olympic experience in Paris, inviting all to immerse themselves in the Indian cultural mosaic.

A Collaborative Endeavor

Established by Reliance Foundation as the principal partner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), India House represents a collective effort to elevate Indian sports globally.

Viacom 18-Home of the Paris 2024 Olympics in India, will provide best-in-class coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 across JioCinema and Sports18 Network. As the exclusive Media Rights Holders for the Games, Viacom18's comprehensive presentation will feature must-watch events for Indian fans, highlight standout Indian athletes, and showcase historic Olympic performances https://www.sports18.com/ | JioCinema.com

Learn more about India House on India House website, Instagram, Snapchat

• The WomenLeaders India Fellowship is looking for true catalysts for change, who are building climate resilience, enhancing access to sports, advancing educational initiatives, and strengthening livelihoods.
• Over ten months, the programme aims to empower 50 exceptional women social sector leaders and social entrepreneurs from across India, each dedicated to driving transformative change within their communities.
• In 2023, India’s G20 Presidency shifted the focus from women’s development to women-led development. This Fellowship aims to strengthen this vision by providing leadership capacity building for talented women leaders.

Following the success of the inaugural WomenLeaders India Fellowship powered by Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices to nurture women leaders in the social sector in 2022-23, Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices are thrilled to launch the call for applications for the 2024-25 cohort.

In 2023, India’s G20 Presidency shifted focus for the first time, from women’s development to women-led development. India’s collective and unwavering dedication to champion ‘Gender Equality and Empowering All Women and Girls’ secured a firm place in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration

In line with this vision, the WomenLeaders India Fellowship will provide leadership capacity building for talented women leaders, including social sector leaders and social entrepreneurs. The WomenLeaders India Fellowship is looking for true catalysts for change, who are building climate resilience, enhancing access to sports, advancing educational initiatives, and promoting economic self-sufficiency through livelihood strengthening.

Over ten months, the programme aims to empower 50 exceptional women leaders from across India, each dedicated to driving transformative change within their communities. The future cohort will be selected for their ground-breaking work in Climate Resilience (including Disaster Risk Reduction), Sports for Development, Education (by strengthening early childhood care and education or addressing foundational literacy and numeracy), and Livelihood Generation at the grassroots. All Fellows will also work on their innovative projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Fellowship, benefiting from mentor and peer support.

The applications are open from July 1, 2024 to July 28, 2024, 23:59 IST.
(Apply now: Click here)

The Fellowship starts in September 2024, beginning and ending with in-person convenings in India. In the intervening months, the programme includes a blend of virtual webinars and community gatherings focused on leadership and skills development with leading Indian and international experts. Each selected Fellow will also benefit from personalised mentorship to support their leadership journey, as well as peer-to-peer engagement.

The Fellowship training focuses on leadership capacity building and skills development and is designed to ultimately strengthen the leadership of the participants and increase the success of their ventures and efforts. The Fellows will also benefit from joining a vibrant WomenLeaders India Fellowship alumni community. This will provide opportunities for visibility and networking at the national and international levels, through the Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices network.

The programme will culminate with a final in-person gathering, where Fellows will present their impactful projects aligned with the SDGs, where selected winning projects will receive a grant award to help scale their project further.

In December 2022, fifty inspiring women from India’s social sector were identified for the inaugural Fellowship. The Fellows in the inaugural cohort were selected for their work on Education, Rural Transformation, strengthening livelihoods, as well as Sports for Development. This dynamic, and intergenerational cohort hailed from various organisations, working at the grassroots level across rural and semi-urban areas of the country. The Fellows included social sector leaders and social entrepreneurs working on a range of issues and geographies from waste management in southern coastal villages to affordable energy sources in north-east India.

Watch this video to see the glimpses from the previous cohort’s convening and graduation ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieHp6nPAWpo

Together, we look forward to elevating a new generation of women-led development in India.
Applications close on July 28, 2024, 23:59 IST.

To learn more and apply, visit: Women Leadership

She is speaking the language of the wind. When  Jyothi Yarraji, the fastest Indian hurdler, takes to the track at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she will be in uncharted territory. Jyothi, supported by the Reliance Foundation, will be the first Indian woman ever to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Olympics. The women’s 100m hurdles event has been a part of every Olympics since 1972, but this will be the first time that an Indian athlete will feature on the start list.

Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Reliance Foundation, said, "We are overjoyed and immensely proud of our Reliance Foundation athlete, Jyothi Yarraji, for becoming the first Indian to qualify for the women's 100m hurdles at the Olympics. Jyothi’s journey, her dedication, and this incredible achievement are a testament to the power of dreams and relentless hard work. She embodies the spirit, talent, and resilience of the youth of India.”

“At Reliance Foundation, we remain committed to supporting Jyothi and all our young athletes in every way we can. We wish Jyothi and the entire Indian contingent the very best for the Paris Games! May they keep the tricolour soaring high, as they represent the dreams, hopes, and prayers of 1.4 billion Indians on the global stage.”, Mrs Ambani added.

The reigning national record holder in the event, Jyothi is also the only Indian woman ever to medal in the women’s 100m hurdles event at the Asian Games, where she won silver last year after showing impressive fortitude in standing her ground after a false disqualification. She is the only Indian woman to dip below the 13s mark and holds the 15 fastest times ever run by an Indian in this category. As a knock-on effect, three other women have now run faster than the longstanding national record of Anuradha Biswal that Jyothi broke.

Jyothi’s personal best stands at 12.78s, a mark she matched earlier this year at the Motonet GP in Finland despite a hard collision with the final hurdle. She also won gold at the recent Senior Inter-State Athletics Championships, continuing her unbeaten run on Indian soil.

The Trailblazer: An Inspirational Journey

Jyothi Yarraji’s journey to the Olympics is not just about breaking records; it's about inspiring a nation. Her accomplishments underline the importance of resilience and determination. With the support of the Reliance Foundation, she has shown that Indian athletes can compete at the highest levels of international sports.

As she prepares to compete in Paris, Jyothi carries the hopes of a nation eager to see her make history. Her presence at the Olympics will not only pave the way for future generations of Indian women hurdlers but also highlight the growing prominence of Indian athletes on the global stage.

Continuing the Legacy

Jyothi's achievements are a testament to the increasing support and development of sports in India, particularly through initiatives like those by the Reliance Foundation. Her success will likely inspire more young athletes to pursue track and field, contributing to the overall growth and diversification of Indian sports.

India has made a fine start at the Paris Olympics with two medals already in the first few days of competition. On Jul 30th (Tuesday), as India won its second medal, Indian athletes received a rousing welcome at the inaugural India House in the presence of fans and administrators at Parc de la Villette.

Speaking to the athletes during their visit, Mrs. Nita M Ambani, IOC member and Founder-Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, “Welcome to the first ever India House at the Olympics! Please join me in welcoming the icons of today, tomorrow and forever. The Indian athletes who represent India are present here today. Every single one of you has made us hold our heads higher with pride.”

Mrs. Ambani also congratulated Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh for their medals in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, “A special shout out to Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh who made us proud by winning India’s second medal this morning. Sarabjot Singh is here with us today and let’s give him a standing ovation please.”

The athletes were welcomed to the India House with gusto with throbbing beats of the dhol during a guard of honour along with a traditional Indian tikah ceremony.

The athletes present included medal-winning shooter Sarabjot Singh, opening ceremony flag bearer Sharath Kamal, former world no 1 doubles player Rohan Bopanna, Sumit Nagal, the youngest member from the India contingent 14- year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu, Manika Batra, the 1st Indian table tennis player to reach the round 16 in singles at the Olympics, Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta among others.

They also lit the digital flame at the India House to show their support for the Olympic movement before being felicitated by Mrs. Ambani, who thanked them for their efforts and for representing the country on the biggest stage.

The athletes enjoyed the live music and sumptuous food spread on offer at India House in the company of their teammates and also met their fans. Indian as well as international fans have been reveling and enjoying the various unique experiences at India House, which has seen heavy attendances every day, while also being drawn by its grandeur and vivacity.

About India House

India House, (situated in the iconic Parc de la Villette), during the Paris Olympics 2024 represents a historic milestone as the first-ever India House in the history of the Olympic Games. This pioneering initiative, conceptualized by Reliance Foundation as part of their partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), offers an immersive experience in Indian culture, arts, sports, technology, and gastronomy. It provides a unique and comprehensive showcase of India's rich heritage to the world.

Fans can engage in yoga sessions, cultural workshops, discover traditional Indian crafts, and join for exciting watch parties. Making its global debut, The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) has exclusively curated India-themed experiential programming and entertainment of music and dance, ensuring a vibrant, enriching, and unforgettable showcase of India to the world. India House is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and national pride, showcasing our sporting ambitions, and making it a must-visit destination during the Paris Olympics 2024.

• In close co-ordination with state authorities and the SDMA, Reliance Foundation has rolled out immediate on-ground relief support
• Reliance Foundation’s disaster management team is delivering need-based essentials to people in camps coordinating with government
• Commitment to Wayanad includes a multi-pronged approach; from relief to rebuilding livelihoods

As landslides at Wayanad have created heartrending scenes of devastation, everything possible needs to be done to support the people at this time. Reliance Foundation as part of deep commitment to the nation, especially in its most challenging hours, announced a multi-pronged approach to support the people of Wayanad in the immediate, mid-term and long-term.

In co-ordination with the government authorities and the disaster management teams in the district, Reliance Foundation is on the field in co-ordination with local authorities to provide all possible support. The teams are delivering immediate relief to people located in camps including milk and fruits for essential nutrition. Over the next few weeks and months, Reliance Foundation has committed to holistic immediate, mid-term and long-term support for the severely affected district, along with sustainable initiatives to address prevention, strengthen early warning and early action.

Expressing grief at the unprecedented events in Kerala, Mrs Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation said, “We are deeply pained by the suffering of the people of Wayanad and the immense damage caused by the landslides. At this time of extreme sorrow, our hearts go out to every single person and family who has been affected. Our Reliance Foundation teams on the ground are supporting the immediate response, recovery and long-term requirements for the people of the district. We stand by the people of Kerala in this difficult time.”

Earlier, during the floods of 2018, 2019, 2021 and through COVID-19, Reliance Foundation has provided relief and follow-up support to the state of Kerala. Building on its long-term disaster risk resilience initiatives, Reliance Foundation will strengthen collaborative and community-based efforts at Wayanad and other vulnerable regions in the country.

Reliance Foundation’s multi-pronged commitment to Wayanad includes:

1. Food & nutrition including providing ready-to-eat nutritious foods including fruits and milk, dry rations, kitchen utensils and other essentials such as stoves to help families in resuming kitchens

2. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) including provision of toiletries, essential hygiene requirements and basic daily requirements for hygiene and health

3. Shelter & living essentials including temporary shelters for affected populations, bedding, solar lanterns and torches, clothing and cleaning material to help people restart their households

4. Sustainable livelihood recovery for affected families to resume livelihoods including seeds, fodder, tools and vocational training to diversify income sources and focus on resilient agriculture tailored to Wayanad’s unique ecosystem

5. Education support including books and play material to ensure continuity of education for affected children

6. Ensuring reliable connectivity, Reliance Jio has installed dedicated towers and provided Jio Bharat phones, enhancing communication for residents, rescue workers, and disaster management teams to streamline activities and rebuild lives

7. Psycho-social support and community healing including counselling for trauma-affected individuals with experts, for social interaction to help people heal. These measures include special efforts to support children and youth

The Reliance Foundation team has already swiftly deployed personnel on the field for relief and is in discussions with state authorities. Each of the planned measures are being progressively rolled out synchronizing with the state and the other disaster response agencies to ensure that response is effective, reaching the people in a timely manner, in their darkest hour of pain.

Reliance Foundation remains committed to supporting the people of Wayanad in the long term, to enable a resilient and thriving community for the future.