Hailing from Pathangarh, Madhya Pradesh, Japani Shyam is the daughter of the late legendary Gond tribal artist, Jangarh Singh Shyam.

Introduced to the art at a very young age, she endured deep personal loss when her father passed away while working in Japan at the Mithila Museum. Her mother, Smt. Nandkushiya Shyam, a young widow, faced many financial and social challenges, becoming a pillar of strength for Japani. Despite the hardships, Japani Shyam used her creativity to carve a niche for herself in the world of art. While deeply rooted in the Gond art form, her work reflects a fresh perspective shaped by her urban experiences. "I live in a city today, and I love to experiment with modern-day visuals and experiences around me while keeping the tribal aspect of the art form intact," she explains.

One of her thought-provoking pieces highlights the impact of urbanisation on nature, lamenting the loss of natural habitats. Through her art, which pushes the boundaries of a traditional art form, Japani serves as a poignant reminder of the balance that needs to be struck between development and environmental preservation.

Swadesh has been instrumental in promoting indigenous art and providing a platform for hundreds of Gond artists in Madhya Pradesh. They are able to showcase their work at Swadesh's flagship stores in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Japani also participated in the Gond Pavilion at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, where she live-demonstrated her craft and captivated the audience. Swadesh's ongoing efforts have indirectly benefitted around 200 Gond artists in the region.
 

* Through Anna Seva, Reliance Foundation will serve nourishing, hot meals to lakhs of visitors

* 100 police aid posts have been set up, providing shelter for police personnel

* Over 4,000 volunteers deployed to help in crowd facilitation

Bhubaneswar, June 26, 2025: As Odisha gears up for the grand Rath Yatra, Reliance Industries Limited, in close collaboration with Puri district administration, has launched a comprehensive series of efforts to ensure that visitors enjoy a safe, comfortable, and enriching journey.

The annual chariot festival in Puri draws lakhs of devotees who gather to witness the majestic procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

Honouring the spirit of seva, Reliance Foundation, with its characteristic We Care spirit, is proud to support this 13-day sacred journey with meaningful contributions.

“Seva is deeply rooted in Reliance's 'We Care' philosophy, and the opportunity to serve devotees in Puri is truly a blessing. We believe that by serving pilgrims and personnel during the Rath Yatra, we are serving the divine. We are committed to enriching the experience of visitors through various initiatives, ranging from food to safety, making their journey smoother, safer and more comfortable,” said Shri Anant M Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Industries Limited.

Key highlights of Reliance's Seva initiative:

Anna Seva: Reliance Foundation is serving hot, wholesome meals to lakhs of devotees and police personnel at six key locations along the yatra route, ensuring no one goes hungry.

Hygiene Focus: Installing contactless sanitisers at food stalls, supplying garbage bags for cleanliness in collaboration with the municipality, and extending sanitation amenities to police camps.

Crowd Management: Collaborating with municipal and police authorities to guide devotees with clear direction boards and markers, ensuring smooth navigation for visitors from afar.

Volunteer Support: Over 4,000 trained volunteers, wearing identifiable uniforms, will manage crowds and oversee water points to keep devotees hydrated in the summer heat.

Comfort in Heat: Distributing over 1.5 lakh eco-friendly hand fans to help pilgrims beat the heat.

Police Support: Setting up 100 police aid posts with shelters for on-duty personnel, offering accessible help points for devotees.

Weather Preparedness: Keeping the rainy season in mind, 3,500 raincoats have also been distributed among police staff. Volunteers, municipal staff, and police personnel will be provided with refreshment kits. Earlier this year, during Maha Kumbh 2025, Reliance had engaged in service for several lakhs of visitors in Prayagraj with initiatives from meals to health to transport services. With a strong commitment to supporting communities during spiritual events, Reliance has been demonstrating a deep commitment to ensure a safe, healthy, experience for all. The activities during this year's Rath Yatra at Shri Kshetra are yet another opportunity to serve humanity and the divine.

Under the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Reliance Foundation has played a pivotal role in enriching lives and uplifting communities this past year. At the Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited, the achievements of the past year and the promising pathways ahead came into focus.

Recalling the significant milestones including an overall reach of nearly 70 million Indians across the country by Reliance Foundation, Mrs. Ambani shared how the spirit of “WE CARE” guided the philanthropic initiatives.

In her address, she emphasised on the inseparable synergy between business and philanthropy. Both, she stressed, are driven by the same ethos of "WE CARE." She focused on Reliance Foundation’s involvement in fields ranging from Culture and Climate to Education, Sports, Women's Empowerment, Healthcare, Livelihoods, and Rural Transformation.

She also unveiled a strategic initiative of establishing the Reliance Foundation Skilling Centre within the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). These digital hubs, she informed, would revolutionise the crafts sector, simultaneously nurturing livelihoods and safeguarding cultural heritage.

In honour of the 90th birth anniversary of Founder Chairman, Shri Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Foundation, had committed to provide 50,000 Reliance Foundation Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships over the next decade. Over 5,100 scholarships have already been awarded, highlighting the commitment to nurturing young talent as catalysts for innovation and progress. She also passionately advocated for teacher empowerment, introducing a world-class teacher leadership institute to foster teacher innovation.

With India set to have the largest population of women in the next decade, Ms. Ambani emphasised the imperative of empowering women for India's development. Initiatives like the Women Lead India Fellowship, Her Circle, and the Well Women Centre were highlighted.

A partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at supporting income-generating activities for one million women entrepreneurs, was also unveiled.

Mrs. Nita M. Ambani shared, "This initiative will engage farm and non-farm income generating activities, helping them achieve an annual income of at least one lakh per year." Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft and Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said, "Together over the next three years, we’ll support one million women to fulfill their potential through Self Help Groups (SHG)."

On the Education and Sports for All program me, that has reached 22 million youngsters till date, Mrs Ambani spoke about making India a multi-sporting nation. Acknowledging the achievements of Reliance Foundation athletes, who have secured 139 medals at international and national levels, she expressed her deep commitment to sports development in India.

With the upcoming International Olympic Committee Session being held in India after a gap of four decades, Mrs Nita Ambani highlighted the dawn of a new era for Indian sports, with young athletes ready to make their mark on the global stage.

The Annual General Meeting not only highlighted the significant milestones achieved by Reliance Foundation but also showcased the promise of a brighter, more empowered, and prosperous India for all. Mrs. Nita Ambani concluded by saying, "We will do all that we can to uplift lives, share smiles, empower dreams, and build bridges to a greener, kinder, and happier tomorrow.”

• Memorable moments for the special audience from 18 NGOs supported by Reliance Foundation’s Education and Sports for All programme
• Continuation of Reliance Foundation’s work with children through the years

It was a time of bonding and laughter for 3,400 underprivileged children and senior citizens from NGOs supported by Reliance Foundation who experienced special shows of the International Broadway musical ‘The Sound of Music’, dedicated for them by Mrs. Nita Ambani at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).

At these two very special shows over the weekend, Reliance Foundation hosted 3,400 children and senior citizens from diverse locations across Mumbai, including specially-abled children. The initiative was supported by 18 NGOs supported by its Education and Sports for All (ESA) programme along with Reliance employee volunteers who were on hand to make sure that everyone had a comfortable and magical experience. Through its ESA programme, Reliance Foundation has supported children’s aspirations through various education and sports initiatives over the years. These special shows in collaboration with NGOs are yet another step towards Reliance Foundation’s ongoing efforts to inspire children.

"The overwhelming response to The Sound of Music reaffirms NMACC’s vision of showcasing the best of India and the world. Seeing families from across the country come together and enjoy this magical experience has been truly heart-warming. We are humbled to have dedicated the final two shows to 3,400 underprivileged children and senior citizens. There could not have been a more uplifting way to conclude the iconic musical’s momentous run than to have shared it with this special audience. In continuation of our Education and Sports for All programme, we are committed to making art accessible to all,” said Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation.

‘The Sound of Music’ made its debut in May this year at The Grand Theatre with a historic eight- week run – its longest ever in Asia and for the first time in the country.

Enthralled by the stellar performances that bring to life the drama unfolding in the Von Trapp family, the excited children and senior citizens cheered along to timeless songs like ‘My Favourite Things’ and ‘Do-Re-Mi’ – matching the beat with the live orchestra. Following the musical, they were overjoyed when they got to meet the actors who play the Von Trapp family.

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is committed to community nurturing programmes including school and college outreaches and competitions, art literacy programmes for adults, and much more. Since opening a few months ago, NMACC has provided free access for children, students, senior citizens, and the differently abled, to enjoy shows such as The Sound of Music, Sangam/Confluence and the India in Fashion exhibition.

Since 2010, Reliance Foundation’s Education and Sports for All (ESA) programme has provided sustained initiatives towards the holistic and inclusive development of children, to build their aspirations and enable them to achieve their potential. As part of the ESA programme, each year, Reliance Foundation also hosts thousands of underprivileged children for various events and experiences of joy and celebration, including watching an IPL match, experiencing the Dhirubhai Ambani Square fountain show and spend a day at Jio Wonderland. Through focus on arts, culture and heritage, Reliance Foundation is committed to inspiring the younger generation of Indian artists to preserve and develop India’s cultural heritage for the future.

• Memorable moments for the special audience from 18 NGOs supported by Reliance Foundation’s Education and Sports for All programme
• Continuation of Reliance Foundation’s work with children through the years

It was a time of bonding and laughter for 3,400 underprivileged children and senior citizens from NGOs supported by Reliance Foundation who experienced special shows of the International Broadway musical ‘The Sound of Music’, dedicated for them by Mrs. Nita Ambani at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).

At these two very special shows over the weekend, Reliance Foundation hosted 3,400 children and senior citizens from diverse locations across Mumbai, including specially-abled children. The initiative was supported by 18 NGOs supported by its Education and Sports for All (ESA) programme along with Reliance employee volunteers who were on hand to make sure that everyone had a comfortable and magical experience. Through its ESA programme, Reliance Foundation has supported children’s aspirations through various education and sports initiatives over the years. These special shows in collaboration with NGOs are yet another step towards Reliance Foundation’s ongoing efforts to inspire children.

"The overwhelming response to The Sound of Music reaffirms NMACC’s vision of showcasing the best of India and the world. Seeing families from across the country come together and enjoy this magical experience has been truly heart-warming. We are humbled to have dedicated the final two shows to 3,400 underprivileged children and senior citizens. There could not have been a more uplifting way to conclude the iconic musical’s momentous run than to have shared it with this special audience. In continuation of our Education and Sports for All programme, we are committed to making art accessible to all,” said Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation.

‘The Sound of Music’ made its debut in May this year at The Grand Theatre with a historic eight- week run – its longest ever in Asia and for the first time in the country.

Enthralled by the stellar performances that bring to life the drama unfolding in the Von Trapp family, the excited children and senior citizens cheered along to timeless songs like ‘My Favourite Things’ and ‘Do-Re-Mi’ – matching the beat with the live orchestra. Following the musical, they were overjoyed when they got to meet the actors who play the Von Trapp family.

The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is committed to community nurturing programmes including school and college outreaches and competitions, art literacy programmes for adults, and much more. Since opening a few months ago, NMACC has provided free access for children, students, senior citizens, and the differently abled, to enjoy shows such as The Sound of Music, Sangam/Confluence and the India in Fashion exhibition.

Since 2010, Reliance Foundation’s Education and Sports for All (ESA) programme has provided sustained initiatives towards the holistic and inclusive development of children, to build their aspirations and enable them to achieve their potential. As part of the ESA programme, each year, Reliance Foundation also hosts thousands of underprivileged children for various events and experiences of joy and celebration, including watching an IPL match, experiencing the Dhirubhai Ambani Square fountain show and spend a day at Jio Wonderland. Through focus on arts, culture and heritage, Reliance Foundation is committed to inspiring the younger generation of Indian artists to preserve and develop India’s cultural heritage for the future.

Under the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Reliance Foundation has played a pivotal role in enriching lives and uplifting communities this past year. At the Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited, the achievements of the past year and the promising pathways ahead came into focus.

Recalling the significant milestones including an overall reach of nearly 70 million Indians across the country by Reliance Foundation, Mrs. Ambani shared how the spirit of “WE CARE” guided the philanthropic initiatives.

In her address, she emphasised on the inseparable synergy between business and philanthropy. Both, she stressed, are driven by the same ethos of "WE CARE." She focused on Reliance Foundation’s involvement in fields ranging from Culture and Climate to Education, Sports, Women's Empowerment, Healthcare, Livelihoods, and Rural Transformation.

She also unveiled a strategic initiative of establishing the Reliance Foundation Skilling Centre within the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). These digital hubs, she informed, would revolutionise the crafts sector, simultaneously nurturing livelihoods and safeguarding cultural heritage.

In honour of the 90th birth anniversary of Founder Chairman, Shri Dhirubhai Ambani, Reliance Foundation, had committed to provide 50,000 Reliance Foundation Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships over the next decade. Over 5,100 scholarships have already been awarded, highlighting the commitment to nurturing young talent as catalysts for innovation and progress. She also passionately advocated for teacher empowerment, introducing a world-class teacher leadership institute to foster teacher innovation.

With India set to have the largest population of women in the next decade, Ms. Ambani emphasised the imperative of empowering women for India's development. Initiatives like the Women Lead India Fellowship, Her Circle, and the Well Women Centre were highlighted.

A partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at supporting income-generating activities for one million women entrepreneurs, was also unveiled.

Mrs. Nita M. Ambani shared, "This initiative will engage farm and non-farm income generating activities, helping them achieve an annual income of at least one lakh per year." Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft and Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said, "Together over the next three years, we’ll support one million women to fulfill their potential through Self Help Groups (SHG)."

On the Education and Sports for All program me, that has reached 22 million youngsters till date, Mrs Ambani spoke about making India a multi-sporting nation. Acknowledging the achievements of Reliance Foundation athletes, who have secured 139 medals at international and national levels, she expressed her deep commitment to sports development in India.

With the upcoming International Olympic Committee Session being held in India after a gap of four decades, Mrs Nita Ambani highlighted the dawn of a new era for Indian sports, with young athletes ready to make their mark on the global stage.

The Annual General Meeting not only highlighted the significant milestones achieved by Reliance Foundation but also showcased the promise of a brighter, more empowered, and prosperous India for all. Mrs. Nita Ambani concluded by saying, "We will do all that we can to uplift lives, share smiles, empower dreams, and build bridges to a greener, kinder, and happier tomorrow.”