believe that India will never achieve its true growth story until the rural sector of the country is empowered to make choices and transform their own lives. With this thought, we initiated SHARE (Society to Heal Aid Restore Educate) 15 years ago. Today SHARE has metamorphosed into the Swades Foundation with a mission to empower 1 million lives in 6-7 years through 360-degree development across Health, Education, Water & Sanitation and Economic Development. Our aim is to create a model for development that can be replicated at scale across India and perhaps the world.
About Us
Founded by Ronnie and Zarina Screwvala, the Swades Foundation operates with the single-minded focus of empowering rural India. Our vision is rural empowerment through best practices, modern technology and values.
FOUNDER'S STATEMENT
While we, with our 300+ strong team and 1000+ volunteers at the Swades Foundation, strive hard to find and execute solutions to the multiple challenges Rural India faces, we’d be happier if we don’t achieve our goal alone. We believe in a collaborative model and work with multiple partners which include NGOs, other foundations, the government and corporates. We at the Swades Foundation are committed and raring to go. We aren’t naïve about the task we’ve set but are determined to create communities that will have the ability to contribute substantially to India’s growth story.
We have always dreamt of One India, an India where the Urban-Rural divide doesn’t exist. We hope that you will pledge your support to the Swades Foundation, to our Rural communities. Pledge to support their dreams with the same passion as we pursue our own. Pledge to become a part of their world and welcome them to ours.
Today, we want to leave you with three thoughts
If not now, then when? — If not here, then where? — If not you, then who?
Ronnie & Zarina Screwvala
OUR GEOGRAPHY
Swades work encapsulates sections of rural Maharashtra and is currently focused on the districts of Raigad and Nashik
OUR WELL-WISHERS
Anand Mahindra
I’ve known Ronnie and Zarina for many years, The visions and passion they brought to Media changed the industry. I am delighted with their Swades Foundation’s focus on rural empowerment as I believe it is the key to building a better India. Their mission of transforming the lives of 1 million rural India in the next 5 years is inspiring and I wish them every success.
Anand Mahindra
Chairman Mahindra Group
Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan
We have known Ronnie & Zarina for many years and know the passion & integrity they bring to everything they do. Their work in Media was path-breaking and we know they will do the same with their Swades Foundation.
Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan
Bollywood Celebrities
Priyanka Chopra
I have known Ronnie & Zarina on both a personal and professional level and over the years have come to understand the passion that drives them. To do what they do, with no regard for applause or reward is something you don’t see very often. I support them whole heartedly and wish them every success.
Priyanka Chopra
Miss World 2000 & Global Celebrity
Nandan Nilekani
Ronnie and Zarina have dared to dream about a truly empowered rural India. The Swades Foundation is their ambitious endeavour to actualise that dream by creating and executing a holistic and sustainable model of development of rural India. Their approach of connecting rural India with not just urban India but also the world is truly exciting.
Nandan Nilekani
Chairman of the UIDAI
Amitabh Bachchan
Ronnie & Zarina, my heartfelt congratulations to you. May this new work of yours be one of the greatest achievements of your lifetime. I request each one of you to promise your support. Our country needs our time, passion and our money. Let us commit to our country and to those who have taken on the task of transforming it. The destiny of our society is found within the power of our decisions
Amitabh Bachchan
Indian Film Legend
Karan Johar
I feel great pride to see one of my closest friends Ronnie & Zarina who have pulled themselves out of this comfort zone and who through their Swades Foundation have taken upon themselves the mammoth task of uplifting 1 million people out of poverty every 5 years. It is a formidable number no doubt, but knowing Ronnie & Zarina, they will make this happen and perhaps it’s only them, with their unparalleled determination.
Karan Johar
Indian Film Producer & Director
Ranbir Kapoor
The amazing work being done by the Swades Foundation towards Rural Empowerment of 1 million lives in 5 years is a tough target but knowing Ronnie & Zarina… nothing’s ever impossible. I’m looking forward to going with them to their villages!
Ranbir Kapoor
Bollywood Actor
Chetan Bhagat
I want to reach and understand Rural India as a part of evolving as a writer and the Swades Foundation initiative is an amazing one to learn from about our villages. Until we understand Rural India we cannot bring about true change
Chetan Bhagat
Indian Writer
Vidya Balan
I am deeply inspired by the work being done by Ronnie & Zarina! It is rare to meet people who find motivation within themselves and create inspiration for others around them… Ronnie & Zarina do just that. Their determination comes from their deep-routed belief in the cause of Rural Empowerment. Their desire to create an India without barriers; an India free from poverty is beyond remarkable. The work done by their foundation – Swades – is commendable and their focus & conviction is unmatched.
Vidya Balan
Indian Actress & Padma Shri Winner
