Down, but never out, Vishal has scaled adversity to talk the talk

“I brought sweets and a saree for my mother. She was so happy… she couldn’t stop crying. This saree is now her heritage to be passed on to my coming generations,” says a visibly moved Vishal, as he reflects on how his mother was filled with pride and joy the day he landed his first job.

Born prematurely, Vishal’s life has been defined by both challenges and resilience. His locomotor disability since birth, created a childhood full of limitations—unable to run, jump, or play like other children.

Yet, Vishal’s spirit never broke down, thanks to the unwavering support of his family. “I couldn’t do many things that others could, but my parents always believed in me,” says Vishal. “They never let me feel like I was any less.”

“Thanks to HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’ and Sarthak Educational Trust, they looked at me not from the lens of my disability, but saw my talent and educational excellence. They gave me the requisite skills to not just fend for myself, but take leaps of success. Like my mother, they became my friend, philosopher and guide.”

Growing up in Varanasi, Vishal worked hard to overcome the hurdles life threw his way. He pursued his education with determination, graduating from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) with a degree in commerce, specializing in finance.

But the road to success wasn’t smooth. Vishal recalls an interview where he was turned down since he was “different”.

“Some were okay with me, but several doubted my ability,” he shares. “The recruiter told me that I wasn’t selected because I wasn’t suited for a field job”.

My mother’s words always reverberated in my ears. "From the very beginning, she believed in me," Vishal says, adding, "No matter how tough things got, she was always there, pushing me forward. She always told me that there was nothing I couldn’t do.”

Her strength became even more critical after the passing of Vishal’s father in 2018, leaving Vishal as the sole provider for his mother.

Meanwhile, after graduation, Vishal joined a company in Varanasi where he worked as an accountant. The he was transferred to Gurgaon. But it was when he connected with Sarthak Educational Trust that his life truly transformed.

“Sarthak Educational Trust showed me the right career path and gave me the skills to pursue it.”

HDFC Parivartan’s support not only gave Vishal a new sense of confidence, but also the practical skills he needed to excel in the job market. He learned about effective communication, teamwork, and how to present himself confidently in interviews. The supportive environment at Sarthak also helped him rebuild his self-esteem and stay motivated throughout his job search.

With their backing, he landed a role at a financial firm specialising in the stock market. “Within three months of joining, I was promoted from junior accountant to senior accountant,” he says, filled with pride. Today, Vishal heads three branches and earns a salary of over ₹55,000—an inspiring leap from his starting pay check of ₹13,000.

But, Vishal’s confidence knows no bounds. He is working towards starting an independent financial firm where he wants to give a springboard to others.

“I want to start my own business and employ people with disabilities,” he says poignantly. “I’ve seen how much difference opportunities can make, and I want to create those chances for others.”

"I’ve faced discrimination, doubt, and countless challenges," Vishal says. "But I’ve also learned that if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything." Looking ahead, Vishal is focused on the future. “Since getting this job, I got married and we are expecting our first child,” he says as if looking into the future.

Vishal’s journey is a powerful testament to HDFC Bank Parivartan’s commitment to creating opportunities and transforming lives. In India, people with disabilities often face significant disadvantages, including poorer health, lower educational attainment, reduced economic participation, and higher poverty rates compared to those without disabilities.

In India, nearly 74% of Persons with Disability (15-59years) either do not have jobs or are marginal workers. Persons with Disability face numerous challenges that withhold them from having a barrier-free life. Low accessibility to special education, difficulties in migrating to urban areas, inaccessible buildings and transportation facilities, skill gap and negative stereotypes make them vulnerable.

HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’ has made it a priority to empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), helping them achieve financial independence through skill development and job placement support. To date, HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’ has impacted the lives of 3.3 million PwDs, with over 80,000 empowered through targeted interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods.

Stitching the Nation Closer, One Saree Length at a Time

In the quiet, sun-dappled villages of Darang and Kamrup in Assam, where life often moves to the gentle rhythm of nature, a quiet transformation is unfolding. For centuries, the women here have sat at their looms, weaving intricate patterns that reflect Assam's rich cultural heritage. What was once a tradition passed down through generations has now become much more—thanks to the women themselves and a little help from HDFC Bank Parivartan.

For many of these women, weaving had always been a part of life, something they did alongside managing their homes, raising children, and supporting their families. But weaving as a business—as a path to financial independence? That was a distant dream.

I never imagined I could make a living from something I’ve been doing since childhood,” shares Karabi Kumar, a mother of three from Darang. “Weaving was just part of our lives. We didn’t think it could change our lives.

But change it has. Through HDFC Bank Parivartan’s Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP), in partnership with FXB India Suraksha, Karabi and thousands of other women like her have gained the tools, training, and market access needed to turn their weaving into thriving businesses. And it’s not just about income—it’s about pride, independence, and the ability to shape their own futures.

With the launch of Mahura Weaves, a brand created entirely by the women artisans of the HRDP project, this transformation has taken on new life. Mahura Weaves is more than just a collection of handloom products; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when women are empowered to take control of their destinies.

Before HDFC Bank Parivartan came to our village, I relied on my husband for everything, recalls Junu Mani Baruah, another artisan from Kamrup. “I had no say in financial decisions. But now, with the income from my weaving, I’m contributing to our household. I can send my children to school without worrying about money. It’s a freedom I never knew I could have.

This project has given me more than just an income—it’s given me a voice. I can now make decisions for myself and my family. That’s something I didn’t think I’d ever have, adds Pranita Nath, who took to weaving as a means to give her family a decent lifestyle.

These stories of empowerment resonate deeply across Assam. The opening of the Mahura Weaves showroom in Guwahati has brought these artisans’ creations to a wider audience, connecting their handwoven textiles to markets beyond their villages. The showroom is more than just a retail space—it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the women behind every thread.

“We used to only dream about what life could be,” Jayshree Deka Barman says softly, her eyes lighting up with hope. “Now, we are living that dream.”

But the impact of this project goes beyond individual artisans. The HRDP project spans 13 villages in Darang and Kamrup, aiming to benefit over 14,000 people across 2,900 households. It’s not just weaving—it’s sustainable agriculture, biofertilizers, irrigation solutions, and community infrastructure. It’s a holistic approach to development that focuses on long-term growth, ensuring these women—and their families—have a stable, secure future.

In the villages where Mahura Weaves was born, the looms now hum with purpose. Women who once wove only for their families now weave for the world, crafting not just sarees and scarves but a new story for themselves and their communities.

Through the support of HDFC Bank Parivartan, the women of Assam are not only preserving their handloom heritage but weaving something even more powerful: hope, dignity, and independence. As Mahura Weaves continues to grow, it carries with it the dreams of countless women who are proving that the distance between rural Assam and the rest of the world can be bridged—one saree’s length at a time.

"Weaving has always been in my hands, but I never thought it would lead me to a better life. Now, I have a business, I have confidence, and I have a future," Jayshree signs off.

‘Smart’ Classes Make Bright Students and Proud Teachers

Kalash and Komal are the children of tribal daily wages labourers from Ranchi in Jharkhand working at the brick kiln in Jamapur village of Varanasi district. These labourers are considered very hard working and experts at brick making and moulding.

They are seasonal workers—they go back to Ranchi at the onset of Monsoons when brick-making takes a break due to the spoilsport of the downpour.

But one such migration season, Kalash and Komal refused to leave Jamapur with their parents. They wanted to stay back and keep going to the local government school—a SMART school. The Smart Class is a digitally equipped classroom with a range of teaching and learning tools incorporating audio and visual learning material through which the teacher can make the classroom teaching fun and engaging.

“Initially they did not attend the school. Their parents insisted that since they were in Jamapur only seasonally, there was no point sending them to school. We requested them to let the kids come to the school for whatever period possible; after all, they would only learn something. Today, the brother and sister stay at the same brick field even without their parents; they just wouldn’t skip school.

Kalash came in as a very shy and diffident student. Now, in class Vth, he is the brightest of the lot!” says their proud guru assistant teacher Sanjay Gupta.
Gupta, himself a local, has seen the way the school turned a corner from being a run-down run of the mill government primary school to a SMART school. “Thanks to HDFC ‘Parivartan’ and Ambuja Foundation for turning our school into a SMART school equipped with all the modern learning tools and facilities. You will not believe, there are several students 8-10, especially girls, who have shifted back from private schools to study here, saying the facilities here are better,” says an ecstatic Gupta.
The primary school is covered under Parivartan’s Smart School Development Project in collaboration with Ambuja Cement Foundation. The schools feature digital class rooms, science lab, modern libraries, sports kit, water coolers, etc. to support the holistic development of students.

Another village kid Sudarshan just wouldn’t stay back in the school. Sudarshan had enrolled in Class I, but never attended school. He would feign stomach ache or something to evade classes. He came back and is now in Class IV.

“He told us that he likes it now in the school. Earlier, we did not have anything to attract young minds. Now, we have a play area, swings and slides, we have a library, we also let these kids watch cartoon films on TV. These things have worked wonders,” says Gupta.

The school administration cites several progressive changes in the attitude of children and their parents since they turned SMART. Children from the extremely poor Musahar community too have started attending school regularly.

The school sports a bright paint job with cartoons characters. Earlier, students sat on the floor, but now they have proper chairs and tables, giving them the pride of studying in a school that is inviting and not repelling.

“We have a total strength of 148 students. A very heartening trend is that girls outnumber boys since we became a SMART school. There are 77 girls and 71 boys. The biggest difference since we became SMART is that while earlier books were the inky medium of learning, the kids now learn practically, using tools and learning kits. The smartboard is a big draw for students. What proves that it has worked is that the learning outcomes have significantly improved since SMART tools were introduced in the school,” asserts Gupta.

The school has a power inverter to keep fans running and classes going even during electricity outages. There are separate toilets for girls and boys and another big draw to the school is the water cooler! “Kids take chilled drinking water home too,” Gupta chuckles.

“The secret of our SMART class is the compelling attraction of students to do, rather than just look at books,” Gupta says. “If this model could be followed all over the country, for every government-run school, there is nothing to stop India from becoming number 1 in the world”.

HDFC Bank believe that progress starts with ‘Parivartan’ (change) that empowers communities through sustainable interventions for their holistic development. Its social initiatives, housed under the umbrella of 'Parivartan', HDFC Bank is committed to transforming the lives of millions of Indians. In the past 10 years, the bank’s social initiatives have trained over 20 lakh teachers, in its bid to support 2.86 lakh schools. As an indicator of the magnitude of the initiative, Parivatan’s educational initiatives have touched the lives of over 2 crore students in rural India.

Fired in the kiln of life, Varsha has laid the bricks of success for a tall career

Varsha Kumari from Jharkhand has laid a firm foundation for her life with the very bricks others threw at her.

Her father abandoned the family when she was just two-and-a-half years old. Adversity stole her childhood. When others kids in her village—Jaldega in Simdega district of Jharkhand—were running around in groves, riding atop their father’s shoulders, Varsha, her mother and younger brother were simmering and scorching in the seething heat of a brick field.

They moulded bricks, one for a rupee!  

Cut to 2024. 

Varsha, 24, is a nurse at the prestigious Hans Foundation in Ranchi, serving the poor, the old and the ailing in the back of beyond of Jharkhand. She takes home Rs25,000 every month. 

“Bricks have had a big role to play in my life. They made me brick-strong. I persevered looking at other girls. Never let go off dreams; not when I did not have enough to pay the bus fare to commute 45-km to college in Simdega, not when I did not have enough to pay the fees in time. And I caught my break when I heard about Nursing Kaushal College, supported by HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’. I was determined like a brick to break through to my parivartan,” reminisces Varsha. 

HDFC Bank Parivartan has supported three Nursing Kaushal Colleges in partnership with PanIIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation in Jharkhand. Nursing Kaushal College, an autonomous ITI/ANM Nursing Model, was specifically designed to serve marginalized youth, including those from SC, ST, OBC, and remote districts across Jharkhand. 

“I cleared an exam, sat counselling and then was admitted. The moot question still was how would I pay the fees. Thanks to HDFC Bank Parivartan, I could get a loan, which I could pay back when I got a job. And there is 100% placement in this college. But, the icing on the cake was the Rs, 75,000 scholarship that HDFC Bank awarded me when I topped the state in 3rd year exam,” says an elated Varsha. 

With this feat, Varsha made it to the headlines of newspapers. “People saw me in local newspapers when I topped the state. There was a time when my peers and friends used to tell me that I wouldn’t be able to study after Class XII because I was so poor. Now, they respect me. They look up to me and my mother and grandmother. I have levelled the disadvantages in life, thanks to ‘Parivartan’.”

An aspiring civil servant, Varsha recalls her nursing course days with aplomb. First time out of her village, she was given the right attitude and approach in life, not just education. 

“I realised the college put a premium on discipline. We were not just given education, but the teachers crafted our character. We were taught soft skills, such as public speaking; we had to exercise, do yoga and gardening. I used to be a very shy girl, never to be seen in public. Now I am an outgoing person who loves to interact with people and patients.”

“Nursing is very satisfying,” says Varsha, adding, “It has given me the chance to give to society what HDFC Bank Parivartan and Nursing Kaushal College gave me.”

Varsha got married in 2023. She straddles between the happiness and responsibilities of two homes. “I helped my family make a pukka house. Also, got a borewell for clean water.”

This programme, focused on skill development and enhancing employability, has enrolled 1,552 women, guiding them towards self-reliance and empowerment. Impressively, 99.9% of the participants not only passed their state exams but excelled, earning distinctions and securing top state ranks over the years—a testament to their commitment and the program’s success. Of those who passed their second-year state exams, 94% received job offers, with a median monthly salary of Rs 19,285.

HDFC Bank Parivartan is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s healthcare workforce. Despite a 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), the country’s healthcare sector faces a significant shortage of trained professionals, particularly nurses. According to the Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy (CDDEP), India is short of 2 million nurses, ranking 75th out of 133 countries in nurse density. Jharkhand, in particular, lags behind other states in the availability of nurses.

Farming a Brighter Future for Kashmir

In the heart of Kashmir's stunning valleys, where generations of farmers have long contended with the challenges of traditional farming, a quiet revolution is underway. HDFC Bank’s Parivartan initiative, part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is not only improving livelihoods but also reshaping the futures of saffron and walnut farmers, offering them renewed hope and dignity.

For decades, farmers like Tahira Bano in the village of Guffara toiled away, peeling walnuts by hand, leaving their skin raw and blackened. “Our hands would be bruised and burnt by the end of the day,” Tahira recalls, the memory of hard labour fresh in her mind. “We could only harvest about one quintal of walnuts a day, and the returns were barely enough to survive.”

That changed when HDFC Bank’s Parivartan project stepped in. Through the initiative, walnut farmers were introduced to modern machinery—automated walnut processing units for dehulling, cracking, and sorting. “Now, everything is automated. The labour is so much easier, and the time I used to spend peeling walnuts is now spent expanding my business,” Tahira says, her excitement palpable.
 

Scaling Walnut Farming in Kashmir

Kashmir accounts for 90% of India’s walnut production. Known for their superior quality and taste, Kashmiri walnuts are a valuable source of nutrients and are in high demand globally. The region has immense potential to carve out a significant place for itself in both local and international markets.

Currently, 89,339 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir are dedicated to walnut cultivation, with annual production around 35,000-40,000 tons. However, India imported 22,000 tonnes of walnuts last year, underscoring the need for increased domestic output.

HDFC Bank’s Parivartan initiative has responded to this opportunity by supporting walnut farmers in Kashmir. Beyond automation, the project introduced vacuum packaging machines, dramatically extending the shelf life of walnuts.

“Before, we sold loose walnuts, and they wouldn’t last. Now, with vacuum packaging, we can store them for up to three years,” Tahira explains. With this advancement, farmers no longer rush their sales or rely on middlemen. “We were always at the mercy of middlemen,” Tahira notes. “Now, I sell directly to the market, and the price has increased by ₹150 per kilogram.”

The benefits of Parivartan for Tahira extend beyond financial gains. With the time and resources freed by the new walnut unit, she can focus on other aspects of farming and her family. “Thanks to this project, I can now send my younger brother to school. He’s preparing for NEET,” she shares with pride. "This initiative has given me the confidence to dream bigger."
 

Empowering Indigenous Farmers

By supporting saffron and walnut farmers, HDFC Bank Parivartan is empowering indigenous communities and preserving local crop varieties. The project is also helping to reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

In the saffron fields of Pulwama, the transformation has been equally profound. Farmers who once relied on outdated methods now receive scientific training, nearly doubling their yields. “Before, we were lucky if we got 200-300 grams of saffron per kernel,” one farmer explains. “Now, with better farming practices, we’re getting 400-500 grams. It’s incredible.”

The introduction of vermicompost, replacing traditional cow dung, has helped saffron farming become an organic, sustainable practice. Moreover, with marketing assistance from Parivartan, saffron farmers now access global markets, something they had never imagined. “We never had access to international buyers before. Now, our saffron is sold worldwide,” a farmer beams.

Walnut farmers, too, have witnessed an extraordinary transformation. With modern technology, their annual production has soared to two tonnes—an unimaginable achievement just a few years ago. Without middlemen, farmers retain more of their hard-earned income.

Like many others, Tahira dreams of growing her business further. “I want to double my income and expand my market reach,” she says, her determination unmistakable. “This project hasn’t just improved our livelihoods—it has transformed our lives.”
 

Empowering Communities, One Seed at a Time

The ripple effects of the Parivartan project are profound. By cutting out middlemen, reducing labour costs, and improving the quality and quantity of produce, farmers are not only earning more but also gaining valuable time—time they can now spend with their families, furthering their education, or reinvesting in their businesses.

For Tahira and thousands of other farmers, HDFC Bank Parivartan represents more than just new tools and techniques; it represents a lifeline, a chance to escape poverty, and a future filled with possibilities. “This project has given me something I never had before—hope,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.
 

A Lasting Legacy

As HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to empower farmers across Kashmir, the seeds of this revolution are spreading. From walnut farms to saffron fields, the region is experiencing a transformation that not only boosts economic output but also enriches lives, restores dignity, and builds brighter futures.

In a land where farming has long been the backbone of the community, the Parivartan project is helping farmers reclaim their power—one kernel, one crop, and one dream at a time.
 

Bridging Mobility Gaps with Wheelchair-to-Two-Wheeler Transition

Imagine waking up each day with dreams as big as the sky but being held back by something as simple as the ability to move freely. For thousands of children with locomotor disabilities, this isn’t just a passing thought—it’s their reality. In India, where approximately 1.25 to 1.5 million children aged 0-19 live with locomotor disabilities, mobility is more than a physical challenge; it’s a constant reminder of what they cannot do, often overshadowing their aspirations and their potential.

But now a transformative shift is underway in the lives of students at schools in Punjab. In collaboration with NeoMotion, a groundbreaking mobility solutions company incubated at IIT Madras, HDFC Bank is bringing new hope to students with disabilities through their CSR initiative. The partnership focuses on empowering students with innovative mobility devices that not only enhance their movement but also their confidence and independence.
 

Unlocking Dreams with Every Step

For many of us, mobility is something we take for granted. But for students with locomotor disabilities, it’s a daily struggle. Even attending school—an activity most children do without a second thought—can feel like an impossible journey. For years, traditional wheelchairs have been their only option, but these devices often come with limitations, leaving them reliant on caregivers for even the simplest of tasks.

HDFC Bank’s partnership with NeoMotion is changing that narrative. Together, they are providing students with NeoFly, a battery-operated customized wheelchair that perfectly adapts to each student’s body, and NeoBolt, an attachment that transforms the wheelchair into a motorized vehicle. Through this initiative, students from the 10th and 12th standards, as well as college students in Punjab, are receiving the tools they need to break free from the physical barriers that have long held them back.

“I never thought I’d be able to go to school without help,” shares Gurjant chouhan, a 17-year-old student from Punjab. “But with NeoBolt, I can. It’s not just about getting there—it’s about feeling like I’m capable, like I belong.”

For these students, NeoMotion’s innovations are more than just practical solutions; they are symbols of hope and newfound independence. The ability to move freely, to attend school without relying on others, is restoring a sense of normalcy and dignity that these students deserve.
 

Empowering Students with Much More Than Mobility

What makes this initiative truly special is not just the technology—it’s the emotional transformation that comes with it. For many students, using NeoFly and NeoBolt is the first time they’ve felt in control of their own lives. It’s the first time they’ve felt seen.

One student, smiling through tears, shared, “For the first time, I went to school by myself. I didn’t need anyone to push me or carry me. I felt free.”

It’s these small but life-changing moments that make HDFC Bank’s partnership with NeoMotion so impactful. The freedom to move independently is giving these students the confidence to dream bigger, to believe that they are not defined by their disabilities but by their abilities.
 

A Movement for Change, One Student at a Time

HDFC Bank’s commitment to empowering disabled students goes beyond providing mobility devices—it’s about ensuring that these young individuals have the chance to participate fully in life. "When we began this partnership, we knew it wasn’t just about giving students a wheelchair or a motorized device," says Kaizad Bharucha, Executive Director of HDFC Bank. 
"It was about giving them the opportunity to live their lives with dignity, to pursue their education, and to build a future they can be proud of."

Through this initiative, students who once felt sidelined are now at the centre of their own stories. With NeoMotion’s mobility solutions, they are attending school, participating in extracurricular activities, and engaging with their communities in ways that were previously out of reach.

"Before NeoFly, I felt like my wheelchair defined me," shares another student from the programme. "Now, I feel like I define who I am. I’m just a regular student, and that feels incredible."
 

Vision for the Future 

The impact of HDFC Bank’s partnership with NeoMotion is already being felt across Punjab, but this is just the beginning. Together, they have a vision to expand the reach of this program, touching more lives and breaking down barriers for students with disabilities across India. "Our goal is simple," says Bharucha. "We want to ensure that every student, regardless of their physical challenges, has the opportunity to pursue their dreams."

For the students of Punjab, this partnership is more than just a CSR initiative—it’s a lifeline. It’s a chance to move forward, both physically and emotionally, toward a future where their potential is limitless. With every push of the wheel, every step made possible by NeoBolt, they are rewriting their stories—stories of resilience, hope, and boundless possibilities.

In a world that often overlooks those who need it most, HDFC Bank and NeoMotion are shining a light on what’s possible when we come together to lift each other up. Through their partnership, they are proving that with the right support, even the biggest barriers can be broken down—one ride at a time.
 

Harvest of Hope: How Lal Bahadur Reaped a New Future for Himself

“For years, I have relied on farming to provide for my family—feeding them, educating my children, and ensuring their survival. But life as a farmer was not always easy. I used to struggle with poor crop yields, low income, and the constant stress of not knowing how to make ends meet,” Lal Bahadur, a 60-year-old farmer from Jamapur, a small village near the city of Varanasi, remembers wistfully.

“The fields I toiled in felt more like a battlefront than a source of livelihood, especially with the deteriorating soil quality thanks to years of chemical fertilizer use. It felt like I was stuck in a loop with no way out,” he adds.

Change kicked-in in 2022, when HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’, in partnership with the Ambuja Foundation, brought a revolutionary farming model to Lal Bahadur’s fields.

In 2022, Bahadur’s village became part of HDFC Bank’s Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP), a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving agricultural practices, boosting income, and empowering rural communities. Along with other farmers, Bahadur was introduced to trellis farming, organic techniques, and the use of modern farm machinery.

These innovations not only doubled his yield but also tripled his income, transforming the way he farmed.

“We were given the best quality equipment, farm machinery, and most importantly, they taught us chemical-free farming,” he says. “My income has tripled, and the yield is two to three times more than what we used to get before,” he says with a glint in his eyes.

The introduction of trellis farming—a method that supports crops on vertical structures—enabled him to maximize his land’s potential.

The change didn’t stop with just improved farming practices. In August 2022, Lal Bahadur and other farmers in the village came together to form a Kisan Club. “Our village didn’t know about the HDFC Bank Parivartan initiative at first. It was only when two people came to our house and introduced us to it that we got on board.”

The club, established as part of the HRDP initiative, provides a platform for farmers to pool resources, share knowledge, and create a support system for one another.

“We meet every month—on the 20th—to pool in money,” Bahadur explains. “Each of us deposits ₹100 into a shared account we opened with HDFC Bank. It’s a way for us to stay financially secure and help each other when needed. If someone needs to buy equipment or raw materials, they can take a loan from the club at a low-interest rate.”

Through the Kisan Club, farmers are not only able to access funds to improve their farming practices but also lend money to other farmers in the village at low interest. The club rents out farm equipment at affordable rates, further reducing financial pressures on its members and creating a ripple effect of empowerment in the community.

The financial stability brought by the initiative has allowed Lal Bahadur to focus on his family’s future.

“I was able to marry off my two sons, and my youngest is now enrolled in a vocational training course, thanks to the bank’s programme. My daughter, who completed her B.Sc., is also studying for her M.Sc. and attending an entrepreneurship workshop organised by Ambuja Foundation,” says Bahadur.

“She’s being trained in nursing, and I no longer worry about her future. She’ll be independent and can take care of herself.”

For many farmers like Lal Bahadur, the transformation has been more than just financial—it’s been emotional. “I no longer work all day in the field; I can work according to my convenience, and I still earn a good income. Everyone in my family is happy now.” he says gladly.

The introduction of sustainable farming methods, organic practices, and modern equipment has sparked a "third agrarian revolution" through the success of the Kisan Club and the Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP) under HDFC Bank Parivartan. By addressing agrarian distress and promoting environmental conservation, HRDP has implemented long-term solutions like check dams, pond deepening, and bunding, leading to improved agricultural yields and revitalized soil quality. This cooperative movement is empowering farmers, increasing income and productivity, and creating lasting change. So far, over 3,800 acres of land have been treated, benefiting more than 750 villages across India.

Reshma Raju Is Deaf, But She Has A Great Ear For Success

“No…” Reshma Raju has no hard feelings for all those big corporates that did not hire her because she is deaf, she says with a disarming smile. 
As if Ludwig van Beethoven, the great composer who created his best symphony—the 9th—when he couldn’t dear at all, Reshma is composing the symphony of her success. 

She earned a degree in Bachelor of Computer Applications from Chennai, yet her road to a worthy job traversed through undulating potholes of discrimination. Worst part—she was never told that she was deaf, yet not given a job for being deaf. 

A regime of silent bias was at play, but she is not one to run for cover.

“I cracked a whole lot of interviews at very prestigious companies, both India-based as well as MNCs, yet their HRs would just go silent after the interviews. In one such instance, I kept waiting for three months after actually having aced the interview at an MNC software major, but I was told they wanted people without disability,” says Reshma. 

At a job fair, however, she stumbled across a skilling initiative run by Dr Reddy’s Foundation in collaboration with HDFC Bank’s CSR outreach programme ‘Parivartan’. Operating in Chennai and Kochi, this initiative provides skill training for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). They have a 70 per cent placement strike rate in sectors such as IT, retail, banking, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, and hospitality.

“I joined this 3-month programme and got a job immediately after that. I am now working with PVR and take home Rs 19,000 a month,” an exuberant Reshma proudly flaunts the hand sign for the zeroes. 

This upskilling programme offers training in soft skills such as computer proficiency, English, personality development and interview skills. “I am indebted to HDFC Bank Parivartan and Dr Reddy’s Foundation for making it possible. Now, I earn and support my family too. I am saving up for my marriage,” says an elated Reshma.
“My trainers were so good. I gained so many friends here during the training. I am not alone anymore.”

But the aura of confidence that surrounds her says Reshma is not ready to settle yet. She doesn’t need easy; she just needs possible. 

It is often said that aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway. She is now preparing for public service examinations. 

In India, nearly 74% of Persons with Disability (15-59years) either do not have jobs or are marginal workers. Persons with Disability face numerous challenges that withhold them from having a barrier-free life. Low accessibility to special education, difficulties in migrating to urban areas, inaccessible buildings and transportation facilities, skill gap and negative stereotypes make them vulnerable. 

Reshma suffered all this and came out victorious on the other side. “My father is a small farmer. He grows coconuts, black pepper and a little of vegetables. But that has not been enough. I am second of three siblings. With this disability it was expensive to educate me. I needed special school. My father tried to foot the bill for speech therapy in Mysore, but then my uncle stepped in to finance my education at a special school in Kozhikode. After class 5, I moved to another special school and hostel in Kochi, did my XII from here.”

Her conquest of her disability is doubly special: her grandmother too was deaf. Due to lack of education, communication with kids was difficult. “I am educated. I can write and convey what I want to say. I easily communicate with my family and friends.”

HDFC Bank's ‘Parivartan’ Skill Development Programmes have successfully trained more than 3,25,000 youths across India. Skill development and livelihood enhancement are key focuses of the bank's Parivartan initiative, which acts as the umbrella brand for all its CSR activities. The bank is currently engaged in over 100 skill development projects across various states, covering sectors such as IT/ITeS, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
 

Stitching a future on the high street of life

“I want to be Manish Malhotra,” says a starry-eyed Ibra from Delhi NCR.

At 32, this transgender has, perhaps, seen the worst of the world. Blessing others at weddings, birth ceremonies and begging at traffic stops with bling dresses and raunchy dances, Ibra like other marginalised and economically weak transgenders was excluded from society.

Yet, she is not ready to go down without a fight. Undeterred by the weight of a tragic life, undefeated by social boycott and undaunted by ever-present humiliation, Ibra has finally emerged victorious.

Turning a corner in life, Ibra decided to enlist with HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’ skill development programme.

The bank’s CSR social outreach partners with the Centum Foundation for transforming the lives of transgender candidates from economically weaker sections of society who aspire to live with respect and earn a livelihood with dignity. Under the programme, transgender candidates are trained in NSDC-certified Self-Employed Tailor (SET) programme to become self-employed tailors.

Ibra now runs a promising tailoring business. “Don’t I look just 25! There was never a night that could extinguish the sunlight of my hope because I decided to let my aspirations, and not hurts, define me,” she chuckles.

Nothing fancy, but she is independently earning a dignified livelihood, shaping her future as she wants. She is in control of her life, instead of in a free-fall.

“Of course, I want to be a famous designer someday. I want to be Manish Malhotra. If not that, at least, I want to join the team of some big apparel designer or a top-notch clothing line. I have power over what I become as a person,” says Ibra.

This enterprising craftswoman takes inspiration from e-commerce and high-fashion websites.

“I design and stitch even for my mother.”

Her father died when she was just 2, leaving behind her mother and four kids. She is the youngest.

“I see how my mother has managed home and defended me all these years. She would be taunted and trolled by neighbours, relatives for having a kid like me. She would defend me in front of them, but back home, she would also get angry at the situation. My brother too was difficult for a long time. ‘Why are you like this?’ he would fight with me, at times, violently. But my mother was always there for me,” Ibra reflects on her past.

Ibra found the worst of peer treatment at school. “I would be called shameful and hurting names by my classmates. It was a government school, and no support was forthcoming from even teachers. They too were ill-educated and unaware of who I was and why. There came a point of bullying when attending school was no more an option. I dropped out after the 8th standard.”

Meanwhile, her mother tried to run the house, first by selling grocery, and then vending vegetables. “I also joined mom in selling vegetables. It was not enough so I started working as a housemaid. It was very tiring. I would collapse in bed working 10-15 houses a day.”

Earning over Rs15,000 a month, she is now out of the drudgery of her past life.

“I joined this skilling programme from HDFC Bank Parivartan and Centum Foundation and that was the turning point of my life. The way my teachers taught tailoring and design, I was just amazed and excited. Their investment in me ignited my hope. This programme did not just teach me a skill but changed my thinking. I was also given a sewing machine with which I started my career.”

Encouraged by her new skill, Ibra no more lives day-to-day. She has plans.

“All my siblings are married. I also want to get married,” says Ibra. “Now, my mother is proud of me, just as any mother would be when her child starts earning an independent living. She is no more tired of bothering about my future.”

HDFC Bank ‘Parivartan’ skilling initiatives encompass capacity building, promotion of financial literacy, credit and entrepreneurial endeavours, along with enhancing skills for agricultural and related practices. As part of these initiatives over three lakh individuals from marginalized and weaker sections of the Indian society have been successfully trained so far.

HELPING FARMERS IMPROVE FARM PRODUCTIVITY

Location: 10 villages in Thasra and Galteshwar blocks, Kheda district, Gujarat

Beneficiaries: 12,360 individuals and 2,455 households

Around 35,000 hectares of common and farm lands on both the banks of River Mahi were affected by ravine expansion. The loss of farmlands and common lands due to these ravines posed a serious threat to the livelihoods of the poor farmers in these areas. The crops are also destroyed by grazing blue bulls and wild boar. Additionally, the lack of knowledge regarding new farming practices and inadequate availability of farming inputs had led to a 15-20 per cent reduction in the productivity.

HDFC Bank Parivartan in association with Foundation for Ecological Security introduced the Holistic Rural Development Programme with support from the local governing bodies. After discussions in gram sabhas, 23 acres of land were brought under new agriculturally cultivable land and 67 acres of land brought under three-season cultivable land. Crop diversification was implemented to shift from tobacco cultivation to other crops like paddy, bajari, fodder, caster, etc. covering 257.76 acres. A total of 185.36 acres of land was used for deep ploughing for paddy season, which was not in practice earlier. A total of 10 medium-sized check dams / Gabion structures were constructed to stabilise land erosion. Wire fencing was done on a cost-sharing basis, which protected 312 acres against wildlife. Critical support to 648 farmers was provided during kharif and rabi season.

With these initiatives and financial contributions by the Bank and government bodies, farm productivity has improved, leading to an increase in the income of the farmers from approximately Rs 50,000 to Rs 90,000 each year.

The HRDP is now being implemented in 10 more villages of Kheda district, with applications from around 35 other gram panchayats being received so far.

BREATHING LIFE INTO THE SHGs

Location: Nirgudi, Bidar district, Northern Karnataka

Beneficiaries: 5 villages

Nirgudi gram panchayat in Basavakalyan taluka falls in the Bidar district of Northern Karnataka. It is one of the most backward districts in terms of economic as well as human development index. The SHGs in the villages of Niragudi gram panchayat were in extremely poor condition. They lacked operational knowledge and linkages with banks. As a result, the members failed to execute any development programmes successfully. An intervention to improve the functioning of these SHGs was strictly needed so that they could deliver the goals for which they were created.

Under the HRDP project, Parivartan formed 6 SHG federations in 5 villages. The concept of community Managed Resource Center (CMRC) was introduced to all the federations. It is a formal institution managed by the SAGs/CBOs which provides quality services to its member institutions, individuals and the general community. It lobbies for change and has the potential to provide a platform for aggregation of surplus commodities. Orientation was provided regarding its importance, role and functions. A Navadeepa CMRC was formed. It was setup to provide a wide range of need and demand-based services to members as well as non-members.

During the first year of its establishment, a total of 94 SHGs and 1245 members came under the Navadeepa CMRC. Several diverse welfare activities and development programmes were carried out such as tailor training, linking to financial institutions for loans, conducting health camps and awareness programmes etc. Discussions and meetings are held for regular monitoring of these programmes and the functioning of the SHGs.

REINVIGORATING THE FARMLANDS THROUGH FARM BUNDING

Location: Nirgudi, Bidar district, Northern Karnataka

Beneficiaries: Shivaputra Mulage

Farming is the main source of livelihood in Nirgudi region of Bidar district. Since the soils here have shallow rooting depth, soil erosion is a serious problem. The productive layer of the soil had been deteriorating resulting in decreased produce. Shivaputra and his family completely depend on agriculture and have 6 acres of rain-fed land which relies entirely on rain and bore water for farming. Due to scanty rainfall, the bore well dried completely. This caused him to lose hope and he planned to migrate to Hyderabad city to search for a labour job.

Shivaputra came to learn about the water campaigning drives which were conducted by HRDP and MYRADA. He met the volunteers and explained his problems. His farm land was added in the net plan for farm bunding (trench cum bund across the slope). A cross section of his land was selected for bunding and support was provided for creating a Vermicomposting pit. The volunteers of HRDP also conducted farmer training programmes to ensure successful execution of the initiative.

The intervention improved the ground water table which also helped Shivaputra recharge his dried bore well. Soil erosion was completely eradicated and soil fertility increased. Three acres of Shivaputra’s rain-fed land was converted into irrigated land. He increased his yield by 4-5 quintals per acres thanks to the use of vermicompost. The adoption of these methods and organic farming, cultivating horticulture plants, etc. helped him increase his income from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 4 lakhs.

PROVIDING RAIN SHELTERS TO FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES FOR PROTECTED FARMING OF VEGETABLES

Location: Kerala

Beneficiaries: 8 families

Climate change and its manifestations are affecting the household level food and nutritional security of the villages of Wayanad. Unseasonal rains, flood like conditions, improper irrigation facilities affect the crop yield every year. This leads to financial loss and affects the livelihood of the community.

The objective of this project activity was to ensure household production of vegetables in all seasons by providing small rain shelters within an area of two cents (871.2 square feet). The rain shelters are supposed to protect the crops from heavy rain and also ensure minimum usage of water and manures. The project under ‘Parivartan’ has selected eight beneficiaries from the agrarian tribal communities who were completely dependent on their farm products for food and livelihood.

The households selected were individual farmers from Kurichya and Kuruma tribal communities. This project has introduced protected farming ensuring the production of vegetables for consumption in all seasons. The rain shelters have helped the beneficiaries to cultivate cucumber, chilli, tomato, beans, long pea, cabbage, amaranthus etc. in small qualities. Farmers have also come up with their own innovative ways to use the rain shelters as nurseries for paddy, vegetables, areca nuts and tubers and have started propagating pepper wines and banana seedlings. One of the beneficiaries, Mr Chandran from Panamaram village has earned Rs 7,000 per season by producing and selling seedlings.

SOLAR LIGHTS DEPLOYED FOR THE LOWER-INCOME GROUPS

Location: Rajdongri village, Chindwara district, Madhya Pradesh

Beneficiaries: 375 families

Electricity is an important and basic need however many poor families and rural communities lack the same. During our baseline survey, it was found that most of the poor families in Rajdongri of Chindwara district, are deprived of electricity even though the village is equipped with an electricity connection. The women of Rajdongri trekked a long walk for the collection of fuelwood. It was later revealed that most of the connections were illegal and had to be disconnected by the State Electricity Board. As a result, poor families had to suffer and due to their financial worries, they were not able to gain access to a good alternative source of light.

To help the villagers, our Bank along with the Village Development Committee (VDC) and WOTR (Watershed Organisation Trust), provided them with an alternative source of light. After an analysis, beneficiaries were identified and were provided with solar lights. The beneficiaries expressed their happiness for being able to have a source of light without paying heavy electricity bills. They were happy that their children could now study after sunset.

With a solar light, everything changes. These lights are safe, clean and affordable. They give off hours of light in the evening so families can earn, learn, and feel safe after dark. By providing this basic need to people, our Bank is trying to transform the fortunes of rural communities and poor families.

FORMING SELF-HELP GROUPS TO ENHANCE INCOME OPPORTUNITIES

Location: Devnala Rayat village, Chindwara district, Madhya Pradesh

Beneficiaries: 11 women

The scarcity of rainfall has a huge impact on the livelihood of rural communities as people are dependent on the natural resources present in their surroundings to earn a living. A baseline survey conducted by WOTR (Watershed Orgainsation Trust) in Devnala village emphasised the acute scarcity of water faced by the villagers. They had to face a drought-like situation due to the low rainfall since last 10 years. This groundwater shortage forced the people of Devnala Rayat to migrate to the cities in the search of a livelihood.

With an objective of improving the livelihoods of poor farmers and vulnerable groups, Natural Resource Management programme was undertaken by our Bank in association with WOTR in Devnala Rayat village of Chindwara district. During the baseline survey, the population of Devnal Rayat village was divided into 4 categories: Surplus, Medium, Poor and Very Poor.

As per the project norms, first preference was given to the poor/ vulnerable groups. Several activities were initiated to reduce the water shortage worries while providing the locals with income-generating options. Dug-wells were created for irrigation purposes. Farmers especially women of the village started organic farming in their wasteland to generate income. Smira, a member of the SHG, earned around `55,000 to 60,000 from selling the organic vegetables cultivated by her and her family.

SHGs have been consistently involved in creating more income-generating opportunities for the villagers. They were able to enhance the livelihood of villagers through dug-wells, organic farming, making vermicomposting, etc.

With a solar light, everything changes. These lights are safe, clean and affordable. They give off hours of light in the evening so families can earn, learn, and feel safe after dark. By providing this basic need to people, our Bank is trying to transform the fortunes of rural communities and poor families.

IMPROVING LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ORGANIC FARMING

Location: Nagpur and Bhandara

Beneficiaries: 5,000+ families

The injudicious use of chemical fertiliser presents multifaceted problems such as loss of soil fertility, a cost burden on the household, and more importantly serious health issues. The alternative to this is organic farming which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilisers, pesticides, hormones, feed, etc.).

However, in the villages of Nagpur and Bhandara, this farming method was neglected. While some farmers practiced organic farming having little to no functional knowledge, others were suspicious about the quality of produce and production assurance. It was also noticed that the women of these villages had no economic opportunities and were dependent on the male bread-winner of the family. The challenge was to provide resources and knowledge on organic farming and subsequently improve livelihood opportunities, specifically for the women of the villages.

The primary goal for this project was to improve livelihood opportunities by harnessing the natural resources of the area with suitable developmental activities, encouraging women empowerment and improving the community’s quality of life. Parivartan along with its NGO partner BAIF initiated three projects in 21 villages of Nagpur and Bhandara: Lok Samruddhi, CDP-Pawanara, and KVP-Tumsar.

Through these projects, organic farming was promoted to ensure sustainable farming. BAIF amplified the use of organic fertilisers made from locally available materials. Vermicompost units were promoted to tap the available resources at the local level.

The units were set up using two approaches: individual household units and group-based vermicompost units. Four women-run Self-Help Groups were involved in ensuring the proper functioning of the latter.

With interventions that covered agriculture, livestock, natural resource management, and women empowerment, the project has benefited more than 5,000 families.

DROUGHT MITIGATION AND DISTRESS REDUCTION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Location: Maharashtra

Beneficiaries: 10,434 farmers in Project villages and 2,562 farmers in Non-Project villages

Yavatmal district in Maharashtra faces an acute scarcity of water for more than 7 months in a year. The farmers are completely dependent on rainwater for irrigation and such dominant rain-fed agriculture results in low agricultural productivity. Also, the work opportunities in the district are few resulting in unemployment and poverty. There were several farmer suicide incidences observed due to the stress faced by the farming community.

Parivartan’s Holistic Rural Development Programme was implemented in 11 villages in Ralegaon and Klamb block of the Yavatmal District to minimise the issues of scarcity of water, health, hygiene, sanitation, low agricultural productivity, unemployment, distressed migration, food, and fodder security. The project led to several developments in these villages.

Water harvesting structures were constructed that can store about 130.46 million litres of water in addition to the recharged groundwater. Around 103 farmers are getting water from the check dam structures for the irrigation of crops. Groundwater levels have improved in all the villages and the community has started using drip and sprinkler irrigation methods.

Crop production has increased by 25-40% per acre of the land where protective irrigation has been used. There is an increase in the local employment which has resulted in a reduction in the migration from the village. A scientific and well planned developmental approach has helped the community to come out of their problems on a sustainable basis.

BUILDING SKILL IN NATURAL FARMING

Location: Hathiyathal village in Roorkee Block, Haridwar district, Uttarakhand

Beneficiaries: 11 families

The farmers from Hathiyathal village in Roorkee Block of Haridwar district cultivate sugar cane, wheat and paddy. These farmers have been practicing modern farming methods that are heavily dependent on agri inputs like inorganic fertilisers or pesticides. As a group, they were wary of natural farming, harbouring misconceptions like yields would reduce and profits would be hampered. The challenge was to educate them and train them in natural farming, ushering in a more sustainable model. Changing their perception was the biggest roadblock.

Our Bank began by helping the farmers understand the environmental crisis and how the breakdown of ecosystems is deeply linked to modern agriculture. They were shown how current farming methods are exhausting the earth’s resources. With natural farming, farmers understood how farm residues could be used to reduce their dependence on pesticides and fertilisers. Methods such as mulching, intercropping, and the use of preparations including cow dung were taught. These preparations generated on-site, are central to the practice, and promote microbe and earthworm activity in the soil.

Jawahar Lal’s family was the first to be trained. He was given supplies which included a decomposer and bio-pesticides to get started. From an expenditure of Rs 70,000 on fertiliser, he now spends about Rs 50,000 and looks forward to reducing it further over the next two years. With this success, 10 more families have adopted natural farming methods.

A Farmer Club has also been set up which will play an important role in the sustainability of this project going forward.