An institution on a mission to revitalise the region of Kathiwada. Helmed by the royal house of Kathiwada, we are laying the building blocks for sustainable rural development through pioneering initiatives in education, agriculture, sport, healthcare and cultural heritage.
Our team at Kathiwada Foundation
We are building self-reliant communities from the inside out.
Kathiwada, a sub-district in central India, covers 700 sq. km. and is home to 149 villages, nestled between the Vindhya hill ranges and dense forests. Despite its natural beauty, the region has faced longstanding challenges due to limited infrastructure and access to opportunities. The area is primarily inhabited by the Bhil, Bheelala and other tribes, who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. However, the lack of basic services—such as education, sanitation, and healthcare—has created significant barriers to progress.
Farming remains the cornerstone of the local economy, but without diversified economic opportunities, the community’s growth is constrained. The land itself, essential for survival, requires careful stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability. Kathiwada, part of Alirajpur district has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country. It lacks essential healthcare facilities, leaving its residents without the resources for a dignified life. Despite these challenges, the people of Kathiwada continue to demonstrate resilience and a strong desire to build a better future.
We founded the Kathiwada Foundation in 2014 with a simple mission: to support low-income households in our region through educational scholarships, medical grants, and sports programs for local youth. When the Covid-19 crisis hit, we were able to provide some relief to the community, responding swiftly to the urgent needs of those around us.
Our work has evolved through constant dialogue with the people of Kathiwada. We now act as a bridge between the community and the state, ensuring that local needs are heard and addressed. Our focus is on driving systemic change through evidence-based solutions in key areas, always working with design thinking and professional expertise to create lasting impact.
Rural Planning
Our rural planning approach is rooted in the idea that meaningful change begins by understanding the unique fabric of rural communities. We emphasize place-based solutions that balance sustainable growth with the preservation of cultural and ecological heritage. Through the Kathiwada 2034 initiative, we address both immediate and long-term needs: revitalizing agriculture with forward-thinking practices while opening pathways in areas like rural tourism, cultural preservation, and conservation.
What sets our strategy apart is our ability to unify critical resources—local knowledge, financial tools, and deep community ties—into a cohesive effort. Our strategy ensures not just the implementation of plans but the creation of a self-sustaining framework where rural communities take the lead in shaping their futures. Our goal is to demonstrate how rural planning can unlock untapped potential while respecting the land and its people.
Focus Areas
We have distilled our efforts into three key areas – human development, environment, and cultural heritage. Years of working closely with the communities of the region has confirmed our belief that sustainable rural development requires a holistic approach. Education, healthcare, and sports build the capacity and well-being of people; environmental initiatives like permaculture and sustainable farming ensure that the region’s natural resources remain a foundation for livelihoods. By preserving cultural heritage we celebrate the region’s identity while creating opportunities for economic growth. Together, these interconnected pillars form the building blocks of a resilient, thriving rural community.
Foundation Board
Rajmata Sangita Devi Kathiwada
TRUSTEE, PATRON
Sangita Devi Kathiwada helps set the overall direction for the foundation. As a patron of art and craft, she personally conceptualises and oversees efforts to preserve cultural heritage undertaken by the foundation.
Rana Digvijay Sinh Kathiwada
TRUSTEE, CHAIRPERSON
As chair of the foundation, Digvijay Sinh Kathiwada shapes the vision, strategises direction and advocates for the causes we champion. He oversees the environment and sport related projects initiated by the foundation.
Rani Swati Sinh Kathiwada
TRUSTEE, CEO
Swati Sinh Kathiwada co-chairs strategy and goal setting, oversees projects and works closely with partners implementing projects across the organization. She personally handles all the projects related to education and early child development.
Board of Advisors
Vishal Jajodia
ADVISOR, KATHIWADA FOUNDATION
CHAIRMAN, V-GROUP
Sandeep Rai
ADVISOR, KATHIWADA FOUNDATION
FOUNDER, THE CIRCLE INDIA
Jyotirmoy Chatterji
FORMER DIRECTOR, DASRA &
HEAD OF GIVING PI
