Rajmata Sangita Devi Kathiwada
TRUSTEE, PATRON
Rajmata Sangita Devi has always been driven by a clear mission: to bring visibility and recognition to India’s artisans and craftspeople. She serves as a patron of contemporary art, while also working to preserve cultural heritage and historical legacies. She addresses her mission by facilitating dialogue between designers and artisans to produce articles of contemporary relevance. It is in this unique manner that she raises awareness about the sustainable practices rooted in traditional arts and crafts. Her vision is to create a foundation for future generations to continue and build upon.
“Craft and farming are the spirit and soul of India, and a key driver of our economy.”
― Sangita Devi Kathiwada
Sangita Devi has dedicated her life to promoting and preserving Indian arts and crafts. In 1995, she established Morcraft at the NCPA, a center focused on showcasing the talent of artisans and craftspeople rather than the glamorous faces of the art, performance, and fashion industries. Over its tenure, Morcraft hosted over 300 exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations, building bridges between rural artisans and urban designers.
As Director of the Morarka Foundation, she also founded the Kala Ghoda Festival, which has become one of India’s most renowned arts festivals. Sangita Devi has further contributed to the art world as a board member and passionate advocate for Indian contemporary art, serving as an Honorary Director at the National Gallery of Modern Art and as a regular lecturer at the V&A Academy in London.
She also played a key role in renovating the Artist’s Centre at Jehangir Art Gallery and has curated exhibitions at the Kathiwada City House Art Gallery. In addition to her curatorial work, Sangita Devi maintains an impressive collection of heirlooms, which reflects her deep commitment to preserving India’s craft and cultural heritage. Her experience in art, craft, and architecture has also informed her efforts in restoring several heritage properties across India.
Rana Digvijay Sinh Kathiwada
TRUSTEE, CHAIR
Ranasaheb Digvijay is a visionary custodian of his ancestral region, driven by a commitment to foster sustainable growth, social harmony, and economic resilience. He has reimagined the possibilities of traditional stewardship, weaving government engagement and advocacy with direct intervention through philanthropy. He understands that rural regions require leadership and targeted intervention from influential figures.
As the custodian of Kathiwada, he acts as a bridge between the local community and various agencies and institutions to move the needle forward in key areas while supplementing government efforts with private action. Through his foundation, he has undertaken independent projects in education, healthcare, climate impact and sports, seeing them as essential. His approach here is to ‘do it yourself’ and build quality local services to inspire and model action.
Digvijay Sinh combines compassionate, hands-on problem-solving with an inclusive and multi-faceted vision for rural development that seeks to empower his community in all areas of life.
Rani Swati Sinh Kathiwada
TRUSTEE, CHAIR
Ranisaheb Swati emphasises the pivotal role of schools in early childhood development in rural areas. For most rural children in India, school is the first space where they are exposed to structured learning and social interaction, where they develop self-expression, communication and empathy. Beyond building foundational literacy and numeracy skills, she is deeply committed to encouraging children’s cognitive, social and emotional growth. Rural schools also serve as centres for healthcare and nutrition providing meals, vaccinations and health check-ups in addition to being a safe environment for children who might otherwise be forced into child labour or early marriage.
Swati Sinh believes in the transformative power of local schools to inspire families to value a holistic education, nurturing students who will grow into empowered adults and future drivers of community progress. Through her leadership of the education segment at the foundation, she intends to develop teacher training and curriculum development programs, extending support to the entire district and beyond.
“Every child should dream of having a basic education…but we’re not just educating these kids… KVN is giving them love, nurture, belonging, nutrition. Children spend most of their day at school…it is where their personalities are developed and drawn out. In rural homes, parents are struggling to survive. They juggle hard work, household responsibilities and raising multiple children. They love their children but don’t have the time to talk or bond with them. So, these kids are just left to be, in their own thoughts, without the ability to share and be heard. The teachers at KVN are loving and caring; they spend time bonding with their students.”
― Swati Devi Kathiwada
Since joining as a trustee in 2016, Swati Sinh has played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation’s direction. With a vision to streamline and professionalize its operations, she leads the foundation’s education initiatives, with a primary focus on the Kamal Vidya Niketan (KVN) school project. Once completed, KVN will become a vibrant community hub for the children of Kathiwada and a center for broader local engagement. While the main campus is under construction, KVN is already welcoming students in a temporary space. As trustee, Swati Sinh also provides guidance and support to the KVN management team, ensuring the school’s success and growth.
