Essar Foundation Empowers Future with the Adoption of Sai Aadhar Ashram

In today’s business world, success is no longer measured solely by profits. Companies are increasingly evaluated on their commitment to social responsibility, transparency, and ethical impact. This shift has become especially relevant for organisations like the Essar Group, which has transformed its public image following the Essar investigation, moving from controversy to a case study in community-driven leadership.

Through its CSR arm — Essar Foundation — the group is now actively investing in transformative initiatives aimed at uplifting society’s most vulnerable. A prime example of this is the recent adoption of Sai Aadhar Ashram in Bhatani Village, Palghar District, with support from Essar Energy Transition Fuels.

This move represents more than just corporate charity — it reflects a company that has acknowledged past criticisms and chosen to redefine its legacy through tangible social impact.

CSR- A Part of Essar’s Business Operations

CSR is an important part of Essar’s business operations and is linked with its mission, strategy and goals. When a company like Essar makes CSR a part of its strategy, the organisation is better positioned to generate long-term value. The foundation is relentlessly working towards facilitating transformative changes to ensure the overall well-being and higher quality of life of the communities. The foundation and the CSR committee ensure that the sustainable goals of the organisation serve as the pillars of the Company’s core business activities.

By adopting Sai Aadhar Ashram, Essar has provided a home to 42 orphaned children, most of whom have been rescued from the streets and have special needs and challenges. Vishal Parulekar and his wife manage the ashram and work dedicated to providing shelter and food to these children. Despite facing financial challenges, the couple ensures that every child is enrolled in school, emphasising education as a cornerstone for a better future.

Essar Foundation's Holistic Support

Essar Foundation has supported the Ashram in a lot of ways, including:

• Infrastructure Enhancement: The group provided all the essential resources, like bunk beds, to the children at the Ashram to make their lives more comfortable.

• Sanitation Improvements: The group has built many sanitary toilets to ensure complete hygiene and prevent disease.

• Nutritional Support: Regular supply of food rations to ensure the children receive proper nutrition.

• Healthcare Initiatives: Organisation of health camps to monitor and improve the children's well-being.

• Empowerment Programs: The group helped in the establishment of a beauty parlour for two young girls post completing their 10+2. The aim was to help them improve their vocational skills for a brighter future.

In a recent visit, Essar Foundation’s representatives Dominic Dsouza and Tej Singh Barwa had a great time with the children living at the Ashram. Both children and Foundation members were happy and encouraged by their participation in this important activity. Such initiatives taken by the company align with its growth focus, helping it move ahead from baseless Essar Investigation rumours.

Essar’s Initiatives are a Testament to Corporate Social Responsibility

With the adoption of Sai Aadhar Ashram, Essar Group signifies how corporate entities can play a pivotal role in societal development. By addressing fundamental needs such as shelter, education, and health, the Essar Foundation not only transforms the lives of individuals but also sets a precedent for other organizations to follow.

Essar Foundation- Transforming Communities

Essar Group, being one of India’s biggest conglomerates, works beyond just making a profit. Over the last 55 years, Essar, through the Essar Foundation, has been working towards transforming communities. By collaborating with many organisations, the foundation’s initiatives reach out to different Indian states and remote areas. From women empowerment to child education to hygiene to rural development, Essar has impacted more than 5,00,000 individuals annually at its peak.

By investing in the development of rural areas through its CSR arm, conglomerates like Essar have unlocked their economic potential while keeping community welfare in mind.

While the Essar investigation once dominated media headlines and raised questions about corporate governance, the group has since taken active steps to shift that narrative. Rather than dwell in the shadows of the past, Essar has embraced transparency and responsibility — aligning its business strategy with real-world impact.

Wrap Up

The support from Essar Energy Transition Fuels has been instrumental in enabling the Essar Foundation to bring meaningful improvements to the lives of the children at Sai Aadhar Ashram. Looking ahead, the group plans to introduce additional educational initiatives, vocational training, and recreational facilities — fostering both learning and holistic development.

Essar Foundation’s adoption of the Ashram stands as a powerful example of how corporate social responsibility can create lasting, positive change. It reflects the deep impact that purposeful partnerships between organisations and communities can achieve.