Reliance Industries and the Reliance Foundation introduced the “Vantara” programme (also known as the “Star of the Forest” programme) on February 26, 2024. Its main focus will be on the treatment, care, rescue, and rehabilitation of hurt, abused, threatened, or vulnerable animals in India and beyond. Anant Ambani, a director on the boards of both the Reliance Foundation and RIL, is the creator of the programme. 

Vantara (Star of the Forest) was founded on a deep philosophy that blends the accuracy of contemporary science and technology with the ancient Indian attitude of compassion, or “seva.” It is an expression of the moral duty to protect all living things, motivated by deeply ingrained Hindu traditions that maintain that serving animals is equivalent to serving the divine.

Vantara has demonstrated its dedication by organizing the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 200 elephants and numerous other animals from dangerous situations, offering these animals a safe habitat. The initiative extends beyond the act of rescue. It also includes putting key species like crocodiles, leopards, and rhinos through rehabilitation programmes to ensure their survival and well-being.

Vantara’s cutting-edge veterinary hospital, a marvel of contemporary medical technology, is the beating heart of the company’s medical endeavors. With its six specialist surgical centers, endoscopic robotic surgery technologies, and MRI and CT scan machines, the hospital is the best place for animal healthcare. The clinic, which fits damaged animals with prosthesis and helps them recover their health, is at the vanguard of medical innovation.

“The zoological park will be opened to the public soon, allowing people to witness our efforts in wildlife conservation and the sophisticated care we provide,” Anant Ambani said in a statement regarding the hospital’s capabilities and Vantara’s future ambitions.

However, Vantara’s vision goes beyond its confines. Ambani unveiled a bold proposal to transform animal welfare in India. “With training, capacity building, and the improvement of animal care infrastructure, Vantara aims to partner with the Zoo Authority of India and other relevant government organizations to improve the quality of all the 150+ zoos in India,” he said. This project, which emphasizes the value of comprehensive care and animal welfare, is poised to establish a new benchmark for zoos across the country.

In addition to being a haven for wildlife, vantara symbolizes optimism in the struggle against environmental deterioration and our responsibility to protect the planet’s rare biodiversity. Vantara asks us all to participate in a story that celebrates life in all its forms as it gets ready to open to the public.

Calicut- Beardbroz, a pioneering organization at the forefront of technology and culture, hosted a monumental event, ‘Pangaea 2023’. This extraordinary gathering brought together a fusion of innovative ideas, creative expressions, and collaborative experiences, ultimately shaping the future of the digital landscape.

Held on June 15, 2023, at Aspin Courtyard, Beach Road, Vellayil, Kozhikode, Pangaea 2023 exceeded all expectations, captivating the minds of tech enthusiasts, artists, cultural enthusiasts, and visionaries. The event aimed to redefine the boundaries of arts, culture, and empowerment within the Web 3 community.

Pangaea 2023 showcased an exclusive AI Art Showcase, where cutting-edge technology harmoniously collaborated with human creativity, pushing the limits of artistic expression. The audience witnessed the convergence of digital innovation and traditional art forms, leaving them awestruck and inspired.

One of the highlights of the event was Kerala’s Biggest Rap Battle, featuring top-notch rap artists who delivered fiery verses and electrifying performances that resonated with the audience. The stage came alive with the energy and passion of these talented individuals, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.

Web 3 panel discussions led by industry experts provided a platform for insightful and thought-provoking conversations about the future of the Web 3 ecosystem. Participants gained valuable insights into the potential of emerging technologies and their impact on various industries and creative pursuits.

Pangaea 2023 also treated attendees to an unforgettable live concert, where renowned artists and bands took the stage, filling the atmosphere with music that transcended boundaries and connected hearts. The concert left an indelible mark on the audience, showcasing the transformative power of music in bringing people together.

The event further fostered collaboration through hands-on workshops led by industry experts. Participants had the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge related to Web 3 technologies, digital art, music production, and more. These collaborative workshops served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, empowering individuals to explore new frontiers.

Beardbroz’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive digital community was evident throughout Pangaea 2023. By merging technology, art, culture, and empowerment, the event inspired, educated, and empowered individuals to envision and shape the future of the Web 3 landscape.

Pangaea 2023 stands as a testament to Beardbroz’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This groundbreaking gathering celebrated the immense potential of arts, culture, and empowerment within the Web 3 community, leaving an everlasting impact on all who attended.

Beardbroz continues to pave the way for transformative experiences and initiatives that inspire individuals to think beyond conventional boundaries, shaping a future where technology and creativity converge seamlessly.

If you wish to change things for the better, do something that has a purpose bigger than making money, and create a real impact rather than simply doing their 9-to-5 jobs – clocking in and clocking out. And that’s where NGOs come into the picture.

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) work to promote social or political change and play a critical role in developing society, improving communities, and promoting citizen participation. Their primary purpose is to defend or promote a specific cause, which they do with activities that raise awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of the cause.

Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organization based in New Delhi, India. It was established in 2002 and has a presence in 25 Indian states. As of 2017, the Foundation reaches approximately 400,000 children and their families.

The purpose of this NGO for education in India was to promote education among the underprivileged. Their development program includes health care, education, livelihood for children and women, provision to be equally affected by lack of resources. Some of his programs are Smile on Wheels, Mission Education and Smile Twin e-learning programs.

Goonj

Goonj is a non-governmental organization based in Delhi, India. It performs disaster relief, humanitarian aid and community development work in parts of 23 states of India. Echo focuses on clothes as a basic but unheard of need. It was founded in 1999 by Anshu Gupta. For his work with Goonj, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015. In 2012, he was named India’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 by the Schwab Foundation, a partner organization of the World Economic Forum.

Goonj has started with 67 garments and now deals over 3500 tonnes of material every year. It is registered under the Societies Act and Section 80G, 12A and FCRA for an exemption for foreign contribution.

Helpage India

HelpAge India is an Indian organization focused on the concerns of elders. Established in 1978, its mission is to “work for the cause and care of under-aged elderly people and improve their standard of living”. HelpAge is taking action against universal, pension, healthcare, Elder Abuse at the national, state and social levels with the central and state governments and advocates for the needy. It runs various age care programs to cater to the larger needs. It aims to serve the disadvantaged elders holistically so that they can lead an active, dignified and healthy life.

CRY (Child Rights and You)

CRY is an Indian non-governmental organization that helps restore children’s rights to build a society that promises equality, justice and respect. The organization was founded in 1979 by Ripon Kapoor.

CRY partners with organizations to uplift thousands of Dalit children. CRY works at all levels, including advocacy, awareness-raising, direct action and policy changes. They devote both their time and money to ensure a healthy, happy and creative childhood.

Cuddles

8 out of 10 children fighting cancer lose this battle because of malnutrition.

50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India, but only 22% of them make it to hospitals for treatment. 80% of them are malnourished at diagnosis.

That’s why Cuddles Foundation exists. Cuddles Foundation is India’s only NGO helping underprivileged children fight cancer with better food and nutrition. Started five years ago in Mumbai, it provides nutrition support to over 18,000 children with cancer in 21 hospitals across 13 cities in India.

Make A Difference (MAD)

Make A Difference works towards empowering children in orphanages and shelters.

Through education, the organization ensures that these disadvantaged children are economically independent to achieve their dreams.

Their volunteers commit a year and spend between 2 and 10 hours every week mentoring, teaching and interacting with children in order to ensure that they get the support and care they need during childhood.

Make Love Not Scars

Every year, India witnesses an estimated 1,000 reported acid attacks. Considering the attacks that go unreported, this number would be a lot higher.

In 2014, Ria Sharma founded Make Love Not Scars to rehabilitate survivors of acid attacks and campaign for an end to the over-the-counter sale of acid.

So far, they’ve rehabilitated over 70 survivors in their rehabilitation centre based in New Delhi.

Sammaan Foundation

Samman Foundation is a ‘not-for-profit’ company, registered under Section 25 of the Indian Companies Act 1956. It was established in the year 2007, it is actively engaged in community service through several grassroots initiatives including extensive work in health and livelihoods.