Rupa Bohra is the Managing Director of TNS India Foundation.
TNS India Foundation stands as a pillar of transformation, dedicated to empowering women and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. With a vision of creating shared value, we implement demand-driven, industry-relevant, and sustainable solutions that catalyse socio-economic growth across urban and rural landscapes. At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to youth employability, agriculture and natural resource management, and women entrepreneurship.
Our programmes are strategically aligned with the local economic development approach, aiming to democratise access to opportunities for under-resourced individuals. This empowers them to unlock their economic potential while embracing diversity and inclusion. By building sustainable growth systems, we not only reduce the vulnerabilities of the poor but also expand the array of livelihood opportunities, thereby bolstering their resilience and stimulating the local economy. This holistic approach is a testament to our recognition of the critical role that local economic development plays in the broader development agenda and its pivotal impact on transforming lives.
Beyond initial skills training, we offer extensive support to women entrepreneurs. We provide resources, mentorship, and crucial market access, enabling these entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive. This comprehensive support translates to significant economic growth and empowers women to have a greater say within their communities and households.
Central to our Foundation’s mission is equipping women with the tools they need to achieve financial independence. We offer a range of programmes to address this need, including:
Youth Skill Ability Programme: This programme bridges the gap between women and the formal workforce by equipping them with in-demand skills. Through the Youth Skill Ability Programme, 60 per cent of beneficiaries are women who gain skills to enter the formal workforce. This leads to stable incomes and a newfound sense of confidence and self-reliance.
Support for Women Entrepreneurs: Beyond initial skills training, we offer extensive support to women entrepreneurs. We provide resources, mentorship, and crucial market access, enabling these entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive. This comprehensive support translates to significant economic growth and empowers women to have a greater say within their communities and households.
Financial Literacy for Women Farmers: Understanding the unique challenges faced by women in agriculture, we go beyond basic training. We provide education on government schemes, banking, and financial literacy. This holistic approach empowers women farmers to manage their agricultural activities sustainably, leading to greater economic security and stability.
Holistic Farmer Empowerment Beyond Economics
We understand that true empowerment extends far beyond just economic opportunities. Our interventions focus not only on financial independence but also on personal growth. By addressing employability, entrepreneurship, and agricultural needs, we foster holistic empowerment that leads to personal and professional success.
Flagship Projects for Farmers
Our dedication translates into tangible results through these impactful projects:
Ankur Uday Project (Nashik, Maharashtra, 2021-2024): This project, in collaboration with Pernod Ricard India Foundation, aims to sustainably improve the livelihoods of 1,500 small and marginal farmers. The programme focuses on several key initiatives:
Building Farmer Capacity: Strengthening local institutions to promote regenerative, sustainable, and 
remunerative agricultural value chains.
Enhancing Water Resources: Increasing local water recharge capacity by conserving 50 lakh litres of water per year, making water resources more accessible and sustainable.
Empowering Women: Providing training in financial literacy and business skills, ensuring positive social and economic outcomes. This holistic approach contributes to the betterment of the community and the environment.
Our Farmer Producer Organisation with over 500 shareholders, generates revenues exceeding INR 70 lakhs within one year. This financial empowerment enhances the livelihoods of rural communities and contributes to their overall well-being.
Sustainable Mango Initiative (Gir, Gujarat, 2020-2023): In collaboration with HDFC Bank, this initiative has achieved significant milestones:
Specialised Training: Over 1,200 farmers have received training in agri-tech, strengthening local mango production systems.
Water Management: Establishment of 14 water user committees to enhance water management practices effectively.
Promoting Organic Kitchen Gardens (OKGs): Adoption among 1,000 farming households, contributing to sustainable food production and healthier lifestyles.
Economic Empowerment: Setting up a Farmer Producer Organisation with over 500 shareholders, generating revenues exceeding INR 70 lakhs within one year. This financial empowerment enhances the livelihoods of rural communities and contributes to their overall well-being.
Youth Skilling in Urban and Rural Areas
Our youth skilling programme is reaching and impacting both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, we offer programmes such as:
Campus to Careers: This programme bridges the gap between academia and industry by providing comprehensive training tailored to students’ academic backgrounds and career aspirations.
Campus to Financial Careers: Focused on grooming students for finance careers, this initiative provides specialised training to excel in the competitive financial sector.
Campus to Technical Careers: Designed to enhance technical proficiency, this programme equips students with both technical skills and soft skills necessary for success in their chosen careers.
Campus to Industrial Careers (C2IC) Green Skills Programme
Understanding the needs of rural youth, we also offer the Campus to Industrial Careers (C2IC) Green Skills programme. This programme focuses on training and providing formal employment to ITI and Polytechnic students in their final year and operates in various locations like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Nashik. We aim to raise awareness about emerging green jobs through dedicated content developed in partnership with a third-party agency, and vetted by the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ).
The Campus to Industrial Careers (C2IC) Green Skills programme opens doors to employment opportunities in both emerging and traditional sectors, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities. By equipping students with these competencies, the programme opens doors to employment opportunities in both emerging and traditional sectors, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities.
Students participating in the programme receive training on:
Green Skills and Career Opportunities: Understanding the landscape of new job roles that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Key Areas of Green Skills: Identifying the essential skills needed to excel in green jobs.
Domain-Specific Practical Approaches: Gaining hands-on experience in sectors such as electronic manufacturing, electrical manufacturing, automobile component manufacturing, and green building.
21st Century Skills: Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and other skills vital for modern workplaces.
Digital Skills: Learning to navigate digital tools and platforms that are increasingly important in all job sectors.
Industrial Skills: Acquiring the technical know-how required for the manufacturing industry.
By equipping students with these competencies, the programme opens doors to employment opportunities in both emerging and traditional sectors, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities.
Vision for a Sustainable Future
We have ambitious goals for the future. We plan to significantly expand our impact, aiming to positively influence over 50,000 individuals annually, with a target of 60 per cent female beneficiaries. By not only boosting incomes but also catalysing economic transformation for women, we are dedicated to creating a level playing field and building sustainable growth systems that benefit everyone.
TNS India Foundation stands as a powerful force for positive change in the areas of women’s empowerment and sustainable agriculture. Through innovative programmes and a holistic approach, we are dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for women and farmers to flourish. With a vision rooted in local economic development, we continue to foster resilience, stimulate growth, and build a brighter future for all.
