Dr. Kanika Dewan, Director of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation (SDF) and co-founder of The Good Deed, is spearheading multifaceted philanthropic initiatives aimed at uplifting underserved Indian communities through sustainable welfare programs rather than one-time charity.
Recognised among India’s 40 under 40 Future Leaders and part of the nation’s “A List” for Social Work, Dewan works closely under renowned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, whose hands-on involvement strengthens the foundation’s mission.
Recent expansions include innovative projects like “Livelihood on Wheels” for differently-abled individuals, the Digital Shiksha initiative to digitize government schools, and strategic partnerships with corporates and NGOs to maximise impact.
The foundation is committed to transparent, accountable philanthropy that fosters real empowerment, especially in education, skill development, and community health.
Driving Inclusive Community Empowerment
Founded on the principle of “welfare, not charity,” the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation redefines philanthropy by focusing on sustainable impact and the long-term empowerment of beneficiaries.
Dr. Kanika Dewan highlights this distinctive philosophy, explaining that the foundation tailors interventions to actual community needs, whether urban or rural, to ensure lasting benefits.
One standout program, “Livelihood on Wheels,” launched with CSR support from MAERSK, empowers people with disabilities by equipping them to work as delivery partners, thereby restoring dignity and financial independence within months of inception.
Dr. Dewan emphasises the importance of transparency and trust between donors and beneficiaries, with regular reporting and ongoing engagement that fosters strong relationships and accountability across all stakeholders.
Alongside livelihood programs, SDF drives educational transformation through its Digital Shiksha initiative, aimed at equipping government and NGO-run schools with digital classrooms and smart learning tools.
The foundation collaborates with local governments and corporates like M3M Foundation and Punjab Kings to provide scholarships and vocational training, particularly targeting girl students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This layered approach ensures holistic development by enhancing teaching quality, increasing school resources, and supporting students’ career readiness. Dewan’s leadership underscores a deep commitment to community-centric solutions that empower every individual, rather than relying on episodic charity.
Strategic Partnerships and Leadership
The foundation’s comprehensive strategy includes partnering with NGOs already working in respective domains to reach the right beneficiaries efficiently. Government bodies play a crucial role in supporting infrastructure projects and facilitating access to schools and communities.
Corporate partnerships remain the backbone of financial sustainability, enabling ambitious programs that reach thousands. Shikhar Dhawan remains actively involved in program design, beneficiary interaction, and public advocacy, lending visibility and a personal commitment that inspires the foundation’s extensive network.
Dr. Kanika Dewan’s social sector experience and compassionate leadership are pivotal in shaping SDF’s direction. Her dual expertise from clinical and nonprofit work informs the foundation’s careful, evidence-based approach to philanthropy.
She stresses the importance of long-term engagement, noting the unique challenges in rural communities such as communication barriers and mistrust, which require patient, persistent interaction.
From supporting underprivileged sports talent to organizing disease awareness drives and environmental initiatives like Earth Day plantation programs, the foundation ensures varied yet integrated community upliftment efforts.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Broader Social Equity
Key upcoming initiatives include expanding the “Livelihood on Wheels” program to more beneficiaries and further digitizing education infrastructure under the Smart Shiksha model.
The foundation continues to invite individuals, corporates, and volunteers to join its mission through financial support, employee engagement, and hands-on volunteering. Their message is clear: collective, accountable action driven by empathy can dismantle systemic disparities.
Shikhar Dhawan Foundation’s work is a beacon for redefining social impact building from empathy and data-driven strategies to robust, scalable solutions that address root causes of inequality rather than symptoms.
The inclusive approach aligns well with India’s growing CSR focus and societal need for meaningful, sustainable interventions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we deeply value such purposeful philanthropy that moves beyond traditional charity towards an empowered society built on empathy, dialogue, and transparency. Dr. Kanika Dewan’s leadership and the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation’s innovative initiatives exemplify how compassion combined with strategic action can spark real, long-term social change.
The foundation’s model encourages all of us to rethink how we engage with social issues not as distant donors, but as active partners fostering dignity and hope. How can we, as individuals and communities, further support and amplify such grassroots initiatives that champion inclusion and equity?
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