Rise Foundation Launches “Save Soil” Initiative with Advanced Testing

New Delhi, India – Rise Foundation has unveiled its latest green mission, “Save Soil,” a community-driven effort to protect and restore soil health. The initiative focuses on scientific soil testing across 14 key parameters, using the cutting-edge Ekosight Soil Testing Kit to provide accurate, on-the-spot insights into soil quality.

Partnership with Cow Hut Farms, Kanganheri

In collaboration with Cow Hut Farms, Kanganheri (near Dwarka), the program blends modern technology with sustainable farming practices. Cow Hut Farms is already known for its natural, cow-based farming methods—making it an ideal partner for a campaign dedicated to soil regeneration.

Brainchild of Madhuri Varshney

The vision for Save Soil comes from Madhuri Varshney, Co-Founder of Rise Foundation, whose decades of work in community mobilization inspired this initiative. “Healthy soil means healthy food, water, and air. By understanding our soil’s true condition, we can revive its fertility and preserve it for generations,” she explains.

Why Soil Testing Matters

Soil degradation is a silent crisis. By testing for 14 parameters—including pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, electrical conductivity, and micronutrients—farmers and communities can:

  • Diagnose soil deficiencies before they impact crops
  • Reduce chemical fertilizer use by knowing exact nutrient needs
  • Improve water retention and carbon sequestration
  • Enhance biodiversity and overall ecosystem health

Community Engagement

Rise Foundation plans to take this initiative across urban and rural Delhi NCR, conducting workshops for farmers, school eco-clubs, and resident welfare associations. Participants will learn how to collect samples, interpret results, and take corrective actions.

A Step Toward Climate Resilience

This program is part of Rise Foundation’s broader commitment to the UN’s Raise to Resilience Program, which includes ambitious goals like planting 10 million native trees by 2030. Healthy soil plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon and reducing urban heat—making soil care essential for climate action.

About Rise Foundation
Rise Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing India’s green cover and promoting environmental stewardship. From the acclaimed Roots for Resilience Miyawaki Afforestation tree-planting project to innovative climate initiatives, the foundation continues to lead grassroots movements for a healthier planet.

Swachhata Pakhwada Initiative

On 28 August 2025, Rise Foundation organized an offline awareness session with the enthusiastic NSS volunteers of Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies – TC (VIPS-TC). The session was a part of the nationwide Swachhata Pakhwada initiative, aimed at spreading awareness about cleanliness, sustainability, and active citizenship.

The lecture highlighted:

  • The importance of youth participation in cleanliness and sustainability.
  • How small actions lead to big societal change.
  • Practical ways students can contribute to environmental and community well-being.

The event was a success thanks to the warm support of Ms. Mala Thakar (NSS Coordinator) and faculty members – Dr. Priyam Ghosh, Dr. Asheetu Bhatia, Dr. Avantika Raina, and Dr. Shailee Bhatia .

Such collaborations between academia and social foundations strengthen the spirit of collective action for a cleaner, healthier, and more responsible nation.

Rise Foundation remains committed to empowering the youth and shaping them into future leaders of sustainability. 🌿

10,000 Native Trees, One Forest: Rise Foundation’s Green Vision in Faridabad

10,000 Native Trees. One Urban Forest. That’s the bold vision Rise Foundation is bringing to life at Sector 33, Faridabad, through the Miyawaki afforestation technique.

🌳 Why Miyawaki?

  • Creates a dense, multilayered, high-biodiversity forest in just a few years
  • Uses native species adapted to local ecology
  • Requires minimal long-term maintenance, becoming self-sustaining

🤝 Partners Who Made It Possible

  • HSVP – for land facilitation and permissions
  • Motocare India – for on-ground support and resources
  • Avad India – for strategic collaboration
  • Volunteers – whose passion and hands-on work are the backbone of this drive

This forest isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about cultivating a living legacy: cleaner air, richer biodiversity, and a green space that connects communities.

We invite more organizations, residents, and changemakers to partner with us in scaling such initiatives across cities. Because one forest can inspire many.

Wonderful Internship Journey with UPES Students

We are happy to announce the successful completion of a rewarding internship program with the students of UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) Srijan 5.0 , in collaboration with Tao Veda Dimensions and Rise Foundation.

This internship was designed to provide hands-on exposure, critical insights, and practical applications beyond classroom learning. The students demonstrated immense creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for making a difference.

Key highlights of the internship included:

  • 💡 Innovative project ideas
  • 🌱 Research and discussions around sustainability
  • 🤝 Collaboration and teamwork
  • 📈 Skill development for future career readiness

We sincerely thank UPES for their trust, Tao Veda Dimensions for their support, and Rise Foundation for guiding this journey with its vision of sustainability and social impact.

This marks not just the end of an internship but the beginning of a continuous journey of learning, innovation, and positive change. 🌟

Note : UPES Srijan 5.0 refers to the fifth iteration of the Srijan Social Internship program at UPES, where first-year students engage in a 6-8 week mandatory full-time program with social organizations to gain practical experience and contribute to community development.

Bag Distribution by Rise Foundation on the Occasion of Raksha Bandhan & Independence Day

On the joyful occasion of Raksha Bandhan and Independence Day, Rise Foundation took another step towards empowering young minds by distributing school bags to the children of Rajkiya Prathmik Vidyalaya, Pashulok, Dehradun (Uttarakhand) on 8th Aug 2025.

Education is the strongest tool to break the cycle of poverty, and having the right resources plays a crucial role in motivating children to attend school and learn with confidence. The bright smiles on the faces of these young students reflected their excitement and happiness as they received their new school bags.

This initiative was not just about giving bags—it was about encouragement, equality, and opportunity. The Rise Foundation team interacted with the children, inspired them to focus on their studies, and assured them of continued support in their educational journey.

On this occasion Mrs Jaswanti Rawat – Chairperson ; Madhuri Varshney – Secretary; Madhukar Varshney – Treasurer, Naveen Mohan – Founder City Birds Rides and Shubh Yatra Travel , Dr. Prateek and Mr. Rishi Agarwal joined .

Celebrating Raksha Bandhan symbolizes protection, care, and love, and what better way to honor this spirit than by investing in the future of our children? Coinciding with Independence Day, the event also reminded us of the importance of freedom through education, empowerment, and awareness.

The Rise Foundation remains committed to creating impactful change through education, environmental action, and community development. Every small step taken today builds a stronger, greener, and more inclusive tomorrow.

#RiseFoundation #RakshaBandhan #IndependenceDay #EducationForAll #ChildEmpowerment #SchoolBagDistribution #Uttarakhand

Nukkad Natak for a Cleaner Tomorrow!

Rise Foundation, in association with ONGC Videsh, proudly organized a powerful Nukkad Natak performed by the talented team of Gyan Kala Manch to raise awareness on the pressing issue of Plastic Pollution and the urgent need to Say No to Single-Use Plastic on 10th July 2025 on occasion of Swachhata Pakhwada 2025.

Through impactful storytelling, engaging performances, and hard-hitting dialogues, the street play connected with the local community and inspired action towards a plastic-free future.

This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to:
♻️ Promote sustainable alternatives
🚯 Eliminate single-use plastics
🧠 Drive behavior change through awareness and culture
🌱 Reconnect people with the planet

👏 A big thank you to the artists of Gyan Kala Manch, our partner ONGC Videsh, and the enthusiastic audience who joined hands in this environmental movement.

Let’s continue working together to build a greener, cleaner India. 💚 Thanks to offline media to cover the event.

#PlasticFreeIndia #SayNoToSingleUsePlastic #StreetTheatreForChange #RiseFoundation #ONGCVidesh #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAwareness #DwarkaKalaManch #NukkadNatak #BeatPlasticPollution #GreenInitiative #CSRImpact

Planting Hope with the Future

Planting Hope with the Future: Tree Plantation Drive at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Andrews Ganj, New Delhi In association with ONGC Videsh & Rise Foundation

On a bright and inspiring day in New Delhi, the lush grounds of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Andrews Ganj came alive with the laughter, energy, and purpose of young students. In collaboration with ONGC Videsh, Rise Foundation organized a tree plantation drive to foster a deeper connection between children and nature.

But this wasn’t just about planting trees — it was about planting values.

🌿 Learning Through Doing

Before the first sapling even touched the soil, students engaged in a meaningful conversation on why trees are important. Their responses reflected a maturity beyond their years:

  • “Trees give us oxygen.”
  • “They provide livelihood to people.”
  • “They help maintain ecological balance.”

These weren’t just textbook answers — they were heartfelt insights coming from a generation that truly understands the climate challenges ahead.

🌱 Creating Green Corners, One Sapling at a Time

With sleeves rolled up and smiles on their faces, the students — guided by teachers, ONGC Videsh representatives, and Rise Foundation volunteers — planted native tree species chosen for the local climate and ecology. The goal wasn’t just to green the space, but to build resilient micro-ecosystems that will thrive for years to come.

This plantation initiative is part of Rise Foundation’s broader commitment to promoting biodiversity and increasing Delhi’s green cover using sustainable models like Miyawaki Afforestation.

🌎 Why It Matters

In an urban setting like New Delhi, where green spaces are fast disappearing, such efforts hold immense importance. Engaging students early in environmental action not only improves ecological outcomes but also nurtures a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

The success of this event shows what’s possible when community, corporations, and youth come together — rooted in a shared vision for a greener, healthier tomorrow.

Let’s continue to plant. Let’s continue to rise.
#PlantWithPurpose #RiseFoundation #KendriyaVidyalaya #ONGCVidesh #TreePlantation #EcoEducation #UrbanForests #YouthForClimate #GreenDelhi #EnvironmentalAwareness #MiyawakiForest

Unidos Exports Joins Hands with Rise Foundation for a Greener Faridabad

As part of its commitment to sustainability and community well-being, Unidos Exports undertook a meaningful CSR initiative in partnership with Rise Foundation, focusing on native tree plantation in Sector 81, Faridabad on 12th May 2025.

Led by Mr. Soham Gujral, Partner at Unidos Exports, the plantation drive saw enthusiastic participation from Unidos Exports’ team members including Mr. Alton D’Souza Asst. Manager HR and a group of dedicated employees. Representing Rise Foundation were Ms. Madhuri Varshney, Secretary of the organization, and Mr. Deepak Bhardwaj, both known for their active roles in driving environmental change at the grassroots level.

Together, the teams came together to plant native tree species like Sagwan ,Balepatra ,Satparni,Semal,Sehtut,Gulab,Kadam, Tecoma, Kadhi patta, Nimbu , Amrood, Sesham, Amla,Kachnar etc that are not only climate-resilient but also vital for restoring the ecological balance of the region. The initiative aimed to combat urban heat, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to long-term carbon sequestration.

“Planting trees is not just an act of giving back to nature, but an investment in our collective future. We’re proud to collaborate with Rise Foundation and play a small part in creating a sustainable legacy,” said Mr. Soham Gujral.

Rise Foundation, known for its Miyawaki forest projects and urban greening efforts, guided the plantation with expert knowledge on native species selection and long-term maintenance plans.

“We believe that every corporate has the power to influence environmental transformation. This joint effort is a step in the right direction,” shared Ms. Madhuri Varshney.

The event concluded with a collective pledge from all participants to care for the saplings and continue supporting green initiatives across the region. Unidos Exports also expressed interest in exploring further collaborations with Rise Foundation to expand their CSR impact in the coming months.

🌿 Why Native Trees Matter:

  • They require less water and maintenance
  • Support local biodiversity (birds, bees, and insects)
  • Are better adapted to local climatic conditions
  • Play a role in urban cooling and improving air quality

This initiative stands as a shining example of corporate responsibility, community involvement, and ecological restoration working hand in hand.

Together, we grow. 🌳

For Corporate Volunteering, Feel free to contact Rise Foundation via email : mail2risefoundation@gmail.com or Whatsapp at +91 9717764262

NBT Honours Rise Foundation for Environmental Excellence

We are deeply honoured to share that Rise Foundation NGO has been recognized for its outstanding work in the areas of environment protection, urban foresting, Miyawaki afforestation, and waste management on 21st April 2025.

The award was graciously presented by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena, to Ms. Madhuri Varshney, Secretary of Rise Foundation, at a special felicitation ceremony organized by NBT Dilli.

This recognition is a reflection of the tireless efforts of our entire team and partners who have dedicated themselves to the vision of a greener, more sustainable urban future.

🌱 Heartfelt congratulations to:
Madhuri Varshney, Madhukkar Varshney, Deepak Bhardwaj, Munish Kundra, Inderjeet Singh, Tushar, Gagan, Akhil, Deepanshu, and all our incredible project associates, volunteers, and friends.

This award is not just a moment of celebration, but a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to transform urban landscapes and communities through nature-based solutions.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Let’s continue to plant hope, grow forests, and build a legacy of green for generations to come. 💐💐❤️

#NBTDilli #DelhiLG #VinaiSaxena #RiseFoundation #MadhuriVarshney #EnvironmentProtection #UrbanForesting #MiyawakiForest #WasteManagement #MillionMiyawaki #GreenerIndia #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalHeroes

Heatwave Exodus: Delhi-NCR’s Escape to the Hills Is a Warning, Not a Solution

As North India grapples with extreme heatwaves, the residents of Delhi NCR are desperately heading to the hills for a breath of relief. But the very act of fleeing is silently making the problem worse.

The recent news from Almora and Haldwani paints a worrying picture — a 92 km stretch now takes 8 hours, double the usual travel time, due to massive traffic jams near popular destinations like Kainchi Dham. The region is choked with cars, carbon emissions, and frustration.

But this isn’t just about a long road trip or delayed vacation.

🚗 The Ripple Effect of the Heatwave Exodus

Every car stuck in these mountain jams is burning fuel, releasing heat, and straining fragile ecosystems that were never designed to host this sudden migration.

  • 🌫️ Air pollution from vehicles worsens mountain air.
  • 🌲 Pressure on local resources in ecologically sensitive zones.
  • 🔥 Further rise in temperature from heat trapped by metal, glass, and asphalt.

This pattern of environmental reaction and counter-reaction is a ticking time bomb.

🌱 The Real Escape Plan: Plant More Trees

Instead of running away from the heat, we need to cool our cities—and the most natural, affordable, and effective way is through urban green spaces and dense tree plantations.

Trees are:

  • Natural air conditioners 🌳
  • Pollution filters 🌬️
  • Groundwater restorers 💧
  • Mental health boosters 🧠

🌳 “Make it or Break it” – This Is Our Climate Turning Point

The current heatwave and traffic crisis is a symptom of our deeper environmental imbalance. And we have two choices:

  1. Continue escaping, congesting hill stations, and warming them too.
  2. Or invest in our home ground — by planting trees, preserving green belts, and making cities livable again.

✅ What You Can Do:

  • Join local plantation drives like the Millions of Trees plantation thru Miyawaki Afforestation by Say Greens initiative .
  • Protect existing parks and roadside greens from encroachment.
  • Reduce personal carbon footprints—less driving, more public transport.
  • Raise awareness in schools, societies, and workplaces.

🌍 Climate Change Starts at Home

If we don’t cool our own cities, we’ll eventually have nowhere to run.
Let’s choose trees over traffic. Let’s make our city the destination people escape to, not from.

📸 Image Source: Recent newspaper coverage on traffic jams from Haldwani to Almora