Achievement of Sahara India Pariwar

Achievement of Sahara India Pariwar

    Sahara India Pariwar, founded in 1978 by Subrata Roy, has evolved into a prominent Indian conglomerate with a diverse portfolio spanning finance, real estate, media, entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and information technology. Throughout its journey, the group has achieved significant milestones across various sectors, underpinned by a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
    Sahara India Pariwar felicitates Indian champion shooters for bringing fame to India at 50th ISSF World Shooting Championship, Munich

Felicitation incentives of Rs. 5 lac to Tejaswini Sawant, Rs. 5 lac to Gagan Narang; and 3 lac to Asher Noria

    Lucknow, August 17, 2010: Sahara India Pariwar, the prime promoter and patron of sports in India, today felicitated Indian shooters Ms. Tejaswini Sawant, Mr. Gagan Narang and Mr. Asher Noria, who made India proud by winning medals at the prestigious 50th International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Shooting Championship held at Munich, Germany. In the grand felicitation ceremony, organized at Sahara Sshaher Lucknow, Saharasri Subrata Roy Sahara, Managing Worker and Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar, in presence of Mr. Avtar Singh Sethi, Officiating President, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), gave appreciation certificates other than an incentive of Rs. 5 lac to Ms. Tejaswini Sawant, Rs. 5 lac to Mr. Gagan Narang; and Rs. 3 lac to Mr. Asher Noria.

    At the 50th ISSF World Shooting Championship held at Munich, Ms. Tejaswini Sawant won Gold medal in the 50 meter rifle prone event, Mr. Gagan Narang won Bronze medal in the 10 meter air rifle event and he also became the first Indian to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. Moreover Mr. Asher Noria clinched gold in the men's junior double trap event of the prestigious ISSF World Shooting Championship at Munich. Sahara India Pariwar, along with Indian Boxing, Wrestling, and Archery had earlier adopted Indian Shooting. Towards this, Sahara India Pariwar along with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) identified 15 shooters including many upcoming ones who are being provided support till after the Olympics at London in 2012. These shooters are part of pool of 56 sportsmen in these four games to which the group is providing support until after London Olympics 2012.


Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives (CSR Activities)

    Sahara's dedication to social welfare is exemplified by its establishment of the Sahara Welfare Foundation (SWF), a non-profit entity registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 in the amended Act, 2013). Since 1997, SWF has focused on uplifting socially and economically marginalized communities, irrespective of age, caste, class, gender, or race, aiming to enhance their overall standard of living. Notably, 25% of Sahara's total profits are allocated to social welfare and CSR initiatives. ​

Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts

    In response to the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Sahara adopted the village of Bhimasar Chakasar in Bhuj district, constructing 839 houses for affected families. Similarly, following the 1993 Latur earthquake, the group built earthquake-resistant homes in a settlement named Sahara Wadi, which were handed over to residents by Nobel Laureate Mother Teresa. ​

    Sahara has also extended financial assistance to the families of martyrs. For instance, 272 families of Kargil war martyrs received economic, emotional, and educational support. Additionally, the families of 18 martyrs from the Mumbai terror attacks were provided financial aid equivalent to five times their last drawn salary for a duration of ten years. ​

Healthcare and Empowerment Initiatives

    The group established rehabilitation centres for differently-abled individuals in Lucknow and Gorakhpur, benefiting over 25,500 people. ​

Village Adoption and Development

    In 2013, Sahara launched the Village Development through Adopting 1000 Villages (VEDAS) project, aiming to adopt 1,000 villages for holistic and sustainable development. The initiative targeted 4.5 lakh rural households across seven states, impacting approximately 25 lakh individuals. Key components included providing safe drinking water through purification plants and water ATMs, establishing over 500 Education Resource Centres with smart interactive classrooms, and delivering free primary healthcare via mobile health units. Empowerment centres were set up to offer vocational training and promote local crafts, while solar-powered lanterns were distributed to 4.5 lakh families to ensure eco-friendly lighting solutions. ​

Sports Promotion and Support

    Sahara has been a significant patron of Indian sports. The group owned the Lucknow franchise in the Hockey India League (HIL), aiming to nurture young talent and revitalize the sport in the country. This initiative was part of Sahara's broader commitment to supporting and promoting various sports disciplines in India. 


International Ventures

    Expanding its footprint beyond India, Sahara entered the housing and infrastructure sector in Bangladesh in 2012. Through its subsidiary, Sahara Matribhumi Unnayan Corporation Limited, the group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladesh's Ministry of Housing and Public Works to develop affordable housing projects near Dhaka. The initiative aimed to build a new city, Notun Dhaka (New Dhaka), focusing on affordable housing for low-income groups with housing finance support. ​


Guinness World Record Achievement

    Demonstrating its prowess in retail, Sahara's consumer merchandise retail venture, Sahara Q Shop, achieved a Guinness World Record in 2013 by simultaneously opening 315 retail outlets across 10 states in India. This feat underscored the group's commitment to providing unadulterated, quality consumer products to the Indian market. 

    In summary, Sahara India Pariwar's journey reflects a blend of business acumen and social responsibility. Its multifaceted initiatives have not only contributed to economic growth but have also made a tangible difference in the lives of many, both within India and internationally.

    Sahara India Pariwar has made notable contributions to the Indian arts and culture scene through various initiatives that celebrate and promote the nation's rich heritage.​

'Bharati': Showcasing Indian Culture Globally

    In 2005, Sahara launched 'Bharati', a grand musical stage production aimed at presenting India's diverse cultural tapestry to international audiences. Featuring over 100 performers, including dancers, singers, and musicians, the show offered a vibrant portrayal of India's traditions and values. 'Bharati' toured extensively across Europe and Israel, completing 160 performances by early 2007. The production received widespread acclaim for its colorful and dynamic representation of Indian culture, effectively serving as a cultural ambassador on the global stage. 

'Duniya Ki Sair': Promoting Domestic Tourism

    In 2008, Sahara Global, a subsidiary of Sahara India Pariwar, launched 'Duniya Ki Sair' (Travel the World), a travel show broadcast on the Samay Channel. The program aimed to promote tourism within India by highlighting the art, culture, history, and cuisine of various states. Each episode focused on a different state, providing viewers with comprehensive insights into the region's attractions. Sahara Global collaborated with state tourism boards to ensure authentic and engaging content, thereby encouraging domestic travel and fostering a deeper appreciation for India's cultural diversity. 

Support for Cultural Events and Initiatives

    Sahara India Pariwar has also supported various cultural events and initiatives. For instance, the group contributed to the success of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi by providing human resources and organizing cultural programs that showcased India's heritage to an international audience. These efforts aimed to enhance the overall experience of the games and promote India's cultural richness on a global platform.

 

    Through these endeavors, Sahara India Pariwar has played a significant role in promoting and preserving Indian arts and culture, both domestically and internationally.

    Sahara India Pariwar, founded in 1978 by Subrata Roy, has evolved into one of India's most prominent business conglomerates, with diversified interests spanning finance, real estate, media, entertainment, and sports. Over the decades, the group has made significant contributions across various sectors, leaving a lasting impact on the socio-economic fabric of India and beyond.​


Financial Services

    The group's foray into financial services marked its initial steps toward building a vast business empire. Sahara India Financial Corporation Limited became a household name, offering a range of financial products tailored to the needs of the Indian populace. Their services encompassed para-banking activities, credit, and investment schemes, catering primarily to the middle and lower-income segments.​


Real Estate and Infrastructure

    Sahara ventured into the real estate sector with ambitious projects aimed at transforming urban landscapes. The group's initiatives included the development of townships, commercial spaces, and residential complexes. Notably, in 2012, Sahara announced plans to enter Bangladesh's housing and infrastructure sector. Through its subsidiary, Sahara Matribhumi Unnayan Corporation Limited, the group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladesh's Ministry of Housing and Public Works to develop affordable housing projects near Dhaka, aiming to provide homes for low-income groups with supportive housing finance. ​


Media and Entertainment

    Recognizing the power of media, Sahara expanded into this domain by launching print and television ventures. The group's media arm included national and regional news channels, as well as a Hindi-language newspaper, contributing to the diverse media landscape of India. Additionally, Sahara ventured into film production, financing and producing several Bollywood films, thereby influencing the entertainment industry.​

Sports Initiatives

    Sahara India Pariwar has been a stalwart supporter of Indian sports. The group sponsored the Indian national cricket team for over a decade, a partnership that became synonymous with Indian cricket during that period. Beyond cricket, Sahara extended its patronage to other sports, notably hockey. In 2012, the group acquired the Lucknow franchise in the inaugural Hockey India League, demonstrating its commitment to reviving and promoting the national sport. ​

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

    Sahara's dedication to social welfare is evident through its various CSR initiatives. The Sahara Welfare Foundation (SWF), a non-profit entity registered under the Companies Act, has been instrumental in implementing numerous social development projects. The foundation allocates 25% of the group's profits toward social welfare activities, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to societal upliftment. 

Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts

    The group's humanitarian efforts are particularly noteworthy. In the aftermath of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Sahara adopted the village of Bhimasar Chakasar in Bhuj district, constructing 839 houses for the affected residents. Similarly, following the Latur earthquake, the group built earthquake-resistant houses, which were handed over to villagers by Mother Teresa, symbolizing a gesture of profound compassion and solidarity. ​

    In recognition of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, Sahara adopted 272 families of Kargil martyrs, providing them with economic, emotional, and educational support. The group extended similar assistance to the families of martyrs from the 2008 Mumbai attacks, offering financial aid equivalent to five times their last drawn salary for a decade. 

Healthcare and Disability Support

    Addressing healthcare needs, Sahara established rehabilitation centers for differently-abled individuals in Lucknow and Gorakhpur, benefiting over 25,500 people. These centers offer medical assistance, vocational training, and support services, facilitating the integration of differently-abled individuals into mainstream society. 

Village Adoption and Development

    In 2013, Sahara launched the VEDAS project, aiming to adopt 1,000 villages for holistic development. The initiative targeted 4.5 lakh rural households across seven states, impacting approximately 25 lakh individuals. The project encompassed providing safe drinking water through purification plants and water ATMs, establishing over 500 Education Resource Centers equipped with smart interactive classrooms, and offering free primary healthcare via mobile health units and centralized medical centers. Additionally, empowerment centers were set up to provide vocational training and promote local crafts, while solar-powered lanterns were distributed to enhance eco-friendly lighting solutions. ​
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Retail Ventures

    Sahara's retail initiative, Sahara Q Shop, was launched to combat the menace of adulteration in consumer products. In April 2013, Sahara Q Shop achieved a Guinness World Record by simultaneously opening 315 retail outlets across 10 states in India. These stores aimed to provide 100% unadulterated, quality consumer merchandise, including food and non-food items, to Indian consumers.


Conclusion

    Sahara India Pariwar's journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and a profound commitment to societal development. Through its diverse ventures and initiatives, the group has not only contributed to India's economic growth but has also played a pivotal role in uplifting communities and supporting national causes. Despite facing challenges over the years, Sahara's multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on various sectors, embodying a legacy of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility.


    As of April 2025, Sahara India Pariwar has not publicly announced any recent initiatives in the renewable energy sector. Their last known activities date back to 2009, when Sahara India Power Corporation Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Orissa to establish a 5 MW solar power project and a 25 MW wind energy project in the state. These projects were part of a broader plan to set up a 1,320 MW coal-based thermal power plant in Turla Tehsil of Balangir District, Orissa. ​


    Since then, there have been no further reports or updates regarding Sahara India Pariwar's involvement in renewable energy projects. It's unclear whether the previously announced projects were completed or are still in development. Therefore, as per the available information, Sahara India Pariwar does not appear to have any active or recent initiatives in the renewable energy sector.​