Genesis
The story of how a philosophy of shared humanity became a movement for community empowerment across India.
Where the Name Comes From
The name of the Foundation has been derived from Ubuntu, a traditional African philosophy often translated as "I am because we are," but is used in a more philosophical sense to mean "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."
Ubantu Foundation was registered as a social organisation in October 2018 under the Companies Act, 2013. The organisation in its current form has evolved over the last five years out of the extensive community organisation and research work undertaken by Sumit Singh, Director of Ubantu Foundation, in Jodhpur and Goa.
Two successful initiatives — the Smart Colony–Smart Ward Initiative and a social intervention establishing biodegradable sanitary pad making as a livelihood model for women's self-help groups (SHGs) — provided a solid foundation for the organisation's future interventions.
"I am because we are."
Ubuntu — the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. This timeless philosophy underpins every initiative, every partnership, and every community that Ubantu Foundation works with across India.
How It All Began
From a single district in Rajasthan to communities across India, the Foundation's journey is rooted in persistent grassroots action and a belief in citizen-driven change.
Seeds of Change in Urban Governance
The Director began working with the district administration, local bodies, citizens, SHGs, and other stakeholders in Jodhpur to devise strategies for meaningful citizen participation in urban governance. This persistent groundwork laid the intellectual and operational foundation for everything that followed.
Smart Colony – Smart Ward Initiative
Through persistent efforts, the Director conceptualised and executed the Smart Colony–Smart Ward Initiative. The Government of Rajasthan appreciated the model and officially recommended it to all municipalities as a success story, validating the community-driven approach to urban governance.
Replicating the Model in Goa
Invited by the Urban Development Department, Government of Goa, to replicate the Smart Colony–Smart Ward model, the Director developed a smart colony within the first month. He continued working with the Goa government to help municipalities achieve the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission.
Biodegradable Sanitary Pad Initiative
In July 2017, the Director discovered Jayashree, leader of a women's enterprise making biodegradable sanitary pads in a Goa village. Though eco-friendly and high-quality, the business struggled. Over more than a year, the Director worked to upgrade the product, design promotional strategies, and help establish it as a viable livelihood model for women's self-help groups across Goa.
Ubantu Foundation Registered
With both initiatives receiving appreciation from government and reputed social organisations in Goa and Rajasthan, Ubantu Foundation was formally registered as a social organisation under the Companies Act, 2013 — bringing a structured institutional identity to years of grassroots work.
Our Core Pillars
Built on years of fieldwork and community partnership, Ubantu Foundation's work spans four interconnected areas of social development.
🏘️ Community Organisation
Bringing citizens, SHGs, and local bodies together to design and execute development strategies that reflect real community needs.
👩 Women Empowerment
Supporting women-led enterprises and self-help groups to build sustainable livelihoods — from sanitary pad manufacturing to skill development.
🏛️ Urban Governance
Strengthening local self-governance through participatory planning, civic engagement, and proven replicable models like Smart Colony–Smart Ward.
🌱 Sustainable Development
Championing eco-friendly solutions and integrated approaches that balance social progress with environmental responsibility.
States & Impact Areas
From Rajasthan to Goa to Delhi, Ubantu Foundation's work touches lives across geographies and communities.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Where the journey began — urban governance, citizen participation, and the Smart Colony–Smart Ward Initiative.
Goa
Replicating governance models and empowering women SHGs through biodegradable product enterprises.
Delhi
National hub for advocacy, technical support, strategic partnerships, and policy-level engagement.
Uttar Pradesh
Engaging with rural and peri-urban communities to strengthen grassroots governance, livelihood initiatives, and women's empowerment programmes.
Uttarakhand
Working with mountain communities on sustainable development, eco-sensitive practices, and inclusive social interventions suited to the region's unique geography.
"The belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."