Greetings, Project RISHI alumni, friends, and supporters,

We are pleased to introduce ourselves as the UCLA chapter of Project RISHI (Rural India Social and Health Improvement), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainably developing and empowering the residents of two rural Indian villages, Vadamanapakkam and Attrambakkam, in Tamil Nadu. In partnership with local community members and social enterprises, we identify issues central to our target communities and provide the resources necessary to implement solutions through extensive field research and on-campus initiatives. Our UCLA chapter works to improve the quality of life in these villages through initiatives in youth empowerment, women’s reproductive health, environmental sustainability, and healthcare.

With the generous support of our donors last year, UCLA Project RISHI successfully traveled to India in December 2024. During this trip, we achieved several milestones, including hosting two eye camps in partnership withankara Nethralaya Foundation that provided subsidized vision screenings, glasses, and cataract surgery treatment to over 300 patients, delivering a two-year supply of soap and hygiene education to the primary school, organizing a Women’s Festival to celebrate our six-months of reproductive health workshops in partnership with the women’s self-help group, and supporting children’s learning through the Tamil Nadu Foundation’s ABC Project, a five-year educational and infrastructural initiative in collaboration with the TN Department of Education. This coming year, our initiatives will focus on conducting medical camps, promoting dental hygiene and substance use education, bringing neonatal screening technology, advancing WASH community leadership councils, and expanding our youth empowerment work through workshops with students.

How You Can Help:

Any donation is greatly appreciated! Your contributions will directly support the materials and resources necessary to execute these initiatives during our upcoming projects in India. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to improving lives and empowering communities.

$5–$10: 3 Months' Supply of Soap, 1 set of NEET and JEE prep materials

$15–$25: Kitchen Garden Starter Pack, Eyeglasses

$30–$50: Dental Hygiene Kits, Camera for PhotoVoice

$75–$100: Water Testing Kits, a Month of a Teacher's Salary

$200-$300: Medical Screenings

Message from Project RISHI 2025-2026:

Project RISHI’s mission of global outreach is made possible by the generosity of our donors. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supports our cause, whether by sharing our message or donating to our efforts. Thank you for helping us continue this journey, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the year ahead!

Best regards,

The Project RISHI Team