Aga Khan Trust For Culture

In India, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) focuses on enhancing rural development through its Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) established in 1983. It supports marginalized communities by promoting economic development and environmental protection, primarily through natural resource management (NRM) and village-level livelihood improvement. AKDN's efforts encompass diverse agricultural and livestock activities, including crop diversification, improved farming techniques, and access to markets. It also emphasizes climate-smart agriculture practices and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, AKDN fosters women's empowerment and nutrition-sensitive farming practices, aiming to improve overall nutrition outcomes in the communities it serves.

AKDN prioritizes community engagement and mobilization in its civil society initiatives in India. It focuses on building and empowering sustainable community institutions to provide essential social and financial services. By uniting these groups, AKDN enhances their access to Government programmes and public services. Furthermore, it facilitates access to state entitlements for vulnerable groups, including migrants, in multiple Indian states. In 2020, AKDN supported 11,900 civil society organisations, benefitting over 1.1 million people. These institutions play a pivotal role in coordinating initiatives related to agriculture, watershed development, irrigation management, horticulture, and dairy development, operating at various levels and receiving technical and capacity-building support. Additionally, AKDN trains women's self-help groups to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality within their communities.

AKDN's cultural development projects in India encompass significant heritage restoration and revitalization efforts. Notably, it has undertaken the restoration of Humayun's Tomb Complex, alongside activities that extend to social and cultural programmes and urban revitalization in the Nizamuddin area. Additionally, it is involved in the rehabilitation of Sunder Nursery and several historical monuments. In Hyderabad, the Quli Qutb Shahi Tombs are being transformed into a heritage park. These initiatives are part of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and aim to enhance the quality of life for the local community while creating new green spaces for the people of Delhi and beyond. The Nizamuddin heritage precinct, steeped in history and spirituality, serves as a significant focus for these endeavours, uniting heritage preservation with socioeconomic improvements.

AKAH in India focuses on disaster preparedness and response, addressing the country's vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes, flooding, and cyclones. Its work includes risk assessments, early warning systems, volunteer networks, and safeguarding physical structures. AKAH collaborates with communities, conducts school and hospital safety programmes, and has responded to numerous disasters over the years. Its efforts have enhanced disaster resilience and recovery in different regions of India.

AKDN's Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives in India aim to provide children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. They work in states like Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, collaborating with local partners. AKDN offers pre-primary education through traditional K-12 schools and standalone preschools, along with parenting enrichment programs that promote reading culture and child-initiated learning. Professional development is a key focus for teachers, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing. AKDN supports the broader early childhood community, providing training and mentoring to improve care, education, and learning outcomes. Their efforts are aligned with the National Education Policy and have received recognition and rankings for their contributions to early childhood education in India.