DHAN Foundation has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canara Bank to enhance access to formal banking services for Self Help Groups (SHGs) promoted by DHAN Foundation. The partnership, valid until June 2029, will be implemented through Canara Bank branches across the country, creating new opportunities for quality credit access, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihood promotion.
For nearly four decades, DHAN Foundation has built strong community institutions and promoted responsible financial services. This MoU recognizes the credibility of DHAN-promoted SHGs and establishes a structured partnership with one of India's largest public sector banks to improve access to timely and affordable credit. The MoU offers several advantages to SHGs (Kalanjiam, AFGs, Uzhavaragam, Dhaniyam and Neithal Groups) promoted by DHAN Foundation:
This collaboration is more than a financing arrangement. It reflects the confidence that the formal banking sector places in DHAN Foundation's community institutions and field processes. Together, this partnership reinforces DHAN Foundation's mission of building people-led institutions and enabling inclusive, sustainable development through strong financial systems.
2nd Indo-Global Irrigation Summit 2026, organized by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in partnership with DHAN Foundation, under the aegis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, concluded successfully in New Delhi on 24–25 June 2026. The summit, inaugurated by Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, brought together global experts and policymakers under the theme "Smart Irrigation Management."
As a key partner, DHAN Foundation conducted an exclusive technical session on "Community Water Governance," showcasing four decades of experience in community-led irrigation management, people's institutions, and successful grassroots models through the DHAN Vayalagam (Tank) Foundation. The session reaffirmed that strong community institutions are fundamental to sustainable water governance, irrigation resilience, and long-term water security.
Over the years, RDIP has expanded to include participants from corporates, B-schools, architecture, agriculture, engineering, and arts & science colleges. Its collaboration with Thiagarajar School of Management aims to nurture socially responsible professionals with a strong understanding of grassroots socio-economic and development challenges.
The immersion programme provides students with exposure to field realities, holistic village dynamics, and hands-on experience in participatory research. It focuses on shaping attitudes and sensitizing participants to poverty and development issues in both rural and urban contexts. Over 120+ students from Thiagarajar School of Management took part in the week-long immersion at TDA in April 2026.
