Our Founder & History

Dr. Kiran Bedi - Founder and Mentor, Navjyoti India Foundation

Dr. Kiran Bedi is a trailblazer, known for being the first woman to join the Indian Police Service, where she earned accolades such as the prestigious Magsaysay Award and the President's Gallantry Award. A multifaceted leader, she holds a Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and is a Nehru Fellow, author, Asian tennis champion, and former Lt. Governor of Puducherry. Her international contributions include serving as Civilian Police Advisor to the United Nations.

Driven by a passion for social reform, Dr. Bedi founded Navjyoti India Foundation in 1987, aiming to addressing societal challenges at the grassroots level. Initially focused on combating the rising crime rates through education and community policing in marginalized areas,

Navjyoti has since evolved into a multifaceted organization that empowers underprivileged communities through initiatives in child education, skill development, women empowerment, environment, and community development. Her commitment to grassroots change continues to inspire generations.

To learn more about Dr. Kiran Bedi, please visit kiranbedi.com

To learn more about our mission, vision and approach, visit About Navjyoti India Foundation

Our Journey Through the Years

1987-1991

Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation was officially registered as a voluntary organization.
The Kutirudyog initiative was launched to provide income-generating opportunities for inmates at Tihar Jail.
Navjyoti’s de-addiction centres in multiple police stations were amalgamated, with operations centralized at Sarai Rohilla Police Station to consolidate years of experience and insights.
A comprehensive treatment model based on Medico–Psycho–Social and spiritual management, incorporating homeopathy and yoga, was developed, standardized, and adopted.
Navjyoti's first de-addiction centre was established at Andha Mughal Police Station, followed by seven others across North Delhi Police Stations. Counselling was introduced as a key component of the treatment plan for the first time.

1992-1996

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, recognized Navjyoti’s efforts by providing financial support for its de-addiction centre.
The Tihar Jail Rehabilitation Project was launched to promote the economic empowerment of women inmates. Over 100 women opened bank accounts during their time in jail.
The Navjyoti Gratitude Club was founded by recovering addicts who had been treated at Navjyoti and were now leading better lives.
The first exhibition of tapestries made by women inmates as part of the "Weaving Behind the Bars" project was held at the residence of the Danish Ambassador.
Navjyoti expanded its work into rural development, focusing on Bhondsi village near Gurgaon.

1997-2002

Navjyoti was granted special consultative status by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
The innovative “Gali School” concept was introduced in Yamuna Pushta to provide education to children and women.
Navjyoti received the Serge Sotiroff Memorial Award from the United Nations in Vienna for its outstanding contributions to international drug abuse prevention.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy launched the “Children’s Education and Community-Based Integrated Development” (NORAD) project, focused on eliminating child labour.
Navjyoti was accredited as a study centre under the National Open School’s Open Basic Education Programme, benefiting over 300 children.
Navjyoti’s health centre at Yamuna Pushta achieved the milestone of treating 100,000 patients.

2003-2007

Navjyoti partnered with the government to support the mission of Universal Elementary Education, establishing learning centres in Yamuna Pushta and Jahangirpuri.
70 Gali Schools were set up across 38 villages in Sohna Block with the support of LIFE Trust.
Navjyoti initiated interventions in newly relocated areas, Holambi Kalan and Bawana, for integrated community development.
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation supported a project aimed at "Substantially improving resettled slum children’s education and growth by enhancing their environment" in Bawana Resettlement Colony.
The slums at Yamuna Pushta were demolished.

2008-2012

70 Gali Schools were set up across 38 villages in Sohna Block with the support of LIFE Trust.
The slums at Yamuna Pushta were demolished.
Navjyoti initiated interventions in newly relocated areas, Holambi Kalan and Bawana, for integrated community development.
The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation supported a project aimed at "Substantially improving resettled slum children’s education and growth by enhancing their environment" in Bawana Resettlement Colony.
Navjyoti partnered with the government to support the mission of Universal Elementary Education, establishing learning centres in Yamuna Pushta and Jahangirpuri.

2013-2018

The Pani Police initiative, conceptualized by Dr. Kiran Bedi, was created to address water conservation and management.
The Kavach self-defence training program was launched to equip boys and girls in North West Delhi with essential skills for personal safety.
Navjyoti received the "NGO Partner Award" from Tata Housing for its environmental initiatives.
The "Jal Kranti" initiative was started at the Rural Management Training Institute to promote water sustainability.
Satellite centres were established in remote areas of North West Delhi to enhance access to services.
The "Unnati" website was launched to provide a platform for women to market their products digitally.
The Bal Gurukul – Early Leadership Program was launched in Bawana to foster leadership skills in young children.

2019-2024

Navjyoti Community College was renovated into Navjyoti Skills Academy, providing skill training and improving livelihoods for 25,000+ beneficiaries.
Rainwater Harvesting Structures were built in 44 police stations in Gurugram and Faridabad and annual ground water recharge potential of 352+ million litres was created.
Rural Management and Training Institute expanded to Palwal and Jhajjar District of Haryana.
Project Neev was initiated, strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for 500 students per year in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Bal Panchayat was launched by Navjyoti Bal Gurukul, empowering 2,560 community children as young leaders and changemakers through interactive discussions on critical topics such as Child Rights & Safety, Menstrual Health & Hygiene, Disaster Management, and Peer Pressure.
Project TechConnect began, empowering 27,000+ beneficiaries with futuristic courses, digital exposure, and employability-focused IT training across 58 satellite centers in Delhi NCR.

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