On the eve of the commercial launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL), the Adani Foundation, in collaboration with Adani Electricity, marked the occasion with a deeply meaningful gesture.
The initiative provided a first-ever air travel experience to over 64 individuals, including women beneficiaries of the 'Swabhimaan' project, students from the Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) in Kosbad-Dahanu, retired army officers, senior citizens from local Navi Mumbai villages, health workers and winners of drawing competition.
One of the day’s most memorable moments was the chance for participants to engage personally with Adani Foundation Chairperson, Dr. Priti Adani and Adani Group Chairman, Mr. Gautam Adani.
"Many participants are beneficiaries of Project Swabhimaan and Adani Skill Development, which are flagship CSR initiatives jointly supported by Adani Electricity, NMIAL, Adani Dahanu Thermal Power Station (ADTPS), and the Adani Foundation. Since its launch in 2022, Swabhimaan has made significant strides in women’s empowerment and livelihood generation by providing Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDP) to women from underprivileged communities.
For these individuals, whose daily lives are often shaped by limited resources, the initiative transformed a distant dream—one usually seen only on television—into a tangible reality.
Empowerment Beyond Economics
The journey symbolized more than just transit; it represented inclusion, dignity, and a broadening of horizons. Through its various programs, the Adani Foundation works to build sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance. By facilitating this flight, the Foundation and Adani Electricity reaffirmed their commitment to going beyond financial support to instill a sense of belonging and confidence in a rapidly progressing world.
Voices from the Initiative
"Traveling during the commercial launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport was a moment of immense pride. Watching the landscape of Alibaug and Mumbai unfold from 11,600 feet was surreal—like seeing a cinematic world come to life," said Mrs. Harshada Gadekar, a Swabhimaan beneficiary. "The highlight was the incredible honor of meeting Mr. Gautam Adani and Dr. Priti Adani. Their warmth made us feel truly valued. Today, we don’t just feel like beneficiaries; we feel special."
Ajit Dhadga, a student at Adani Skill Development Center, Kosbad near Dahanu, shared his excitement: "Living near the Adani Dahanu Thermal Power Station, I’ve always been curious about large-scale operations. Today’s visit took my aspirations to new heights. Seeing the flight deck and the boarding process firsthand has made the world of aviation feel within my reach. This day will be a driving force for my professional future."
“At Adani Foundation, we believe true empowerment goes beyond livelihoods; it is about dignity and opening doors to new possibilities. This initiative is our way of telling our beneficiaries that their dreams matter,” said a spokesperson from the Adani Foundation.
A spokesperson from Adani Electricity added, “Powering lives is not just about electricity; it’s about illuminating the path to progress. We are proud to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and the modern infrastructure they help build. Seeing the joy of our Swabhimaan partners as they took to the skies reinforces our purpose of being a partner in India’s growth story.”
