The Braj Foundation is a non-profit organization, established in 2005 by eminent industrialists of India & abroad to restore the environmental and cultural heritage of Braj- the land of Shri Radha Krishna, which falls within the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur & Agra. The same is lying neglected for centuries despite it's great tourism potential.
In a short span of 5 years the Foundation has achieved impressive and unprecedented success on several fronts and has spent over Rs. 10 crores on restoration and research. Its work has been appreciated at the highest level of governance, corporate world & media. It has recently won UNESCO sponsored award as the best NGO for restoring ancient water bodies.
The region of Braj has a distinct and unique ecological, architectural and cultural heritage. It deifies the intertwined relationship between environment, ritual and the Lord. Historically as well as spiritually, the Braj landscape is intrinsically woven into all aspects of Indian culture.
Braj has served as a living example of how environmental consciousness can be effectively motivated through generations. Therefore, its protection, revival and restoration should naturally follow, especially for the lovers of Indian culture.
The Braj Foundation is actively working by combining local community, best professional expertise, official machinery, appropriate technology and financial support from corporate world, public sector, govt. funding and individual donations. We are totally secular in our approach and have people from different religious backgrounds, including Muslims and Christians etc. working enthusiastically for achieving the goals of the Foundation.
Accomplishments so far :
1. Restoration of 36 Ancient Water Bodies in different stages
2. Revival of 2 Groves, work on 4 more in progress
3. Protection of Hills & Regeneration of Green Cover
4. Master planning of Braj for UP Govt.
5. Restoration of 3 heritage buildings
6. Audio-visual documentation of Braj culture
7. Drinking water supply projects in some villages
8. Exhaustive scientific survey of Braj region
9. World-wide awareness campaign about the plight of Braj
10. Nine grand Braj Mahotsavs in different parts of the country
11. Special legislations for Braj protection
“This is an extraordinary effort, and a great way to revive age old forgotten heritage and culture. This is an inspiring example for the youth of the nation. The Braj Foundation follows a systematic and scientific procedure in this whole development process, at the same time involving local and making them responsible which is essential for sustenance on a long term.”
Mrs. Ranjana Kumar
Vigilance Commissioner of India
“I had the opportunity to see the restoration of a heritage site (Brahm Kund) done by the Foundation. It is a commendable work done with great sensitivity”.
Dr. Subas Pani
Secretary, Planning Commission of India
“It is a tribute to what can be done with people’s participation. An excellent initiative, it would be our effort to support it in all possible manner.”
Mr. Atul Gupta
Chief Secretary Govt. of UP
“I would particularly like to place on record my deep appreciation for the contribution of The Braj Foundation, who with their enormous research & insights, field survey reports and their undergoing of the cultural history, have included many innovative ideas in the Tourism Master Plan. I hope this Master Plan would provide the basis for integrated development of tourism in the Braj region."
Mr. Susheel Kumar
Principal Secy. Tourism,
Govt. of UP
"The Braj Foundation is doing good work for the community development and I have seen their accomplishments."
Mrs. Sushma Swaraj
Leader Opposition
Lok Sabha
"The Braj Foundation has given the vision for Braj Development. We will do everything possible to help them."
Mr. Subodh Kant Sahay
Union Minister for Tourism
