PV Sindhu Launches ‘Naari Shakti’, EBG Group’s New Women Empowerment Mission

EBG Group, on Tuesday, said that it has launched a nationwide women empowerment programme, ‘Naari Shakti’, backed by a commitment of USD 1 million for FY 2025–26. The initiative aims to support one lakh women in its first phase and includes a new 24/7 national SOS helpline — Suraksha Line (7777777963) — for women seeking immediate help or guidance.

Dr. Irfan Khan, Chairman and Founder of EBG Group, said the mission was created to address the everyday barriers that still limit women’s safety, financial independence, health access and legal rights. “Naari Shakti was created to change this reality through action, not charity. We do not raise public funds. The EBG Foundation invests resources earned through our own businesses with transparency and accountability,” he said. He added that with more than 60% of EBG’s workforce consisting of women, the company wanted to extend its experience to a wider national platform.

PV Sindhu called the initiative a step towards restoring dignity and agency. “When a woman can earn from home, safeguard her health, restart her education, seek help without fear, assert her legal rights, and age with respect, society rises with her,” she said.

A six-pillar model

Naari Shakti will operate through six core areas:

Kaam & Kamaai: Work-from-home income opportunities for women who need flexible livelihoods.
Sehat & Swachhta: Access to basic health checks and dignity kits.
Padhna & Badalna: Support for second-chance education and digital skills.
Suraksha Line: A round-the-clock national helpline (7777777963) offering immediate support.
Kanoon & Hakk: Legal guidance for women facing violence or rights-related issues.
Saath & Sahara: Care and support for abandoned or elderly women through Naari Shakti Homes.

The programme is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. Priority will be given to those facing higher vulnerability: survivors of domestic violence, widows, single mothers, abandoned elder women, women without stable income and young women whose education was cut short due to early marriage or financial constraints.

With its first-phase commitment and a structured six-pillar approach, the EBG Foundation aims to build a model that can be expanded to more states and replicated nationally.