Enabling women, youth, and seniors to realize their potential
India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is on track to become the third largest by GDP. Yet, GDP per capita remains under $3,000. True progress will come only when every Indian becomes an aspirant, participant, and beneficiary in the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Inspired by the collective action of the Quit India Movement, NEF (The Natarajan Empowerment Foundation) seeks to galvanize the same spirit where millions of citizens felt they had a role to play. We believe empowerment is the key: giving people the agency to transform themselves, and in doing so, transform India.
We exist because growth without empowerment is incomplete. NEF’s purpose is to awaken agency in every Indian, so that they can realize their potential, contribute meaningfully, and feel part of India’s journey.
At NEF, empowerment is intentional and structured through our Agency by Design framework. This five-step cycle begins with Aspiration, where individuals are inspired to dream bigger and commit to change. In Awareness, they explore opportunities and understand the schemes and support available from Government and international agencies for entrepreneurship or youth engagement. Action Agenda follows, mapping customers, markets, and strategies. Preparedness builds the necessary skills, mindset, and readiness to take the leap. Finally, Execution turns plans into real outcomes – jobs created, ventures launched, communities strengthened thus fuelling India’s collective journey toward Viksit Bharat.
NEF is building pathways for three groups who hold immense untapped potential.
We believe that when individuals transform, the nation transforms.
NEF draws unique strength from its founders, Dr. Ganesh Natarajan and Dr. Uma Ganesh. With decades of leadership across business, technology, and social impact, they bring deep expertise as well as a proven track record of mentoring leaders and driving inclusive change. Their combined vision and experience ensures that NEF’s programs are not only aspirational but also practical, scalable, and rooted in real-world impact.
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I am writing to let you know that I have recently completed my final mentor session for the program.
I am incredibly grateful to this program for pairing me with Prameela. Despite everything she has achieved, she remains so humble. She truly helped me shift my mindset and implement small, impactful changes in my daily life to better balance my career goals with family life, allowing me to pursue my achievements guilt-free. She is a perfect mentor for women navigating the corporate world.
Thank you again for providing such a meaningful mentorship experience.
I was trying for a role in my organisation since the last 2 yrs and observed that others were getting there, while I was still working hard but wasnt getting the visibility. Owing to the IIM Mumbai program, I made small changes in the way I was approaching the role and recently I received the fantastic news as my manager announced the position I was vying for.
IIM & NEF LAP Industry Connect Series #2: “Inspiring and Practicing Passion Osmosis” by Manjiri Gokhale Joshi.
"Passion Osmosis”- it’s amazing to realize how passion and knowledge actually transfer like Osmosis, just by being around inspiring leaders, watching them in action, and absorbing their way of thinking and working.
It is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about direction, it is about inspiration, alignment, and the ability to transfer energy to others.
Huge thanks to Manjiri Gokhale Joshi for an incredible talk on Passion Osmosis! Every question answered, every takeaway valuable. Such a motivating session
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