The Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (commonly abbreviated PDKF) is a Jaipur-based charity organisation named after Diya Kumari.
| Abbreviation | PDKF |
|---|---|
| Named after | Diya Kumari |
| Formation | 2013 |
| Founder | Diya Kumari |
| Type | Charitable organization |
| Purpose | To provide holistic support and empower disadvantaged women and girls in rural Rajasthan |
| Location | |
Region served | Rajasthan |
Key people | |
| Website | princessdiyakumarifoundation |
History
editThe foundation was formed in 2013 by Diya Kumari.[1][2] She founded this foundation to help underprivileged women and girls from rural Rajasthan by providing them with vocational training, education and ways to earn income to become financially independent and productive members of the community.[3][4][5] In 2019, the foundation supported Suman Rao's project Pragati.[6][7] By this project, Suman intended to help the women in tribal communities in getting financial independence.[7] During COVID-19, the foundation distributed essential supplies such as biscuits, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bedsheets, and protective gear such as hand-gloves, masks and sanitary napkins to migrant workers and people confined in isolation centres in Jaipur.[8]
Trustees
editDiya Kumari serves as the president of the PDKF. Diya's son Padmanabh Singh serves as the foundation vice-president, and her daughter Gauravi Kumari serves as its general secretary.[9][10]
PDKF Store
editIn 2021, Diya's daughter Gauravi Kumari co-founded PDKF Store with French designer Claire Deroo.[11][12] At this store, people can purchase products made by women and girls trained by the PDKF.[13][14] All the proceeds generated by sales from the store go to the foundation.[15] The first retail outlet of the store was opened at the City Palace, Jaipur on 20 March 2022.
Partnerships
editIn 2019, the foundation partnered with Airbnb to train women from rural areas in Rajasthan to become Airbnb hosts and entrepreneurs while at the same time promoting local culture.[5] In 2024, the foundation partnered with Ralph Lauren to host a high-profile fundraising event at City Palace, Jaipur, to raise funds for the foundation's social welfare projects to support disadvantaged communities.[16] In 2025, the foundation partnered with Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy to start a collective initiative called “Sewing Hope” to provide over 100 underprivileged women in rural Jaipur free sewing training under Project Shakti.[17] The foundation also collaborated with MOI Fine Jewellery to bring traditional beadwork of the Meghwal community of Barmer to the 2026 edition of London Craft Week.[18]
Polo
editIn 2024, the foundation jointly organised the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation Ladies Polo Cup with the United States Polo Association at Rajasthan Polo Club.[19][20] A total of three teams, namely Team USPA, Team PDKF and Team RPC, participated in this one-day tournament, and Team PDKF won the cup by defeating Team USPA in the finals by 3-1.[20]
References
edit- ↑ Paula, Rodrigues; Pinto, Borges, Ana; Elvira, Vieira; Victor, Tavares (16 July 2024). Compelling Storytelling Narratives for Sustainable Branding. IGI Global. p. 96. ISBN 979-8-3693-3327-3.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ Mehta, Krupakshi (4 July 2025). "With the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation and The PDKF Store, Gauravi Kumari rekindles Jaipur's craft heritage and empowers women through sustainable work". www.architectureplusdesign.in. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ↑ "When Royalty Cares for the Rural: Princess Diya Kumari Foundation - LuxuryFacts: News, Reviews, Features on Luxury". 22 August 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ↑ Malik, Tanya (15 January 2026). "For Sawai Padmanabh Singh, Philanthropy Means Serving His People". Robb Report India. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- 1 2 Airbnb (22 October 2019). "Airbnb Partners with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation". Airbnb Newsroom. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ↑ "Miss India 2019, Suman Rao, Teams Up With PDKF For Project Pragati". Travel and Leisure Asia | India. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- 1 2 Kumar, Anjana (15 December 2019). "Who is Suman Rao? All you need to know about Miss World 2019 second runner up from India". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ Immanuel, Nitija (8 April 2020). "COVID CRUSADERS: Princess Diya Kumari Foundation". Goodhomes.co.in. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ Assomull, Sujata (3 June 2025). "Beyond Bollywood: The new playbook for Indian brand ambassadors". Vogue. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "Sawai Padmanabh Singh "Pacho" | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry". The Business of Fashion. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "The reign makers". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ Assomull, Sujata (3 June 2025). "Beyond Bollywood: The new playbook for Indian brand ambassadors". Vogue. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "#VocalForLocal: A Day In The Life Of The Ladies Behind The PDKF Store". Le Mill. 8 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ Pradhan, Pari (13 February 2025). "The PDKF Store Is Empowering Rajasthani Artisans With Their Valentine's Day Gifts". Homegrown. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "How The PDKF Store Is Consciously Creating The Perfect Gen Z Offering | Grazia India". www.grazia.co.in. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "Ralph Lauren and the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation unite for a special fundraising gala". Harper Bazar. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ Raju, Upamanyu (12 February 2025). "Sewing Hope: Empowering India's Underserved Women". A&K Philanthropy. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ Mubarak, Salva (23 April 2026). "This exhibition at London Craft Week 2026 explores how Venetian glass beads took on new meaning in Rajasthan". Vogue India. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "PDKF emerge Ladies Polo Cup champions". The Times of India. 3 March 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Team Princess Diya Kumari Foundation emerge Ladies Polo Cup 2024 champions". The Times of India. 2 March 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 April 2026.