How Adani Group is supporting ISKCON to feed pilgrims through CSR

As pilgrims flock the world’s biggest gathering of humanity, the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 at Prayagraj, it is being ensured that people get food and those who cannot pay for the same, don’t have to stay hungry. The Adani Group has joined hands with International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to conduct Mahaprasad Seva at Maha Kumbh 2025 to serve 60,000 devotees and 18,000 cleaning workers throughout the 45 days of the event from January 13 to February 26.

Meals will be prepared in two advanced kitchens staffed by 2,500 volunteers and served at 40 distribution points across the festival grounds. Each meal will consist of roti, dal, rice, vegetables, and sweets, served on eco-friendly plates made from leaves.
Special arrangements have been made for vulnerable groups, including the provision of golf carts for differently-abled individuals, the elderly people and mothers with children.

Apart from meals, in collaboration with Gita Press, five lakh copies of Geeta Saar, a summary collection of verses from the Bhagavad-gita, are being distributed. The Adani Group has also pledged to distribute one crore copies of the Aarti Sangrah, a compilation of devotional hymns.

Gautam Adani on ‘Mahaprasad Seva’ at Maha Kumbh

“Kumbh is that sacred land of service where every hand automatically gets engaged in charity! It is my good fortune that in Maha Kumbh, in collaboration with @IskconInc, we are starting ‘Mahaprasad Seva’ for the devotees, in which free food will be provided to lakhs of people with the blessings of Maa Annapurna. In this context, today I got the opportunity to meet ISKCON Guru Prasad Swamiji and deeply experience the power of dedication towards service. In the true sense, service is the highest form of patriotism. Service is sadhana, service is prayer and service is God,” Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani recently announced via a post on X.

ISKCON on CSR support from Adani Group

“The Adani Group has always been a shining example of corporate responsibility and social service. What makes Gautam Adani truly remarkable is his humility – he never waits to be called but moves forward to serve selflessly. We are extremely grateful for his contribution. His work inspires us to give back to society and unite in the service of humanity,” said Guru Prasad Swami Ji, Chairman of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission.
The ISKCON has also stated that with Adani Group’s support, they can now serve unlimited meals to devotees attending the Maha Kumbh.

“When we came here, we were doing 10,000 meals a day but then the Adani Group moved in and he partnered with us. So he is financing us this gives us the ability to do unlimited meals,” said ISKCON monk Sanak Sanatan Das.

Gautam Adani’s philanthropy

Adani group chairman Gautam Adani believes in transforming lives through generosity and Corporate Social Responsibility. He believes that every contribution to community service, whether at the individual or group-level, is important. Businesses can make a larger impact and should contribute to bringing about transformation – a great way to give back to community. This is because communities are an integral part in the growth of businesses. This kind of involvement can influence everything. Such efforts, no matter how big or small, have a positive impact. Giving back is the right thing to do, and social enterprises must be encouraged as they focus on improving the lives of the less privileged, directing their energies and abilities to serving society. Creating an environment where giving back is valued does not require a reason. It could be because it makes you and everyone around you feel good, or it could be because it is crucial and might save a life.

The Adani Group made a significant philanthropic contribution of Rs 330 crore, securing the 5th position in 2024, in the Hurun India Philanthropy list. Their charitable initiatives are primarily funneled through the group’s CSR arm Adani Foundation, with the largest share of their donation directed towards education, followed by efforts in skill development and community health programmes.