Sundeep Talwar, Founder and chief executive officer of IGF India

An interview with Sundeep Talwar, Founder and chief executive officer of IGF India, a global affairs organisation that tells the story of contemporary India.

In this exclusive interview, Sundeep Talwar, Founder and CEO of IGF India, shares his insights on the evolving narrative of contemporary India.

With a focus on global affairs, Talwar discusses the organization’s mission to illuminate India’s diverse stories and its impact on the international stage.

How do IGF-India’s programs like ANGEL and NEMO contribute to community empowerment?

Sundeep Talwar: At IGF-India, we are driven to ignite lasting social change by empowering the most vulnerable, transforming lives with hope, dignity, and opportunity.

Through innovative initiatives such as the ANGEL and NEMO programs, we are breaking barriers, fostering independence, and enabling dignified livelihoods for those who need it most.

The ANGEL program stands as a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and opening doors for women, youth, and frontline healthcare workers across India.

NEMO: Empowering Specially-Abled Citizens

India is home to over 2.2% of its population living with disabilities, with a significant number facing mobility challenges. 41% of the disabled people are within the 20-49years age group.

The NEMO program is designed to address these challenges head-on by:

Vocational Skilling: The biggest challenge for IGF team is to reduce the stigma around specially abled and address/ solve the mental, emotional, and social challenges faced by them, including limited opportunities for education and employment, social isolation, and inaccessibility of public spaces and events.

Hence the 7 day residential training program covers session like  Psychological & Stress Management., Asserting Self, Non-Verbal Communication, Prayer/Yoga, Active Listening, Self-awareness, Fear of the Unknown, Empathy and social awareness, Financial Literacy, Team building, First Aid, Core Roles & Responsibilities, Basic life Support, Handling Emergencies, Training by the employer like Zomato with videos and Practice session, and finally the Flag off ceremony

Providing Mobility Solutions: NEMO program equips wheelchair users with both indoor and outdoor mobility aids, including motorized wheelchairs, allowing them to move freely and participate actively in society.

Livelihood & Employment: The program goes beyond mobility, offering skilling opportunities that prepare specially-abled individuals for meaningful employment. NEMO has successfully facilitated job placements with leading platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy, enabling over 100+ men and women to earn a dignified livelihood.

Promoting Independence & Dignity: NEMO ignites a powerful transformation-equipping individuals with mobility and meaningful employment, it unleashes their potential to live boldly, contribute fully, and rise above society’s shadows into the light of dignity and independence.

How ANGEL Drives Community Empowerment

Championing Women & Youth: ANGEL’s holistic approach fosters gender parity and empowers young minds, ensuring that every participant has the tools to shape their own destiny and uplift those around them.

By investing in tailored education and upskilling, ANGEL transforms ambition into action, enabling women and youth to break generational cycles and claim their rightful place as leaders.

Strengthening Frontline Heroes: Through initiatives like #ThankANurse, ANGEL upskills Nurses, Paramedical staff, ASHA and Anganwadi workers-empowering these vital healthcare professionals with financial and digital literacy, industry-relevant training, and access to social security schemes.

This not only boosts their confidence and job security but also enhances the quality of care they provide in their communities.

Building Financial Freedom:

ANGEL equips participants with the tools to achieve financial independence-offering digital literacy, financial education, and pathways to sustainable livelihoods. This transforms not just individual lives, but the well-being of entire families

What is the cost and purpose of IGF-India’s “Care On Wheels” program?

Sundeep Talwar: IGF-India’s “Care On Wheels” program is a flagship initiative designed to bridge the healthcare gap in rural and underserved communities across India.

By deploying mobile healthcare units, the program brings expert medical consultations, free diagnostic tests, high-quality medicines, sanitary pads, condoms and even personal home visits directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most.

The goal is to ensure that no family is left behind due to lack of access, and to prevent treatable illnesses from pushing families deeper into poverty. The program runs, reaching different villages  and extends its reach through regular health camps.  

Services include vital health check-ups, diabetes and hemoglobin testing, medicine distribution by registered pharmacists, menstrual hygiene sensitization in schools, health awareness sessions, and home visits for bedridden patients.

COW program also covers the health check ups for government school going children along with awareness of mensuration and free sanitary pads to girl student; ensuring drop in school absenteeism by 50 days in year.

By making quality healthcare accessible and promoting preventive health practices, “Care On Wheels” not only treats illness but also empowers communities with knowledge and dignity.

This flagship initiative is part of IGF-India’s broader mission to impact five million lives by 2030, building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

The average cost of treatment with diagnostic, Doctors consultation and one week of medicines id INR 250Rs (3USD).

How does IGF-India address the stigma and lack of awareness around menstruation among young girls in India?

Sundeep Talwar: IGF-India’s Empower Her program is on a mission to break the silence, shatter taboos, and ensure that menstruation never stands in the way of a girl’s education, health, or dignity.

In a country where only 12% of the 355 million menstruating women have access to sanitary napkins, and where myths and misinformation perpetuate stigma, IGF-India is leading a transformative movement.

Comprehensive Awareness Programs:  IGF-India creates safe, supportive spaces for both young girls & boys to learn about menstrual health.

Through interactive sessions in schools and communities, the program tackles myths head-on, replaces misinformation with facts, and encourages open conversations.

These awareness campaigns empower girls with knowledge about their bodies, menstrual hygiene, and the importance of self-care, helping to normalize menstruation and reduce shame.

Distribution of Menstrual Hygiene Kits: Recognizing that access is as important as awareness, IGF-India provides curated menstrual hygiene kits designed to last an entire year.

These kits include sanitary pads and educational materials, ensuring girls have both the resources and the information they need to manage their periods safely and confidently.

Sanitary Pad Dispensing Machines & Incinerators’:  To make menstrual products readily available, IGF-India has also installed sanitary pad dispensing machines in public utilities, such as Northern India Railways platforms, schools/ colleges including incinerators. 

On an average these machines are dispensing over 1 million pads monthly FOC to the beneficiaries. These machines ensure that girls and females can access hygiene products discreetly and conveniently, even in public spaces.

Breaking the Cycle of Stigma: By combining education, access, and community engagement, Empower Her is dismantling generations-old taboos.

The program’s impact is evident: over 10 million sanitary pads distributed last year alone and 66,000+ menstrual cycles supported so far with young girl students.

Each girl reached is a step closer to a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier to school attendance, personal growth, or opportunity.

What components are included in IGF-India’s curated Menstrual Hygiene Kits distributed to schoolgirls?

Sundeep Talwar: IGF-India’s curated Menstrual Hygiene Kits, distributed through the Empower Her program, include the following components:

216 sanitary pads (sufficient for one year)

4 undergarments to support sanitary pad usage

1 educational booklet on menstrual hygiene and health

Soap provisions for personal hygiene

1 sling school bag to carry books and stationery

These kits are designed to help schoolgirls manage their menstrual health with dignity and confidence, while also promoting hygiene and awareness.

Where has IGF-India installed sanitary pad dispensing machines, and what is their monthly impact?

Sundeep Talwar: IGF-India has installed sanitary pad dispensing machines, incinerators largely in Government schools/ colleges & public utility places such as Northern India Railways, to ensure our Mothers, Sisters and daughters of our nation, can travel, attend schools & live a hygienic life with dignity.  These machines are part of a large-scale effort to improve menstrual hygiene and accessibility in public spaces.

Their monthly impact is significant, dispensing over 1+ million sanitary pads each month, directly supporting menstrual health and dignity for thousands of women and girls who might otherwise lack access to these essential products.

Sundeep Talwar’s vision for IGF India underscores the importance of storytelling in shaping perceptions of India.

As the organization continues to bridge cultural divides, Talwar’s leadership promises to enhance India’s presence in global discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of its complexities and contributions to the world.

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