One India One People (OIOP) Foundation, a non-profit organisation, was set up in August 1997, coinciding with 50 years of India's Independence. It was founded by Mr. Sadanand A. Shetty, an industrialist, with the objective of uniting the people of this country, using the One India One People magazine as its vehicle. His vision was to build a great, strong and united India, where every citizen is proud to be an Indian—First, Last and Always.
One India One People magazine was born of an urgency to build awareness of our immense cultural legacy and geographical wonder, and also highlight the social, economic and political issues peculiar to India. The purpose of the Foundation is to work as a catalyst and fire many others to act to the full potential of their capabilities to catapult India to the exalted position it deserves. We hope that all citizens, while pursuing their individual goals, would contribute wholly to building and maintaining the cultural fabric of our country. The 20-point Charter of our Foundation was formulated with this in mind.
The larger cause that One India One People propagates is preserving Indian values, traditions and culture through features in 'Know India Better', a popular colour section of the magazine. The Foundation has published an attractive coffee-table book 'Know India Better' and another ‘one-of-its-kind' book profiling 300 'Great Indians', that are proud possessions of many school and college libraries.
Recognising the contribution of Indians to nation building forms an important part of OIOP activities for which the Foundation has instituted the ‘One India One People Outstanding Indian Award' in 2006. The award is given to outstanding Indians for their quiet but far reaching contribution to India. With the support of its well wishers the Foundation intends to continue this initiative. The other important initiative of the OIOP Foundation is to teach our youth good citizenship by organising meaningful activities like rainwater harvesting, administering first aid, fire-fighting, vermiculture, civil defence etc., through One India One People Clubs in schools and colleges. The Foundation has instituted the ‘OIOP Responsible Student-Citizen Award' to sensitise students and encourage them to contribute towards social causes so that they grow into responsible global citizens. Through OIOP Clubs, the Foundation seeks, in the future, to find ways to revive interest in Indian culture and arts, a way to keep the life-line of our legacy intact.
Profile of OIOP's Founder- the late Mr. Sadanand A. Shetty
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
The life of Sadanand A. Shetty, was an apt example of putting into practice the above famous quote of John F. Kennedy.
After attaining a university degree in Arts and Law from the Bombay University and a MBA degree from Stanford and New York Universities, he worked for a couple of private companies and did a short stint as visiting professor of Business Management at Bajaj Institute of Management, University of Bombay from 1960-61. In 1962, he started his own company, and today, the Fouress Group comprises seven companies in various fields from industrial valves to turbines and power generation employing over 1500 employees, with plants and offices all over India.
The spark, to serve the country, that was ignited as a member of the Socialist Party during his college days, was never really extinguished and having made his mark in the industrial arena, Mr. Shetty turned to the national front. His abiding love for his country and the need to contribute his mite towards making India a force to be reckoned with, culminated in establishing the One India One People Foundation and publishing the One India One People magazine.