Innovation

The inspiration behind The Better India stemmed from a deep passion for uncovering stories of grassroots change that often go unnoticed in mainstream media. As co-founder Dhimant eloquently put it, “We found incredible stories of people making a difference at the grassroots level, and we felt these needed to be shared with the larger world.” While volunteering with social impact organizations, Dhimant and Anuradha, his co-founder and spouse, recognized the disconnect between the immense progress happening on the ground and the stories typically highlighted in the media, which focused primarily on problems.

The Better India was born out of this realization—to provide a platform that documented and celebrated positive change. “If we don’t document these stories, this knowledge will disappear, and we’ll lose the chance to inspire others,” Dhimant explained. The team’s goal was to shift the community mindset from problem-centric to solution-driven, using storytelling as a tool to inspire action.

The innovative approach extended to the business model. From the outset, the founders were clear about creating a for-profit, for-impact venture. They rejected traditional advertising and instead developed partnerships with organizations eager to discuss social causes. This enabled the platform to remain aligned with its mission while generating revenue to support deeper storytelling. “We started collaborating with organizations and corporates who wanted to highlight causes but lacked the platform to do so,” said Dhimant.

Innovation remained central to their strategy. They launched Better Home, an e-commerce initiative offering sustainable home-care products, and developed tech tools licensed to other media companies. They also syndicated content and diversified revenue streams, ensuring resilience while maintaining focus on their core values. As Dhimant summarized, “Every decision we make is guided by one principle—it must inspire, lead to change, and make a meaningful difference.”

The venture’s unique impact-based storytelling model has since driven tangible change, from influencing policymaking to improving access to sanitation and education in underserved communities. The Better India exemplifies how purpose and profitability can seamlessly intertwine to create a transformative business model.

Inspiration

The story of "The Better India" began with a simple yet profound realization by Dhimant and Anuradha Parekh. While working in their regular tech jobs, they spent their free time volunteering with social impact organizations. During these experiences, they uncovered remarkable stories of grassroots change—stories of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things to transform their communities. Yet, these tales remained largely unheard, buried beneath the noise of mainstream media’s focus on negativity and chaos.

This disconnect struck a chord. Dhimant and Anuradha felt compelled to create something that would bridge the gap—a platform that would bring these untold stories to light, inspiring others to believe in the power of collective action. “We felt like these stories needed to be told to the larger world because nobody was otherwise aware that there's so much progress happening at a grassroots level,” Dhimant recalls.

The desire to showcase solutions, rather than just problems, became their driving force. They envisioned a space where optimism could thrive, where stories of hope and innovation could inspire millions to take action. This vision gave birth to "The Better India."

From the very beginning, their mission was clear: to highlight the progress happening in the shadows and to spark a movement of change-makers. “If we don't document it, all this knowledge will just disappear,” Dhimant reflects. “And there's no way we will be able to inspire other people to take on similar initiatives.”

What started as an idea born out of frustration with conventional narratives soon grew into a powerful force for good—a platform that not only tells stories but also drives real-world impact.

Overall impact

The Better India, founded by Dhimant and Anuradha Parekh, was established with a clear vision to shift the media narrative from highlighting problems to showcasing solutions. Since its inception, the platform has focused on spotlighting grassroots innovations and positive changes across India, aiming to inspire and create a ripple effect of transformation. With its roots in digital media, The Better India operates as a for-profit, for-impact venture, providing a space for untold stories of social entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers working on the ground. By giving a voice to these unsung heroes, the platform has made significant strides in reshaping the role of media in fostering a better future.

In the short term, The Better India has successfully raised awareness about numerous social issues and innovations, mobilizing communities to take action towards sustainable solutions. By telling stories of grassroots initiatives, it has inspired individuals and organizations to participate in social change, contributing to local and regional efforts in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The long-term effects include a shift in public perception, where solutions and positive actions are now being prioritized over problems. The platform has also created a model where purpose and profitability coexist, proving that social impact can drive business success.

Evidence of The Better India’s impact lies in the tangible outcomes of the initiatives it promotes. For instance, projects featured on the platform have garnered financial support, increased volunteer engagement, and expanded their reach to broader audiences. The platform’s ability to generate real-world change is further evidenced by the sustained growth of these grassroots efforts, as well as the positive feedback from communities and individuals who have benefited directly from the stories shared.

Business benefit

The Better India focuses on sharing positive stories of change, which inspires people but also grows the business sustainably. The platform attracts readers and builds trust by highlighting solutions to social and environmental challenges. It is different from traditional media in the sense that it doesn't depend solely on advertising; it creates multiple revenue streams such as corporate partnerships for cause-driven content, an eco-friendly e-commerce line called The Better Home, and licensing tech tools to other businesses.

This approach allows the company to remain financially stable while making a meaningful difference. Corporate partnerships enable deeper exploration of causes like climate change and agritech innovations, aligning with readers’ interests. The e-commerce platform appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, while content syndication broadens reach. Through diverse revenue streams and a commitment to impact-driven initiatives, The Better India achieves scalability, inspires communities, and sets an example of how businesses can balance purpose with profit. It shows that meaningful impact and financial success can coexist, proving the potential for innovation in the media and social impact space.

The Better India has also collaborated with leading brands to create high-impact campaigns that drive positive societal changes. For example, initiatives like #PathWithPurpose, co-created with Accenture, feature stories of organizations committed to responsible and ethical business practices, further enhancing The Better India's brand value and reach.

By integrating such campaigns, The Better India not only diversifies its revenue but also strengthens its mission of promoting progress and inspiring change, making it a successful model for the combination of business acumen with social responsibility. The Better India shows how businesses can thrive while driving social and environmental change by aligning profit with purpose. 

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Social and environmental benefit

The Better India’s innovation creates significant societal and environmental benefits by spotlighting solutions that address pressing challenges like water conservation, sustainability, and societal barriers. Their stories inspire action, such as helping farmers escape poverty, bringing sanitation to villages, and improving slum schools. By promoting initiatives like biodegradable home care products and sustainable practices, the platform actively supports environmental preservation. The positive storytelling also combats negativity fatigue, shifting mindsets toward solutions and optimism, empowering individuals and communities to drive meaningful change. This ripple effect of inspiration and action exemplifies how impactful media can contribute to a better world.

Additionally, The Better India has been instrumental in highlighting grassroots innovations and eco-friendly initiatives that promote sustainable living. By sharing stories of individuals and communities adopting renewable energy, waste reduction, and conservation efforts, they encourage wider adoption of these practices. Their focus on small businesses and green technologies further supports economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability. Through their content, they have inspired urban families to grow their own food, turn stubble waste into eco-friendly products, and build sustainable cities without relying on cement.

By amplifying these success stories, The Better India fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility, motivating others to contribute to societal well-being and environmental health. Their efforts have led to tangible impacts, such as the creation of India's first bio-village using eco-friendly farming practices, and the transformation of scrap metal into global art, championing sustainability. In essence, The Better India’s innovation goes beyond business achievements, fostering a more sustainable, empowered, and socially responsible society.

Interview

Dhimant Parekh, CEO & Founder

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