Oasis Foundation for Human and Natural Resource Development

The Oasis Foundation, in partnership with Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR), embarked on a mission to revive the 19-acre Shikaripalya Lake in Hulimangala Gram Panchayat, Electronic City. This initiative, funded entirely by Samsung with a budget of ₹1.37 crores, aims to rectify the ecological damage caused by years of city waste accumulation, sludge formation, and poor treatment systems. By addressing feeder drain misuse and sewage contamination, it strives to rejuvenate the lake's ecosystem, reviving aquatic life and ensuring clean water. Collaborating with That's Eco Foundation (HandsOnCSR) and Malligavad Foundation, the project emphasizes sustainability practices, community involvement, public awareness, and comprehensive monitoring to restore the lake to its former state. The ultimate goal is to transform Shikaripalya Lake into a model of environmental recovery and responsible management.

The Oasis Foundation embarked on a lake rejuvenation initiative at Hunsmaranahalli with a range of goals. It aimed to boost the lake's water storage by removing silt, constructing a circular pathway for community engagement, and greening the area with diverse plant life. This effort also focused on educating locals about environmental care and sustainable lake management. The project encompassed multiple strategies, such as silt removal, path construction, native and ornamental plantings, rainwater harvesting inlets, and bund stabilization. These actions significantly augmented the lake's water capacity by 2,35,00,000 liters, enhanced biodiversity through 2000 new plants, and integrated educational boards for ongoing project sustainability.

The Oasis Foundation responded to Mr. Narayana Swamy's call to promote biodiesel by securing donations from individuals and corporations. It supported a practical demonstration led by a team of three—Avinash Narayanaswamy, Aakankash N.M, and Sunil Mysore—to showcase biodiesel's viability in diesel engines. The team embarked on an 8822 km trip across 13 Indian states, 4 Union Territories, and Nepal, using a Tata Indica car fueled by a blend of 40% biodiesel and 60% petroleum diesel, derived from waste cooking oil converted at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Their journey aimed to dispel concerns about biodiesel's technical compatibility in engines and underscore its potential role in curbing global carbon emissions.

The Oasis Foundation initiated a study targeting fuel sources and usage patterns in tobacco farming areas across Karnataka. This research aims to analyze the diversity and quantities of fuel employed in tobacco curing, investigate energy-saving techniques practised during curing, and comprehend fuel procurement methods in this region. The study involved 244 tobacco farmers from 10 villages, encompassing small, medium, and large-scale farming categories, to provide insights into the fuel dynamics within this agricultural context.

The Oasis Foundation collaborated with Samsung India for a CSR project focusing on the transformation of Harekal Village School in Mangalore. The school, founded by Padmashree awardee Mr. Hajabba, caters to economically disadvantaged children from the region. To enhance the learning environment, interventions included simple and mural paintings by professionals, along with safety wall installations. These efforts aimed to stimulate children's curiosity, facilitate teaching through visuals, restore functionality to the Rangmandira, and improve safety measures within the school premises. This project endeavours to uplift the educational experience for underprivileged children in the community.