Three pillars.
One mission.
Every programme DRF runs is rooted in the same belief — that access to education, sport, and health should not depend on your background, ability, or income.
Programme 01
Project Checkmate
opportunity, and wellbeing
Project Checkmate is DRF’s flagship programme — using chess as a pedagogical tool to promote cognitive development, focus, and self-confidence in underprivileged and visually impaired youth. What began as a small training session at an NGO in New Delhi has grown into a pan-India programme producing internationally rated players.
Phases of the programme
Launched at ISHWAR, then expanded to the National Association of the Blind (NAB), R.K. Puram. Students competed at state and national blind chess championships. Produced the first FIDE-rated blind chess player — Ayush Prakash Jaiswal.
Specialised online programme for the top 15 visually impaired chess players in India. Featured guest speakers from sports psychology, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and physiotherapy, plus simultaneous chess exhibitions with Indian Grandmasters.
Online boot camp focused on chess for women and girls, coached by a National Blind and Para Asian Chess medalist. Aimed at expanding access to competitive chess for women in India.
Virtual club for girls to learn chess and attend personal development workshops. Three students were selected for ongoing mentoring of their chess careers following the programme.
Online tournament series for players with disabilities. Winners of each event received special Grandmaster sessions; overall winners received monetary prizes.
Organised by DRF at NAB, R.K. Puram — the biggest blind chess championship of its kind held to that date in North India. A milestone moment for inclusive competitive chess.
Programme highlights
Ayush Prakash Jaiswal earned his FIDE Rapid Rating after the Chessmine Rapid Tournament (September 2017 FIDE list) — the first student from the programme to achieve an international rating.
Students have had simultaneous exhibition sessions with top international chess masters and instructors.
Two students qualified for the National “B” Chess Championship for the Blind 2017; students also won at the 1st National Schools Chess Championship for the Blind, Shirdi.
Ayush Jaiswal, a Project Checkmate scholar, went on to win a full merit scholarship to Ashoka University — a landmark outcome for the programme.
Programme 02
DRF Scholarships
Since 2018, DRF has run five editions of its scholarship programme — awarding cash prizes and year-long mentorship to meritorious students, primarily from marginalised or disability backgrounds. Scholars range from 15 to 30 years old and come from across India.
Mentorship includes guidance on academics, sports, and extracurriculars; access to partner programmes; and speaker events and webinars. Each edition has a distinct theme, reflecting DRF’s evolving focus on inclusion, disability, and women’s empowerment.
- Age range: 15–30 years
- Selection via essay or application on life, future goals, and chosen activity
- Cash prize for winners
- Year-long mentorship programme
- Access to partner programmes, webinars, and speaker events
- Focus on persons with disabilities and marginalised communities
The first edition of DRF’s scholarship programme, held at the National Association of the Blind, R.K. Puram. Students submitted essays on their lives and future goals.
Two winners received cash prizes and mentorship. Focus on students balancing academic achievement with sports and extracurricular activities.
First virtual edition, held during COVID-19. Open to persons with disabilities from all over India. Four prize winners plus participation rewards for all participants.
Co-organised with Wheeling Happiness Foundation (Dr. Deepa Malik). “Devajyoti” means Divine Light. Targeted persons with disabilities aged 15–30 across 6 categories.
“Shaktinaari” means Women Power. Focused on women aged 18–30 with disabilities or working in disability and women’s empowerment fields. Three winners received cash prizes and mentorship.
A year-long mentorship group for 2018–2020 scholarship winners, featuring partner programmes, regular speaker events, and ongoing guidance on academics, sports, and extracurriculars.
Programme 03
Health Initiatives
“A healthy body rests in a healthy mind.” DRF views health as integral to its empowerment mission — not an add-on, but a foundation.
DRF’s health initiatives span mental health, menstrual hygiene, dental care, physical activity, and nutritional support — delivered through partnerships with NGOs and healthcare professionals across India and internationally.
Online mental health sessions for DRF students, delivered in partnership with the ACTit Network from Fiji — an international collaboration bringing global expertise to Indian youth.
Mental HealthTelephonic education sessions for girls on menstrual health and hygiene, reaching students who may not have access to this information through formal channels.
Women’s HealthIn-person dental hygiene sessions at NAB, R.K. Puram, delivered by Dr. Ashu Gupta and Mr. Sarthak Gupta, who also accompanied 10 students to the Annual Inter-NGO Sports Meet.
Dental & PhysicalDistribution of reusable sanitary kits and educational booklets to women at Kushalta Vikas Kender, New Delhi — addressing menstrual health at a grassroots community level.
Women’s HealthOnline coaching series empowering people with disabilities to lead more effectively. Episode 1 featured Ms. Jyoti Mishra covering mindfulness and purposeful daily living.
Mental WellnessDRF distributed nutritional meals to students and installed a new refrigerator at NAB Delhi, enabling students with multiple disabilities to prepare for home-science education exams.
Nutrition & SupportSupport the programmes.
Change a life.
Every volunteer hour and collaboration goes directly into making these programmes possible for young people across India.