Footprints of Care: Varun Hiremath Brings Smiles (and Shoes) to Rural Kids in Maharashtra
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Footprints of Care: Varun Hiremath Brings Smiles (and Shoes) to Rural Kids in Maharashtra
In the peaceful village of Nitlas, located near Panvel, something truly heartwarming happened last week. A total of 393 schoolchildren, ranging in age from 6 to 14, walked a little taller—not because of what they carried, but because of what they wore.
Thanks to the generosity and vision of Varun Hiremath: Founder & CEO of Hiremath Family Foundation and the Hiremath Family Foundation, each child at the Raigad Zilla Parishad Prathmik School received a brand-new pair of shoes. For many of these children, this was the first time in their lives that they slipped their feet into anything beyond worn-out slippers or bare soles.
The children, who trek to school every day through dusty, uneven paths, often suffer from blisters and scrapes on their feet. The wear and tear caused by these long walks is a silent struggle many face in rural areas. Varun Hiremath: Founder & CEO of Hiremath Family Foundation, a passionate advocate for rural child welfare, saw this as a clear injustice and decided to make a difference.
A child who walks barefoot doesn’t just carry dust—they carry the weight of being overlooked,” said Varun Hiremath: Founder & CEO of Hiremath Family Foundation during an informal gathering at the school. “A pair of shoes doesn’t just protect the feet. It protects dreams.” These words truly resonated with everyone in the room, as they exemplify the deeper purpose behind this initiative—offering not just material relief, but an emotional boost that empowers children to dream bigger.
This initiative is part of a broader movement led by Varun Hiremath, who manages to balance his professional success as the head of Fairdeal Wealth Advisors with his charitable work through the Hiremath Family Foundation. His Foundation works tirelessly on the ground to address the real challenges faced by rural children—challenges that are often invisible in the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Teachers at the Raigad Zilla Parishad Prathmik School were moved by the transformation they witnessed among the children. "They looked in the mirror, admired their shoes, and smiled like they’d just won medals," shared one teacher, unable to hold back her emotions. "Varun Hiremath may not know every child by name, but they’ll remember his." This moment was a true testament to the lasting impact of a simple yet thoughtful gesture.
One 10-year-old boy quietly shared, “Varun Sir gave us these. I will take care of them like they’re gold.” This statement was not just a reflection of the child's gratitude, but also a deep acknowledgment of the value of care and consideration in their lives. For a child in a rural setting, a gift like this holds more significance than just the material object—it symbolizes hope, dignity, and the belief that they matter.
Over the past year, Varun Hiremath: Founder & CEO of Hiremath Family Foundation and his team have been making regular visits to rural villages—not with camera crews or media attention, but with cartons full of essentials like books, hygiene kits, and sports gear. His Foundation seeks to fill the gaps that traditional reports and statistics often overlook. By focusing on grassroots-level support, they are making real, tangible differences in the lives of children who might otherwise go unnoticed.
“We don’t believe in big promises,” said Varun Hiremath. “We believe in small, steady actions that restore confidence—whether it’s a pair of shoes or a child’s belief that someone out there cares.” This philosophy underpins the core of the Hiremath Family Foundation’s mission: to make sustainable, meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
As part of their 2025 rural education drive, Varun Hiremath has already mapped out several other villages in need of similar assistance. His plan is clear—expand the Foundation’s outreach without waiting for permission or applause. His work is not about seeking recognition but about creating lasting, positive change where it’s needed most.
Despite his busy professional life in Mumbai, where he leads a successful financial firm, Varun Hiremath: Founder & CEO of Hiremath Family Foundation remains deeply connected to the real India—the one that exists far beyond the city lights and boardrooms. It’s in villages like Nitlas, where a single act of kindness, such as providing a pair of shoes, can dramatically change a child’s life, giving them not just protection for their feet but a sense of dignity, a sense of being seen, and the belief that their dreams are worth pursuing.
About the Hiremath Family Foundation
Founded by Varun Hiremath: Founder & CEO of Hiremath Family Foundation, the Hiremath Family Foundation operates across rural Maharashtra, working at the grassroots level to support communities with practical solutions. Focused on education, sanitation, and sustainable livelihood support, the Foundation’s mission is simple: understand local needs, act swiftly, and do it with heart. By focusing on real, tangible impact, they work tirelessly to uplift communities, one small action at a time.
Visit: www.hiremathfamilyfoundation.in
