Driven by its foundation’s vision of ‘Aurat Hai Toh Bharat Hai’ (When Women Prosper, India Prospers), the Rajasthan Royals, an Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise are committed to empowering women through their ‘#PinkPromise’ initiative.
This promise reflects the creation of replicable models of women-led transformation that can be scaled up nationwide. Recognizing the important role women play in societal progress, the franchise aims to catalyze change by supporting and amplifying initiatives led by women.
By creating an environment where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive, they seek to not only uplift individual lives but also contribute to the broader advancement of communities and the nation as a whole. Through their dedication, the Royals are building the way for a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman has the opportunity to fulfill her potential.
Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League, have set the stage for a remarkable event with the unveiling of their special all-pink jersey. This unique jersey will make its debut appearance during the #PinkPromise IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 6, 2024.
The Royals aim to highlight the incredible journeys of women beneficiaries by engraving their names into the design of the special jerseys. The matchday kits’ pink hue is a representation of Rajasthan’s women’s grace, tenacity, and strength. The Bandhani design in the jersey represents the traditional art form “tie-die” of Rajasthan. The yellow collar represents the sun, which gives the message of the true form of solar energy.
The franchise honors Rajasthani women’s unwavering spirit and emphasizes their vital role in advancing social change. Hailed as local heroes, these women have demonstrated bravery, tenacity, and victory over adversity while actively promoting the use of solar energy and water conservation.
On April 06, we’re wearing a special jersey for one #PinkPromise. Here’s why! 💗👇 pic.twitter.com/CBXKHAPLDn
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) March 12, 2024
The unveiling ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Rajasthan Royals’s Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, Hon’ble Sports Minister (Government of Rajasthan) Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Rajasthan Royals Chairperson Ranjit Barthakur, and Rajasthan Royals Chief Executive Officer Jake Lush McCrum
During the ceremony, cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara and the Hon’ble Sports Minister felicitated women beneficiaries who have been contributing to building significant transformational change in rural Rajasthan. These women received the first invitation to the #PinkPromise match through an exclusive Pink Pass; supported by the franchise’s social equity arm, “the Royal Rajasthan Foundation,” this match serves as a platform to increase support for strong, independent women from rural India. It’s more than just a cricket match.
The Foundation, with its motto of “Aurat Hai Toh Bharat Hai,” has played a pivotal role in enabling women to spearhead constructive transformation. The foundation has improved the lives of over 15 million women by granting them access to water, solar energy, upskilling, and mental health interventions, through major projects like Project Khushaali and other programs.
Expressing his pride in the initiative, Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket at Rajasthan Royals, emphasized the significance of honoring the powerful women of Rajasthan and India. He highlighted the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the foundation’s efforts and salute the women making a difference on the ground.
As he mentions, “We are proud to be donning these special threads which pay a tribute to the powerful women of Rajasthan and of India. It will be a great occasion to celebrate the efforts of our Foundation and to salute the women who are making a difference on the ground. All the players and the staff are looking forward to donning these threads and putting in their best on the field to mark the occasion.”
Jake Lush McCrum, Chief Executive Officer of Rajasthan Royals, elaborated on the vision behind the #PinkPromise initiative, emphasizing the franchise’s commitment to amplifying the stories of empowered women who drive societal change. McCrum outlined the franchise’s goal to create a sustainable model that can be replicated across villages in Rajasthan and India.
He states, “In the last couple of years, we have made significant strides in women-led rural transformation through our efforts in the state of Rajasthan. The #PinkPromise is a strong commitment from our team towards amplifying the stories of these empowered women as they triumph against all odds to drive societal change. We want to continue batting for this positive change in not just Rajasthan, but also across India by creating a sustainable model that can be replicated in villages around the country.”
In a philanthropic gesture, the Royals have pledged that proceeds from the sale of each all-pink jersey will contribute to the ‘Royal Rajasthan Foundation, ensuring the continuity of impactful initiatives. Leading up to the #PinkPromise match, the franchise will organize various activations to raise awareness about the foundation’s work, inviting fans and the wider community to join in saluting and supporting the empowered women on their journey towards positive rural transformation in Rajasthan and India.
(Quotes sourced from Rajasthan Royals press release)