As CEO of Innermost, I’ve come to realise that wellness isn’t just about what we consume for our health but also about how businesses can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the world at large. Today, companies, particularly in the wellness industry, have the power to go beyond profit-making and become forces for good. At Innermost, we’ve embraced this philosophy through our partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world’s largest provider of school meals to children in need.

In our industry, we often focus on the importance of nourishing the body, optimising performance, and being our best. However, for millions of children around the world, hunger remains an insurmountable barrier to even the most basic of life’s pursuits — education. Malnutrition is responsible for nearly half of child deaths globally, and one in ten children is forced to work instead of going to school, just to earn enough money for food. Hunger, when intertwined with poverty, prevents these children from fulfilling their potential, setting back not just individual futures, but the future of entire communities.

As a wellness brand, we felt compelled to act. That’s why we established a partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an organisation that provides nutritious school meals to children in need. Through this partnership, Innermost is able to donate a school meal to a child every time we receive an order for our products. In doing so, we not only ensure children have access to a healthy meal. Since the initiative began, we’ve provided over 25,000 meals, contributing to the health and future success of thousands of children.

This partnership reflects a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) that, I believe, should be at the heart of every wellness business. The question we must ask ourselves is not just how we can support personal wellbeing through our products, but how we can leverage our success to impact society more broadly. In a world where consumers are increasingly looking for brands that stand for something beyond profits, our industry has a unique opportunity to align its core mission with meaningful action.

Corporate social responsibility is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It is a fundamental part of doing business in today’s global economy. More and more consumers want to know that the brands they support are doing their part to address social issues. For wellness brands, this is an invitation to redefine what wellness truly means. It’s not just about helping individuals achieve physical and mental balance — it’s about contributing to the greater good.

At Innermost, we’ve learned that even small actions can have a tremendous impact. These kinds of initiatives are not just good for business; they strengthen a brand’s connection to the world and reminds our customers that their choices can make a difference. We are proud of the 25,000 meals we’ve been able to provide so far, but this is just the beginning. As we continue to grow, we plan to expand our efforts, supporting more children in need and driving positive change on a larger scale.

In conclusion, I believe that every wellness brand has a role to play in building a healthier, more equitable world. Through partnerships like ours with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we can channel our success into tangible, life-changing impact. And as we do, we have the potential to transform not just lives, but the very definition of what it means to be well.

About Shivraj Bassi:

Shivraj is the Founder & CEO of Innermost, an omnichannel wellness brand with global reach, celebrated for its award-winning, science-driven approach to nutritional supplements. Born and raised in London, Shiv spent over a decade at Goldman Sachs before pursuing a personal journey to better health. Inspired by his experiences, he developed a unique approach that combines scientific research with principles from Ayurvedic and Asian medicine to empower people to take control of their health. Through his passion and vision, Shiv has established Innermost as a leading name in the wellness industry. You can learn more about Innermost at liveinnermost.com.