Charities in India

GOONJ RAHAT - Winters" collection camps in New Delhi on 29th Jan 2011 (Sunday)

2012-01-26T05:18:00.000-08:00

.

At: Infront of Brahma Apartments (footpath), Plot No. 7, Sector-7, Dwarka
From: 11 am to 3 pm
Camp Volunteers: Mr. Arvind-9899974319, Ms. Anjali-9811654042
Mr. Munish-9818739265, Mr. Vishal-9711596466

&

At: Recreation Room, Purvasha, Anandlok Coop Group Housing Society,Plot – 13,Mayur Vihar, Phase – 1, Delhi – 91
From: 11.00 am to 2.00 pm
Camp Volunteer – Mr. N. Veera Raghavan (9810978586)

GOONJ

Republic Day Foot-tennis tournament by OSCAR India - Mumbai

2012-01-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

On 26 January, all over India celebrate the Republic Day because in 1950, India government created the Indian Constitution. This same day OSCAR India foundation is organizing Under 15 boys Ring Football tournament and Foot-tennis tournament at same time. Through these tournaments, our aim is to promote within young people the importance of education and the awareness of HIV AIDS stigma.
For these events OSCAR Foundation needs financial support. It will be great if you, guys, can support these events with any amount of money. Attached you will find more information about events.
Thank you in advance for your support.

Best regards
OSCAR family

Location
Back Garden, Football ground, Opposite to Regal Cinema, Gateway of India, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

By Ashok Shankar Rathod

LEAD Foundation Need Volunteers for teaching our kids at Airoli on 'Weekdays'

2012-01-17T04:27:00.001-08:00

Need Volunteers for teaching our kids at Airoli on 'Weekdays' (even twice a week would be great !) in any one of the two Batches : 10am-12pm, 4pm-6pm. Knowledge of Hindi or Marathi is must... Write to rupesh.gesota@gmail.com with your contact details if interested/ or for more queries.

LEAD Foundation

Clothes needed for street kids at Bandra - Mumbai

2012-01-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

Anubha (9930070086), teaches street kids at Bandra in the morning. If there is anyone who would like to volunteer along with her, please do contact her.

They are also looking for clothes, especially warm clothes at the moment, for the kids.
So, if anyone would like to donate seconds or new clothes for the kids, please contact her.
You can also help out with study material like notebooks, pens, etc

- via Zuabir

Links for 2012-01-14 [del.icio.us]

2012-01-15T00:00:00-08:00

The Travellers
The Travel Community
Pune Hikers Community
The pune trekking community
Mumbai Hikers
The mumbai hiking community
Goa Travellers
Goa Travel Community

GOONJ collection camps in Delhi & Mumbai; On: 8th Jan 2012 (Sunday)

2012-01-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Join us for collection camps in Delhi & Mumbai; On: 8th Jan 2012 (Sunday);
At : Venue : Shri Sai Chaitanya Dhaam, Opp. to Police
Station, Nalasopara, Mumbai.
Volunteers: Bhairavi Vaze - 997567859, Pranali Gosavi. (9689061223)
From : 11.00am - 5.00pm
&
At :Hari Mandir, Outram Lane, G.T.B Nagar, Delhi -09
Volunteer : Mr. Deepak Gupta (8527134354); From:11.00 am - 2.00 pm

GOONJ

The Happy Feet Project - Delhi, for now. And, wherever esle.

2011-12-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

Hello all :)

Its winter, and its cold. Very cold. My mother used to tell me that the cold enters your body through your feet. So if you coat up your feet, that is quite a bit of cold you could prevent from entering, and a lot of warmth from escaping. And, all I can think of right now, are socks. Lots of socks.

Do check if you happen to have spare socks tucked into the back of your cupboards. Or perhaps, if you step into Sarojini, or Lajpat, or anywhere, you could buy plenty from there. Those thick warm ones. They don't cost more than 30 a pair. And, they would not occupy too much space if you roll them into balls, and stuff them down your bag.

And the next time, a little open hand comes in through your car window, or your auto, instead of dropping a pitiful coin or two, could you give that child a pair of socks, please. And if possible, do make sure that he or she wears it in front of you.

I know that a lot of you might think this to be absolutely ridiculous, but that is why we should do it. I know that covering their bare feet would not prevent their bodies from feeling cold, but it would definitely help them feel warmer. And I know, that a lot of you might be thinking that in their hungry, thirsty, freezing conditions, 'socks' may be the last thing anyone would be concerned about. But again, you never know. That would perhaps be one less thing to worry about. And lastly, for all those thinking that how many socks can one hand out to the millions on the streets, if eighty-five of you could give someone one pair of socks at least, that would make eighty-five happier feet on the streets. And that, would just be the beginning.

Thank you for your cooperation. :)

Happy Holidays.

Love,

Rithika

Today, after four days of carrying a ball of socks around, I was able to see somebody else delighted to wear them. I met Geeta outside Malviya Nagar metro station, and she was holding a plate of half-eaten momos she had recently acquired from some kind person. She agreed immediately to wearing the socks, and it took both of us quite a funny while to get her small legs into my socks, which went higher than her knees! I'm guessing she was happy, she didn't say anything, she was too busy making sure nobody made off with her momos while she had been distracted by the socks. But, there you go, one happier pair of feet in Delhi. And no, she didn't ask for money after. =)

By Rithika Nair

http://www.facebook.com/events/198326750257753/

Greenyatra had started his initiative of Zaroorat- A Need

2011-12-25T03:39:00.001-08:00

Greenyatra had started his initiative of Zaroorat- A Need in association with one of India's largest chain of multiplexes theaters Fame Cinemas to set up collection boxes in all Fame Cinemas across Maharashtra between 22, December 2011 till 10th of January 2012. You can donate old Clothes, Toys, Books, Stationary, utensils or anything that can be happily used by needy people.... So kindly visit your nearby Fame Cinemas and Gift the happiness of someone's in this festive season because "Your old stuff can be someone's new Gift". Collected items will be collected, sorted, repaired, sewed, packed, transported and distributed to the rural areas & urban slums throughout India.

Our effort is to provide the necessity things to millions of poor and needy people facing great hardship and health risk due to lack of proper clothing and other basic things in far flung areas and urban slums of the country. We work on a premise that one man’s waste can be another man’s richness. It is not only possible, but realistically doable.

For other collection centers apart from Fame Cinemas and more information kindly write us on: zaroorat@greenyatra.org or call us on 022 6588 6649/ 099675 38049.

Support us to spread the cause
If you are interested to support and help us to setup and Donate a collection box, to donate (Donations to Green Yatra are tax exempted under Sec. 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.) to be a volunteer, co-ordinator in your residential housing society, shopping centre, office, mall, corporate park, School, college and industrial area or you want to help in any other way; feel free to write us.

Location
Operating Office: Ostwal Park, Building no.7 office no. 20, Jesal Park, Bhayandar (East), Mumbai, India 401105
http://www.facebook.com/greenyatra?sk=wall

Donate Ur Old Clothes, Toys and Books in Fame Cinemas Mumbai
‎"Can you play Santa in this festive season" – A Fame and Green Yatra Initiative India's one of the largest chain of multiplexes theaters Fame Cinemas in partnership with GreenYatra has started "Can you play Santa in this festive season" under this initiative we have setup collection boxes in all Fame Cinemas across Maharashtra between 22, December 2011 till 10th of January 2012, where you can donate old Clothes, Toys, Books, Stationary, utensils or anything that can be happily used by needy people.... So kindly visit your nearby Fame Cinemas and Gift the happiness of someone's in this festive season because "Your old stuff can be someone's new Gift". Collected items will be collected, sorted, repaired, sewed, packed, transported and distributed to the rural areas & urban slums throughout India. For other collection centers apart from Fame Cinemas and more information kindly write us on: zaroorat@greenyatra.org or call us on 022 6588 6649/ 099675 38049. Address of Fame Cinemas across Mumbai: Fame Big Cinemas Andheri(w) Citi Mall, Oshiwara Link Road, Andheri (West),Mumbai 400 053. Fame Inorbit mall Malad (W) INORBIT MALL, NEW LINK ROAD, NEAR Hypercity, Malad (west) Mumbai. Fame Raghuleela, Kandivili (w) Raghuleela Mega Mall, Behind Poisar Depot, S.V.Road, Kandivili (West), Mumbai 400 067. Fame Thakur Movies Kandivali (E) Vishnu Shivam Mall.4th Floor, Thakur Village, Kandivali (E), Mumbai-400028. Fame Nakshtra,Dadar(w) Fame Nakshtra, Dadar (Old Kohinoor Theatre) Ranade Road,Opp. Dadar Railway Station, Dadar (West) Mumbai 400 028. Fame Thakur Mall Dahisar (E) Thaku Shopping Mall & multiplex, Western Express Highway, Near Dahisar Toll Naka, Dahisar (E) Mumbai-400101. Fame Neelyog Ghatkopar (E) Neelyog Mall, Patel Chowk,R.B Road, Ghatkopar (E)-400077. Fame Raghuleela Vashi, Opp.Vashi Station, Raghuleela Mega Mall,2nd Floor,Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Fame Kalyan (E) Metro Junction mall, 2nd floor, netivali, kalyan East

About Green Yatra

Green Yatra is a Non-Governmental Charity, actively dedicated to Protection and Conservation of Mother Nature and Environment. The organisation is registered and associated with Planning Commission, Government of India, United Nation and tax exempted u/s 80G of the Income Tax Act. We strive to maintain the integrity of the ecosystem for the benefit of all living creatures by introducing and adopting simple green lifestyle, eco-friendly ideas in our daily lives.

Green Yatra was started and run by individuals who share a strong love and passion for protecting and respecting our only source of life—Mother Nature. We believe in ACTION by doing as much as we can to preserve our environment. Sitting idly, complaining, blaming the system, societies, or commenting on internet forums are THINGS WE DO NOT DO. We believe that by working logically, strategically, and practically with prevention and solution oriented approaches is the only way to reach our goal of nature conservation. The impact of Go Green Ganesha is a token of our dedication, effort, and hard work. One of our main objectives has always been to leave the world better than we found it so we are working sincerely with devotion toward bringing out the VALUE of our nature, hoping for your complete support…

Our Project:

Zaroorat - A Need:

Zaroorat - A Need is our latest new Initiative, which works on a premise that one man’s waste can be another man’s richness. It is not only possible, but realistically doable. Zaroorat - A Need project does not wait for disasters to strike before we are ready to provide for basic human living needs. It’s a bank that makes a difference as it does not deal in money, but in old Clothes, Toys, Books, Stationary etc. and other lots of basic needs durable goods, one of the basic human needs after food and shelter.

The main goal of Zaroorat - A Need initiative is to appropriate basic living needs from a place of abundance to a place of need. We have high hopes that those of us who are more fortunate will respond to this call of balance, care, compassion and all will join hands with Green Yatra to feel the sheer joy of giving and helping our Mother Earth to make it more beautiful, clean, green and pollution free for better Present and Future.

A small part of effort on your part can result in a big leap of difference for a fellow human being who is less fortunate and will help to save our Mother Nature and Environment. for detail visit: http://zaroorat-a-need.blogspot.com/

Go GREEN Kids:

Go GREEN Kids is a unique, innovative international environmental educational and practical Not for profit initiative. We believe that the younger generation is our future and has the potential to be change makers. It is the belief that fuels our campaign and we have opted unique reverse/ retrograde approach to Save Mother Earth, where children aged between 6-18 yrs will Teach and Inspire their Parents, Elders, Teachers and Friends by going green in daily life, by learning how to be more respectful of our Mother Earth, to learn of ways to reduce pollution, recycle and contribute towards a Greener life for all of us. In the process children and schools will also win cash prize of INR. 4, 00,000, scholarships, National Media coverage and lots of other benefits... Everything is absolutely free.

In turn, this initiative will install in our children a more respectful, proud, and conscious character, which will enable them to be even more valuable and appreciated members of our society. Each and every student will awarded with a participation certificate as an encouragement which will be life time asset and credential to them.

Go GREEN Kids initiative concerns with making children aware and helps in sensitizing their minds so that they may be proactive in caring for our environment. We hope to develop and deliver practical and logical approaches toward every aspects of environment saving and conservation as global warming, how they can contribute and support by adopting a green lifestyle and in the process to help & preserve Mother Nature.

Our vision is to form the largest network of young students from around the country and world that would not see environmental preservation as a chore, but would understand its importance and act willingly toward a greener present and future.
We have planned to accomplish this through our campaigns, talk shows, events, dramas and plays, site visits (as Zoo, National parks, rivers, Nature garden, slums, polluted as well as clean natural sites), Eco- Natural picnics, tree plantation, workshops, audio visual presentation, scientific researches and international online forum and activities (includes blogs, website, online community, groups, and forums), where we will discuss various environmental related issues and their impacts and solutions as global warming, alternate energy sources and sustainable living,. We also want to provide a platform for green ideas, concepts, and education that supports underprivileged kids. Our unique content does not only focus and prioritize on theoretical concepts but also on real facts, figures, images, videos, and scientific research.

As you know, Go GREEN Kids has the support of approximately 50 lakhs plus students in various schools across India and hoping to cross 20 million plus magic mark very soon and growing as we speak.
http://www.facebook.com/greenyatra?sk=wall
Go GREEN Ganesha:

Go GREEN Ganesha is a fight against using harmful materials, such as Plaster of Paris for Ganesha Idols. Started in 2010 it's main goal is to save our marine life and environment by adopting Go GREEN Ganesha (eco-friendly) idols as an environment-saving alternative to the harmful Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesha idols that are widely used during the Ganesha festival a popular festival of India. Along with creating awareness, we also provide solutions by introducing Eco friendly Ganesha Idols. In coming year, we are planning to introduce more powerful, logical, strategically, and practical solutions to replace Plaster of Paris’s (PoP) Ganesha Idols with eco-friendly bio degradable Green Ganesha idols.

Some of the prominent supporters of Go GREEN Ganesha 2010 were 93.5 RED FM, MPs Mr. Milind Deora, Mr. Sanjay Nirupam, Mayor of Mumbai—Mrs. Shraddha Jadhav, Mayor of New Mumbai—Mr. Sagar Naik, respected social activists such as Dr. Ravi Kant Singh (Winner of SARRC Youth Award 2009 and Oscars of the medical world, The British Medical Journal Awards 2011) as well as local and national print and electronic media agencies, and social internet networking media.

info@greenyatra.org

Phone

+91 22 6588 6649, +91 9967 538 049

Website

http://www.greenyatra.org

http://www.facebook.com/greenyatra

https://twitter.com/Greenyatra

Morpheus Human Charity Visit to Nava Jyothi ,Marol ,Andheri Mumbai

2011-12-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

MHC and Dirty Wall Project is organizing a Christmas party for girls who are residents of "Nava Jyothi Girls Home". We have girls who are from 5 to 18 years old and would be organizing a Puppet show / Magic show and may be activities which could be a group activity.

We have close to 40 girls who are permanent residents and are expecting close to 30 more who are either married or settled somewhere else. We would like to provide each one of them with a individual gift which could be part of the Christmas celebrations.

We would welcome any kind of support you could render either in gifts or by being a volunteer for the event. Hope to see you there.

Stage is set...Popcorns are pouring...Magicians are ready with their surprises...Puppets are eager to perform along with dance performances from residents...DJ is itching to scratch on his mixer all this and many more in an action packed afternoon today at "Navajyoth" Girls Shelter at Andheri (e) between 2 and 5 pm...If you wish to know more about the event call Kailash Shahani on 09870445405 or BBM on 21778DCA....Its Surely a "Merry Christmas"

We have 80 Blankets Pledged by Vispi for the event...Kudos to her...we would like to thank and appreciate all the efforts on behalf of women at the "Nava Jyoth" Shelter...Keep up the good work..

http://www.facebook.com/events/331013463576847/

Morpheus Human Charity (MHC) is a brain child of Morpheus Human Consulting which is one of the premium HR Consulting firm based in Mumbai and presence in 9 cities. The company was established in 2007 and has grown from a 5 employees to a 100 plus associates....The MHC project is in existence because there was a need for a platform where people could come and be a part of any project whether its supporting an Orphanage or for Old Age home. We recieved requests from many of our supporters to open such a forum and here we are...All Set to Go for a journey where we dont intend to look back....

Email help@mhc.co.in
Phone 919870445405

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morpheus-Human-Charity/144154012351164?sk=wall

SHANTIVAN NGO for LEPROSY PATIENTS - NERA, RAIGAD DISTRICT

2011-12-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

SHANTIVAN IS A NGO SITUATED FEW MILES AWAY FROM NEW PANVEL WHICH WAS MAINLY FOUND FOR LEPROSY PATIENTS. IT CARRIES OUT VARIOUS PROGRAMMES SUCH AS OLD AGE HOME FOR DEPENDANT SENIOR CITIZENS , FARMING, FLORICULTURE, ETC. WE GOT IN TOUCH WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES THERE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH WE COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES. HERE IS A LIST OF A FEW APPLIANCES THAT THEY WOULD LOVE TO BE GIFTED THIS DIWALI -
(EVEN 2ND HAND APPLIANCES WOULD ALSO DO , PROVIDED THEY ARE IN WORKING CONDITION)
(1) A WATER COOLER
(2) INVERTER
(3) CD PLAYER WITH MIC SYSTEM (4) WATER PURIFIER

APART FROM THE ABOVE LIST THEY WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ACCEPT DONATION OF ANY KIND INCLUDING ANY SUM OF MONEY.

WE, AT CA SEHAR, HAVE DECIDED TO VISIT SHANTIVAN AND DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO SUPPORT SHANTIVAN, WHICH IS A LIFE LINE AND HOME TO SO MANY SENIOR CITIZENS, LEPROSY PATIENTS. WE HUMBLY REQUEST YOU TO LEND US A HELPING HAND IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN.
KINDLY CONTACT THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR SUPPORT -
(1)SHRUTI TORGAL -9892249376
(2)KANCHI THAKKAR- 9821524614
(3)ARCHANA BHATTACHARYA- 9821598487
(4)ROHIT WAGHMARE- 9920608235
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001199181930

Writer to help visually impaired write banking exam dec 27th 2011 Mumbai

2011-12-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

BE A HELPING HAND
"CHETNA MORE" A GIRL WHO IS VISUALLY IMPAIRED NEEDS A SCRIBE (WRITER ) FOR HER BANKING EXAMS. IT WILL BE HELD MOST PROBABLY ON 27TH OF THIS MONTH OR CAN BE POSTPONED TO ANY OTHER SUNDAY. ANY ONE WHO IS GOOD AT SIMPLE MATHEMATICAL CALCULATIONS CAN BE THE WRITER. CONTACT HER TO GIVE YOUR INVALUABLE SUPPORT ON 9819320223.

Ca Sehar

Bal Mela on Christmas : Volunteers Required @ Kopar khairane - Maharashtra

2011-12-24T18:41:00.001-08:00

Address
Mermier Bal Ashram at Balaji Garden Grounds, Sector-11 Near FAM Society,Kopar khairane

The BAL MELA is an yearly event organised by JAN VIKAS SOCIETY and approximately 2000 poor kids street children and kids from various centers of navi mumbai will be particpating.

There is arrangement for Breakfast,Lunch and also drawing competition in morning and also 12 game counters . Also there is blind orchestra and DJ in afternoon and then followed by christmas celebration with Carol singing and Santclaus .

Chief Guests includes eminent personalities from Shri GANESH NAIK Family .

So lets be compassionate to street children and be glad to gve the service as volunteers to this mega event.

Also various MBA students from SIES NERUL are also volunteering ... so lets together make a difference...

We need 60 volunteers for the event so please come together n volunteer :)

By Ca Sehar, CA Abhilash Tewari and Vaidhei Chitlangia
http://www.facebook.com/events/152942771479475/

This mega event of having celebration with those who have never celebrated will be made lighter and brighter with the kind contribution and collaboration of yours. If you want to do something for these who do not have anything, then Lend Us Your Hand! Your kind assistance would be valued more as we are at the threshold of that fabulous day. You can render your shoulders with us by being volunteers.

http://www.casehar.com/christmas--bal-mela.html

CA Sehar is a Group of CA students and CA's who work together and conduct various activities for the benefit of the society.

We believe that there is no pleasure in this or in the other world equal to the joy of being helpful to those around you. Do not lose the opportunity for this rare pleasure.

We think our small efforts will make a difference to the society and hence the motto CA's with a DIFFERENCE.

Our events:
1:Blood Donation Camp : 20th June 2010 : http://www.casehar.com/blood-donation-event.html

2.Stationery & Book Donation : Turbhe Slum: 1st July 2010:
http://www.casehar.com/book-donation.html

3.Colouring Competition and Clothes Donation: 13th Jan 2011:
http://www.casehar.com/clothes-donation--colouring-competition.html

Goonj "RAHAT" camps in Delhi & Faridabad

2011-12-23T05:41:00.001-08:00

1. At: Parking Area Ground Floor
Woodbury & Brentwood Towers,
Charmswood Village,
Faridabad
On: 25th Dec 2011 (Sunday)
From: 11.00 am to 2.00 pm
Camp Volunteer: Ms. Monica Gupta (8860008921)

2. At: Infront of Mother Dairy,
East end Apartment,
Mayur Vihar Phase 1
New Delhi
On: 25th Dec 2011 (Sunday)
From: 11.00 am to 2.00 pm
Camp Volunteer: Mr. Sivaraman (9350880040)

Santa on Wheels - 2011! - Spreading Joy among street children

2011-12-22T04:40:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the year again when the Santa in you rides through the bustling streets of Bombay, spreading cheer and mirth amongst the children who call those very streets their home. Just like the last two years we plan to distribute chocolates to these kids on Christmas Day!

Last year there were about 10-15 Santas riding around town, spreading the Christmas Cheer! One could buy a pack of Chocolates(Cadbury Eclairs preferably) and then go around your locality in a vehicle or on foot, stop at traffic signals or settlements by the road side and distribute chocolates. And while you are at it, don't forget to don your Santa Hat!

If you are not able to do so, we are also accepting contributions (Rs. 120 for a packet of 100 choclates). The chocolates will then be distributed by other Santas!

To register just call us up on Rushikesh 9820023362!
http://www.facebook.com/events/322169791135063/

Time: December 24, 2011 from 9am to 11am
Location: Bandra Reclamation
City/Town: Bandra, Mumbai
Phone: 8108492629
Event Type: charity, awareness, health
Organized By: Vivek Anandan
Latest Activity: 11 hours ago

As a part of the Youth for Unity Program, Mumbai 227 is organizing a Cycling Santas campaign. We would love for cyclists to come forward and help the cause. The plan is to put on Santa caps and collect old clothes, blankets, books and toys from housing societies in and around Lilavati Hospital and distribute them to pavement dwellers. Lets spread the cheer

Cyclists to gather at 9am at Parijat Building Compound, Opp MET, Neat Lilavati Hospital

http://cyclists.in/events/cycling-santas?rsvpConfirm=1

Crazy Wanderers - Kolkata - e for the welfare of underprivileged children and old people

2011-12-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

Crazy Wanderers is a backpackers travel community which operates from the 300 years old city of joy "KOlkata".promoting tour plans across the Globe for a better cause i.e for the welfare of underprivileged children and old people {which means Traveling for a better cause}. We have facilities like: 1.Homestay with an Indian Family and enjoy the culture and habits. 2.Rooms available from 10$ to $30 per night depending upon facilities like Television, Internet access Breakfast to Dinner and car rent-Transport. .After all its not all about money but about doing something for people who are deprived of everything in this universe. Lots of other surprises are hidden which they can only get when they arrive in India and meet us. we are sure we can make a wonder. Rupak Chatterjee travel@crazywanderers.com or crazywanderers1@gmail.com

Villages of Volunteership are
1.Sunderbans the wildlife Forest
2.Bolpur Tibal VIllage
3. Calcutta Stray Dogs love and care.

http://volunteers-crowdyplanet.blogspot.com/
CRAZY WANDERERS FOUNDATION
a/s Dr Rupak Chatterjee
39 Babutala Road;
Nager Bazaar
Dumdum, Kolkata-700074
West Bengal
India

Dr.Rupak Chatterjee
Contact Number.
+9133 32451481
+919330659957

Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/rupak.chatterjee1?ref=tn_tnmn

Trek to Vasai fort for visually challenged students Sunday, January 8, 2012

2011-12-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
This is the 8th year that 'Kalpavihar Adventure' has arranged a trek to Vasai fort for visually challenged students on 8th January 2012.

Mr. Shridatt Raut will be with us to narrate an incredible valour & heroic deeds of Maratha warriors. So these students can enjoy & familiarize themselves with historical monuments & the beautiful natural surroundings.

This is purely a social activity. We are not taking any charges from these students.

Name Of Event : Trek to Vasai fort for visually challenged students
Type : Costal Fort
Location : Vasai
Date : 08th Jan 2012
Trek Fee : Rs. 350/- for volunteers. Includes Travelling by private
bus, breakfast, lunch, evening Refreshment.

Meeting Point : Kamla Mehata Blind School, Dadar (E) at 6.00am on 8th
Payment Rules : You have to pay the advance Rs. 350/- before 30th
Dec. and confirm your participation.

Those who are interested to willingly volunteer for this program pl join us and bring a day of happiness in their visually challenged lives.

About Vasai Fort
Vasai, also called Bassein, lies about 48 kms north of Mumbai just across the Ulhas River. The fort in the old city was the headquarter of the Portuguese in the north, next in importance to Goa. The coastal land-fort of Vasai was surrounded by sea on three sides and to the landside it had a moat which was filled by sea-water. Its 4.5kms long strong stone wall had 11 bastions. Vasai fort, built during Portuguese dynasty in 1535. Marathas won this fort in 1739 under Chimaji Aappa Peshwa and built 3 temples in fort. Portuguese stayed here from 1535-1739. Marathas ruled from 1739-1818. After that British won it.

For booking & other details contact pl. write to kalapavihar@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/events/341723892509451/

Vaishali G Desai

Art with Sunayna - Becoming self sufficient with home made cards

2011-12-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

sunayna.navani makes
* cards
* envelopes
* charts
* Earrings
* Photo frames &
* Wall hanging
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.183521264995237.49600.139301272750570&type=1

E-mail id - sunayna.navani@gmail.con
Website
http://artwithsunayna.wordpress.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-with-Sunayna/139301272750570?sk=wall

School Without Walls - Yeoor Village Thane

2011-12-08T10:23:00.001-08:00

The vision of this program is to run outdoor and creative education in schools for personal and social development of children. Activities and sessions are based on the academic curriculum. This is meant to supplement the learning which takes place in the classroom.

School Without Walls is working with Gram Vikas Mandal Primary School, located at Patonapada, Yeoor Village in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Thane. This school has students till 7th standard. For higher education children have to go school and college in Thane city which is 5-9km from their villages.

The children of this school are from tribal communities and live in dense area of the national park. These children are not exposed to city lofe and have never visited public places like post offices, art galleries, etc.

After discussing with the Principal of the school, School Without Walls began outdoor and creative education based programs for these children. Permission was granted once the Principal became aware of the importance of experientioal learning for children. The school staff also belives that this program will increase attendance, and children will gain a platform to enhance their potential skill and capacities.

Email
swwindia@gmail.com
Phone
+918097208639, +918080252958
Website
http://swwindia.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/School-Without-Walls/163930270340431?sk=info

Clothes collection drive by Beyond Self NGO - Pune - November 20

2011-11-15T23:19:00.001-08:00

If you have clothes, that you do not use anymore and would like to give them away to help people who really need them then this is your chance.
What you need to do is:
- Pack Clean selected clothes & take a count
- Head in to the 'Beyond Self' clothes drop off center on NIBM road(detailed address coming soon) on 20th Nov'11 to drop off your package.
- And go back home with peace in your mind & a feeling in your heart that you did a good deed to help the needy :)

Email	beyondself.ngo@gmail.com
Phone	9767454545

PLS NOTE COLLECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ONLY ON SUNDAY, 20th NOV'11.

As a 'Beyond Self' initiative to give old clothes to the underprivileged people of all ages we request you to pls spread the message and encourage people in your society, college or office to come forward & lend a helping hand.
To know more about us, like our page :
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Self-NGO-Pune/166806013410904?sk=info

Location

	Hill Mist Harmony, F-1003 Nibm road,pune

We reach out to all in the society as we create means to utilise extra food to feed the needy , which is instead usually dumped around the city.
Beyond self was born in the winter of 2010, with a tiny effort to collect food from social gatherings that was left unused and distributed amongst families of the poor around the city. So far we have served more than 500 people and hope to grow by leaps & bounds year on year.

Our Core team:
Founder: Madhu Thakur,
Co-founders: Mahesh Mulchandani, Sainath Shetty, Dhiraj Chhabria, Tanvi Saxena

Our Supporters:

- MSIHMCT ALUMNI Joins hand with us in extending our vision:
Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology – Alumni (Government of Maharashtra & Charity Commission Approved) is one of the first alumni undertaking – a pioneer, so to speak -- in India which ranks at the number one position as far its reach, popularity and stature is concerned. The alumni is the brainchild of Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology – Pune established in 1969.

- Panchsheel Foundation Powers the Project:
One of the finest NGOs in Pune nominated for India’s one of the Biggest Award in Delhi By Indian Express Group “ Indian Achievers Award “ working exclusively for the upliftment in the slum areas targeting Education,Legal,Medical,Sports,Mentoring Programmes from last 3 years.

- Bindra’s Hospitality Services Pvt Ltd:
They help us understand and learn the technicalities of food packaging and storage for successful distribution.

We all come together to adopt many families which we will nurture for a year(min) and will try to make considerate changes in their Lifestyle, Food Habits, Jobs, Counselling, and Career Guidance and so on.

And we hope the support will keep growing....

Volunteers needed 2 teach kids at sec-14 Airoli - LEAD Foundation

2011-11-11T06:39:00.001-08:00

eligibility: knowledge of hindi/marathi and open heart! Interested?

LEAD Foundation

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1341688&l=b79626bd2b&id=141119842564836

Donate a Blanket this Winter @ Nareshwadi, Dhanu

2011-11-10T23:52:00.001-08:00

About Nareshwadi

Nareshwadi is school of 500 children from underprivileged families attend Nareshwadi's schools and live on campus. Ninety percent of them come from the local Warli, Kokani, Katkari and Dodhi tribal communities. Many live in interior villages with no schooling available. The rest are children with
single or absent parents, or are from HIV-infected and -affected families.

Youth For People is just one of the facilitator to the school. School is run by Girivanvasi Educational Trust (GVET).

For more information on how to donate blankets call on +91-9833152162 or email dipesh.sitel@gmail.com.

Approximate cost of 1 blanket is Rs 150

How to get to Nareshwadi Learning Centre

By road. Take the Western Express Highway out of Mumbai. Continue on the National Highway number 8. About 20 kms North of Charoti Toll, turn to the left/west at Dundhalwadi, following the sign to Dahanu. 4 km after the turn off, you will see a stone compound wall on your right. You are at Nareshwadi!

By train. Take a suburban/express train from Churchgate, Mumbai Central, Dadar or Bandra stations to Dahanu Road Station. Then take a local bus or shared rickshaw and ask for Nareshwadi, near Dundhalwadi, 4 km off the Western Express Highway. Nareshwadi will be on your left.

About Youth For People

Youth for People - Touching Lives is a group of young and like-minded enthusiasts, who have been active since the 7/11 train bomb blast in Mumbai. They group has a passion and desire to give back to the society what they got from it – a respectful existence.

YFP believes that youth is blessed with the power to do anything and everything and is on a mission to mobilize the Youth energy towards the betterment of our society by serving the city through regular blood donations, supporting cancer patients and striving to solve problem of any
other nature faced by the needy.

www.youthforpeople.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259090290803486

Dipesh Tank, Harshita Pande

Understanding the Desires and Choices of the Poor November 8, 2011

2011-11-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

November 8, 2011 - 7:00pm - 8:30pm

BSE Ltd., Convention Hall, Phiroze Jeejebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Mumbai Samachar Marg, Fort, Mumbai

Click for Directions

Asia Society Members: free; non-members: Rs. 200

RSVP required to: asiasociety@asiasociety.org.in

In their new book Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty, MIT Professors Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee ask questions like “Why do the poorest people in the Indian state of Maharashtra spend 7 percent of their food budget on sugar?” and “Does having lots of children actually make you poorer?” Meanwhile, poverty continues to cripple India and other developing countries, and debates persist on who constitutes the poor and how they may be helped. How can we hope to alleviate poverty on a large and sustainable scale? How can a better understanding of poverty reshape policies and business models to improve their impact?
http://asiasociety.org/calendars/poor-economics-understanding-desires-and-choices-poor-0
Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty (2011)

Do Call Centers Promote School Enrollment? Evidence from India

Emily Oster, Bryce Millett / India / 2010

From the abstract: "We find that introducing a new ITES center results in a 5.7% increase in number of children enrolled; these effects are extremely

Do Informed Voters Make Better Choices? Experimental Evidence from Urban India

Abhijit Banerjee, Selvan Kumar, Rohini Pande, Felix Su / India / 2010

From the abstract: "Do informational de?cits on the part of voters sustain poor quality of governance in low income countries? We provide experimental evidence on the role of public disclosures on candidate quality and incumbent performance in enhancing electoral accountability

Do Traditional Institutions Constrain Female Entrepreneurship? A Field Experiment on Business Training in India

Erica Field, Seema Jayachandran, Rohini Pande / India / 2010

The authors examine the relationship between social restrictions and the ability to benefit from a business training; specifically, how religious community and its relative restrictions may impact women's benefits of the training program. The more highly restricted women in the Hindu community benefited from the training; the restricted women in the Muslim community did not.

Early-Life Malaria Exposure and Adult Outcomes: Evidence from Malaria Eradication in India

David Cutler, Winnie Fung, Michael Kremer, Monica Singhal and Tom Vogl / India / 2010

Exploiting variation in malaria prevalence during India's eradication program, malaria exposure as children has modest effects on consumption for prime age men. Educational attainment is unaffected for men, and results are mixed for women.

Economic Opportunities and Gender Differences in Human Capital: Experimental Evidence for India

Robert Jensen / India / 2010

A randomized evaluation of providing jobs in rural India: "we provided three years of recruiting services to help young women in randomly selected Indian villages get jobs in the business process outsourcing industry. Girls in treatment villages were more likely to be in school and had greater measured BMI."

Financial access, precaution, and development: Theory and evidence from India

Scott Fulford / India / 2010

From the abstract: "Using consistent consumption data that cover a much longer time period than most studies, my empirical findings show that increased access to bank branches in rural India increased consumption initially, but consumption later fell, although the long term effect was still slightly positive."

Financial incentives and student achievement: Evidence from randomized trials

Roland Fryer / USA / 2010

From the abstract: "This paper describes a series of school-based randomized trials in over 250 urban schools designed to test the impact of ?nancial incentives on student achievement. In stark contrast to simple economic models, our results suggest that student incentives increase achievement when the rewards are given for inputs to the educational production function, but incentives tied to output are not effective."

Improving health care delivery in India

Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo / India / 2010

From the abstract: "This essay brings together some recent evidence which highlights some of the difficulties that will have to be faced by any government that is serious about improving health-care for the poor."

Improving Immunisation Coverage in Rural India: Clustered Randomised Controlled Immunisation Campaigns With and Without Incentives

Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Rachel Glennerster and Dhruva Kothari / India / 2010

A field experiment in rural India demonstrates that reliability of healthcare supply improves immunization rates, but only modestly. "Small incentives have large positive impacts on the uptake of immunisation services in resource poor areas and are more cost effective than purely improving supply."

Can Voters be Primed to Choose Better Legislators? Experimental Evidence from Rural India

Abhijit Banerjee, Donald Green, Jennifer Green, Rohini Pande / India / 2009

From the abstract: "We conducted field experiments in rural India to examine the responsiveness of voter preferences to priming about the relevance of ethnicity and politician quality for service delivery. We used vignette experiments to examine how voter preferences vary with information about politician quality. We nd strong evidence that ethnic preferences are malleable."

Do Electoral Quotas Work After They Are Withdrawn? Evidence from a Natural Experiment in India

Rikhil Bhavani / India / 2009

The author examines a natural experiment in India "in which randomly chosen seats in local legislatures are set aside for women for one election at a time...The data suggest that reservations work in part by introducing into politics women who are able to win elections after reservations are withdrawn and by allowing parties to learn that women can win elections."

Fixing Market Failures or Fixing Elections? Agricultural Credit in India

Shawn Cole / India / 2009

From the abstract: "Studying banks in India, [the author] find[s] that government-owned bank lending tracks the electoral cycle, with agricultural credit increasing by 5-10 percentage points in an election year. There is signicant cross-sectional targeting, with large increases in districts in which the election is particularly close."

Food and nutrition in India: Facts and interpretations

Angus Deaton, Jean Dreze / India / 2009

Caloric intake has declined in India. Some argue this is due to reduced physical activity or improvements in the health environment. Yet anthropometric indicators still indicate under-nourishment in the population.

Putting a Band-Aid on a Corpse: Incentives for Nurses in the Indian Public Health Care System

Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Rachel Glennerster / India / 2009

From the abstract: "The public Indian health care system is plagued by high staff absence, low effort by providers, and limited use by potential beneficiaries who prefer private alternatives. This artice reports the results of an experiment carried out with a district administration and a nongovernmental organization (NGO)." While nurses initially responded to incentives, collusion between nurses and supervisors eventually muted the impacts.

Why Do Mothers Breastfeed Girls Less than Boys? Evidence and Implications for Child Health in India

Seema Jayachandran, Ilyana Kuziemko / India / 2009

Repayment Frequency and Default in Microfinance: Evidence from India

Erica Field, Rohini Pande / India / 2008

From the abstract: "In this paper we use data from a field experiment which randomized client assignment to a weekly or monthly repayment schedule and find no significant effect of type of repayment schedule on client delinquency or default. Our findings suggest that, among micro-finance clients who are willing to borrow at either weekly or monthly repayment schedules, a more flexible schedule can significantly lower transaction costs without increasing client default."

The Quality of Medical Advice in Low-Income Countries

Jishnu Das, Jeffrey Hammer and Kenneth Leonard / India, Indonesia, Tanzania, Paraguay / 2008

From the abstract: "This paper provides an overview of recent work on quality measurement of medical care and its correlates in four low and middle-income countries-India, Indonesia, Tanzania, and Paraguay."

Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India are Reshaping Their Futures

Tarun Khanna / China, India / 2007

An examination of grass-roots business development and its effects of a macro scope on economic growth, both at the national and international levels.

Ethnic Preferences and Politician Corruption

Abhijit Banerjee, Rohini Pande / India / 2007

From the abstract: "This paper examines how increased voter ethnicization, defined as a greater preference for the party representing one's ethnic group, aspects politician quality."

Money for nothing: The dire straits of medical practice in Delhi, India

Jishnu Das, Jeffrey Hammer / India / 2007

From the abstract: "The quality of medical care received by patients varies for two reasons: differences in doctors' competence or differences in doctors' practice. Using medical vignettes, we evaluated competence for a sample of doctors in Delhi. One month later, we observed the same doctors in their practice."

The Economic Lives of the Poor

Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo / Global / 2007

From the abstract: "This paper uses survey data from 13 countries to document the economic lives of the poor (those living on less than $2 dollar per day per capita at purchasing power parity ) or the extremely poor (those living on less than $1 dollar per day)."

Pratham Annual Status of Education Report (2005): Final edition

Pratham / India / 2005

An overview of the Indian education system by Pratham, an NGO based in Mumbai.

Who Beats Corruption?

Jeffrey Sachs / Global / 2005

Foreign aid targeted at known development issues - for example, health concerns - would empower the poor to defend the rule of law in areas of corruption.

HUB Workshop: Legally speaking 19th Oct 2011

2011-10-14T02:46:00.001-07:00

HUB Workshop: Legally speaking
19th Oct 2011
5:00- 7:30 pm
Rs 250 | RSVP here
Venue: Bombay HUB ( Please note the change in venue )

An exclusive workshop to solve legal issues related to your organisation or enterprise like:
-Choice of Registration:Trust, Society or Company,
-Concerns on Trusts Act & Societies Registration Act, Income Tax, FCRA,
-Governance & Board related issues,
-Resource Mobilization.
Noshir H. Dadrawala is chief executive of Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy, specialising in areas of charity laws, financial management, tax exemptions, resource mobilisation and good governance.

UnLtd India
4th Floor, Candelar Building, 26 St. John Baptist Road, Near Mount Mary Steps,
Bandra (W), , India.
Mumbai 400 050

Links for 2011-10-13 [del.icio.us]

2011-10-14T00:00:00-07:00

Links for 2011-10-12 [del.icio.us]

2011-10-13T00:00:00-07:00

GOONJ Collection camp - Janakpuri New Delhi 9th October 2011

2011-10-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

Join us for “Make your lazy newspaper work” collection camp
At: C1A Market, Janakpuri
On: 9th October 2011(Sunday)
From: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Camp Volunteers: Ms. Swati (9811811151)
Mr. Deepak (9999841168)
Mr. Vivek (9811045612)

One Earth Environment Foundation helping villages in spiti with solar lamps

2011-10-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

One Earth environment foundation to buy solar lamps for a remote village in Spiti Valley, Himalayas

Enchanted Lands & Fables ‎ the plan is to buy the Light solar lamps http://www.dlightdesign.com/ and give them to Muse, the non-profit working in Spiti. They will distribute it further to homes that need the lamps the most.

Enchanted Lands & Fables is a project by One Earth Environment Foundation. A non-profit created to build bridges across countries and cultures, for a greener more peaceful planet.

This project is being produced by Nitin Das through the One Earth Environment Foundation.

http://www.elfproject.org

Sitesh.das@gmail.com +91 93716 60506
nitin@elfproject.org
http://www.1earth-foundation.org

http://www.facebook.com/elfproject

India Office

d.light Energy Private Limited
CL House, T-95
Fourth Floor, Gautam Nagar
New Delhi 110049 India
Tel:+91 (0)11 4315 6700
Fax:+91 (0)11 4315 6721 http://www.dlightdesign.com/contact_global_office.php

Ecosphere Creating sustainable livelihoods - Spiti - Himachal Pradesh

2011-10-07T21:39:00.001-07:00

You could:

Travel with us
Buy our products: Health / Organics
Volunteer with us
Contribute through your suggestions, ideas or donations

http://business.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?261373

Via Post:

In Delhi:
Ishita Khanna / Sunil Chauhan
E-6/ 201
Sterling Apartments
Charmwood Village
Faridabad
Haryana 121009
INDIA

In Spiti:
Chhering Norbu
Ecosphere Office
Old Bazaar
Kaza – 172114
Spiti
Himachal Pradesh
INDIA

Via Email

Email : info@spitiecosphere.com

Via Telephone

Mobile: +91.9899492417, +91.9418860099, +91.9418207750, +91.9418439294, +91.9873098017

Land Line: +91.(0)1906.222652

STAG – Spiti Trans-Himalayan Action Group
SSS – Spiti Seabuckthorn Society
Muse – Creative Initiatives for Sustainable development
http://www.spitiecosphere.com/contact_us.htm
http://twitter.com/#!/ecospherespiti
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiti-Ecosphere/106711199360384?sk=wall

Muse NGO Spiti (Tirku or Seabuckthorn NGO)
Creative Initiatives for Sustainable Development
Lhamo Guesthouse, Behind Main Bus stand,
Kaza, Spiti - 172114,
Himachal Pradesh.

................

Muse
Creative Initiatives for Sustainable Development

The term ‘Muse’, refers literally to the ‘Greek Goddess of creativity’ and more figuratively to ‘a thought that inspires creativity in individuals’. The organisation was founded on the belief that environment conservation and livelihoods are vital aspects in development and both are invariably interlinked. Since its inception in Spiti (Himachal Pradesh), it has applied ‘creativity’ (emphasized in its name) to promote livelihoods for the local communities that are linked to conservation.

Introducing Spiti – A Surreal but Tough Place to Live in
Nestled in the trans-himalayan range, Spiti is a high altitude desert region with an arid landscape, scarce vegetation and a 6 month long cold winter (temperatures dip to –30 degree centigrade) which allows cultivation of only one crop a year. Spread over 7,000 sq km, Spiti gets isolated during the winter months with access routes getting disrupted due to thick layers of snow.

Millions of years ago, Spiti lay submerged under the Tethys sea. Remnants of its geological past are evident in its unique landscape & diverse fossils of marine life. Land of the endangered Snow Leopard & Tibetan Wolf, Spiti is also home to the Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Marmots, Snow Cock & numerous migratory birds. Despite being a high altitude cold desert, Spiti boasts of more than 450 species of medicinal and aromatic plants.

The starkly beautiful locale of Spiti offers breathtaking views of the mountains, interesting trekking trails, magnificent night sky, diverse flora and fauna, a rich cultural heritage and fascinating folklore. It is also aptly referred to as the ‘Valley of Monasteries’. Some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries & temples dating back over a 1000 years along with unique aspects of Tibetan Buddhist culture are well preserved and have flourished in the Spiti Valley.

This natural splendor of Spiti has another facet. The harsh geographical and climatic conditions make living there a challenge. Traditionally a form of subsistence agro-pastoralism prevailed in the community. Barley and black peas (kala matter) were the local crops which also formed important source of fodder for livestock and fuel. The past 20 years have witnessed gradual shift in consumption patterns and changes in livelihoods towards a more cash based market economy. Though sources of cash based income are still few and seasonal. For example, the Government’s infrastructure development program provides construction and labor contracting opportunities. But it does not ensure a steady source of income. Cash crops like green pea have been introduced into the region. Though green pea cultivation is a lucrative option, but it is not conducive to the regions geo-climatic conditions. With green pea replacing the conventional barley and black pea cultivation, a key source of fodder has been lost. This has restricted the community’s ability to rear livestock.

These shifts in practices and needs have skewed the traditional equation between the local level of demand and the ability of the existing natural resource base to meet this demand. It has been replaced by a situation where Spiti has to depend on external sources of supply for most of its needs and has only the income generated by Government contracts to acquire these goods and services. A direct impact of the changes in the mountain economy has been on the women folk since they do majority of the work ranging from mundane household chores to agricultural activities.

MUSE- An attempt to assist the Spiti community in creating sustainable options
In 2002, MUSE was established with the objective to respond to the need for alternate livelihood avenues that responsibly use available local resources (natural & cultural) and protect the environment. It is registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.

In tandem with its core philosophy, the MUSE team has focused on developing options that tap the local surpluses and unique attributes. One such surplus identified was Seabuckthorn. The other high potential livelihood avenue that emerged was eco-tourism. By creating a market for barley and black peas, MUSE is attempting to promote the cultivation of these two local crops and protect the organic practices.

Current Organizational Status of MUSE & its partner organizations
Organization structure: 3 person management team supported by 7 local staff.
Operation sphere: Working in 35 villages with over 500 families as beneficiaries (approximately 1/4th of the population of Spiti).
Key Individual Supporters: Ashok Thakur (Principal secretary, culture, youth, forest and industry) Subhash Negi (Principal Secretary cum Commissioner Tribal Development and PWD, Government of HP), Kishore Thukral (writer, Spiti through Legend and Lore).
Supportive Funding Organizations: Himachal Pradesh Government, UNESCO, Disney Foundation, International Snow Lepord Conservancy, Himachal Pradesh Forest sector reforms project, GERES, European Union, GTZ, Ratan Tata Trust, Dorabji Tata Trust.

Why were Seabuckthorn and Eco-tourism livelihood options chosen?
Seabuckthorn, a plant that grows wild in the Spiti region, is increasingly being regarded as the most exciting plant in the botanical kingdom. It is a rich source of Vitamin C1 and has large content of Vitamins K & E. Its various parts (leaves, berries, seed, skin and bark) contain 10 different vitamins, 24 trace elements/ mineral compounds, 18 amino acids, proteins, many bioactive substances and omega 3,6,7 and 9 oils. Moreover, Seabuckthorn has a highly developed root system and therefore presents an excellent biotic choice for soil conservation. By growing this hardy deciduous shrub along the beds of the Yellow river in China, 40% of the flooding was controlled all over its length. It is also a highly nitrogen fixing plant and hence ideal for enhancing the fertility of the soil and mixed farming.
India2 is the third largest resource base of Seabuckthorn in the world after China and Russia. However, only in the past 5 years has there been a concerted effort in India towards its growth and development.
Currently, over 300 products ranging from beverages, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals etc are being manufactured by countries like China, Germany, Russia, Austria. China has not only utilized the ecological potential of Seabuckthorn but has successfully revolutionized its rural economy and amasses an annual turnover of over $ 700 million from this plant. Countries such as USA, Bolivia, Canada and others have also introduced this plant on a large scale to benefit from its diverse applications for economy, ecology and health.
In India, Spiti Seabuckthorn Society (initiated by MUSE) was one of the first community ventures towards the conservation and commercialisation of Seabuckthorn in an organised manner. Recently, various private companies and voluntary organisations have also realised the potential of this wonder plant and have ventured into the market with juices, concentrates and chutneys. At MUSE, we believe that this is just the beginning.
Spiti’s rich culture and unique landscape are assets conducive to tourism. Having been an isolated society till recently, Spiti has a lot to offer to tourist and the past few years have witnessed a steady growth in tourist numbers.

A key concern at MUSE was the long term impact of tourism on ecological and social fabric of the region. It was felt that a planned and strategic approach could help conserve the ethos of the region while providing a memorable experience to the traveler and generating income for the local community. The eco-tourism concept was hence adopted to balance the various needs.

Activities undertaken and process adopted
1. Seabuckthorn – its Commercialisation & Conservation
Awareness generation and community mobilisation
Organization & empowerment of women and villagers into producer groups
Devising sustainable harvesting techniques in consultation with the groups
Capacity building and training on appropriate technology for processing of Seabuckthorn
Set up of decentralized processing units
Product development and Market linkages
Organization of groups and Institution Building
Policy advocacy with the State Government especially the Forest and Tribal Development Departments

2. Community based Tourism – linking livelihoods to conservation
Awareness generation and community mobilisation
Training of village youth in activities such as nature guiding to link conservation with livelihoods and prevent out-migration
Generating incomes for low income families and culture conservation from the development of homestays as a tourism product
Linking homestays to viable markets
Directly linking communities to conservation activities through channeling portion of the incomes generated to the village conservation funds.

What has been accomplished?

1. Conservation of Seabuckthorn & Women’s Empowerment – In the first year of the initiative 5 resource rich villages were selected and women producer groups formed in these villages. Currently 33 groups from 27 villages are a part of the initiative with approximately 500 members. Production levels have also increased from 2.5 Metric Tons in the first year to 17 MT in 2005. The initial success of the pilot initiative and the subsequent economic benefits accrued from Seabuckthorn (a plant which previously held no economic value to the local community) has had an immense effect on the populace of Spiti. Earlier this plant was indiscriminately extracted and used for purposes of fencing and fuel. This had led to large-scale depletion of the resources. One of the most significant consequences of this initiative has been the emergence of the local community as the custodians of their natural resource base. The women, who were initially identified as the target beneficiaries, have been the torch bearers of this change in mind set. Upon realizing the varied properties of the plant, women have not only started protecting the existing Seabuckthorn resources by not allowing its extraction, but have also initiated its propagation along the river beds (an area most susceptible to erosion). Moreover, the concept of ‘live fencing’ of Seabuckthorn hedges (being an extremely thorny bush) is gradually picking up as an alternative to fencing.
2. Equitable Benefit Sharing: Producer groups comprise of 1 member (primarily women) from each family in the village. Each member in the group harvests exactly the same predetermined quantity. This not only ensures equitable benefits flowing to each and every family in the village, but also makes the distribution of earnings within the groups simpler. Moreover each individual group has over the years contributed part of their earnings on the basis of the produce brought in, to form a corpus fund which has been translated into a share capital of each group. Part of the profits earned over and above the Seabuckthorn Berry Price (which is currently Rs. 20/-) goes to the groups on the basis of their share in the corpus.
3. Formation of a Community Based Organisation: Presently more than 50% of the villages in Spiti are informal members of Spiti Seabuckthorn Society and are working towards the conservation, commercialization and propagation of Seabuckthorn. 33 Production Groups have been formed in 27 villages for managing the harvesting, preservation and processing of Seabuckthorn. These groups are thereafter organized on a cluster level for the purpose of processing, which is conducted in 4 decentralised production units. These production units are located in close vicinity and not further than a few kilometers from the collection areas. Although, as mentioned earlier, it was largely the women in the initial phase who came forward to support the initiative, now almost all sections of the society are involved in some or the other aspect of its functioning. Men who showed no interest in the first 2 years, have now come forward along with the youth both in the harvesting and processing of seabuckthorn.
4. Market Linkages & Product Development: – As is the case with most community based enterprises, marketing presents the biggest challenge towards ensuring sustainability. Marketing arrangements with organizations working on the commercialization of Seabuckthorn in Ladakh (Ladakh Foods Limited), ensured the sale of the semi-processed pulp, and provided the necessary launch pad for demonstration of its economic feasibility to the local community in the initial stages. However as this arrangement lacks sustainability in the long run, end products such as Seabuckthorn Juice and Squash have been developed for sale in the open markets this year. Research is being undertaken on various other products and a dialogue has been initiated with various companies that have shown a keen interest in the products.
5. Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge and Usage: Local usage of these resources either as health supplements or for the treatment of common ailments is being promoted through the local doctors (amchis). The Amchis have been mobilized to generate awareness amongst the community with regards to their age old system as well as the vital role played by the various natural resources in the sustenance of this system.
6. Towards People Centered Policies: Sensitising the government towards the formulation of people centered policies has been one of the major achievements of this initiative. Policy advocacy with the State Government has initiated a shift in their policies from promoting foreign species to supporting the propagation and commercialization of the local species. The government has also supported the set up of necessary infrastructure for processing of seabuckthorn. Since Seabuckthorn grows on Forest Land, it has received a de-facto status of a Forest Produce. As per the Lahaul Waziri, the community has the rights of extracting Seabuckthorn. However to avoid future problems between the community and the Forest Department over extraction and commercialization of Seabuckthorn, Muse has initiated a dialogue for considering a notification to decontrol Seabuckthorn and pass all rights to respective Panchayats. The Himachal Pradesh State Government has also sought consultancy from Muse for effective implementation of the Desert Development Programme (DDP) apart from appointing it as facilitators for the development of Seabuckthorn.
7. Community based Tourism – linking livelihoods to conservation: Homestays have been formed in 5 villages (Langza, Komic, Demul, Lhalung, Dhankar) with the following objectives:-
Conservation of natural & cultural heritage
Linking livelihoods directly and indirectly to conservation based activities
Creating employment opportunities for youth and women to reduce rural to urban migration
Creating a distinctive, authentic, reliable, tourist accommodation and experience.
Village youth have been trained as nature guides to create varied tourism related livelihood options. Mechanism ensuring rotation and equal opportunities for all, have been developed for equitable benefit sharing. As a consequence, in the first year itself over 50 households in 5 villages have benefited from community based tourism.

Conservation efforts have been undertaken by the community through the formation of conservation funds which flow directly as a percentage of the revenue generated by them from community based tourism. Some of the conservation activities proposed and executed by the community are garbage management, preservation of the natural heritage such as fossils through formation of a fossil center/ museum, wildlife insurance schemes, etc.
8. Strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions: Strengthening PRIs and involving the entire village in conservation related activities, was possible once the community realized the importance and direct benefit accruing from conservation based tourism. Resolutions were passed by Panchayats to prevent sale and purchase of natural and cultural artifacts by imposing fines. It was also decided to levy fines on tourist for improper garbage disposal along with camping and grazing charges for donkeys/ horses brought from outside of the particular panchayat. The income generated is being utilized for the promotion of responsible tourism and conservation related activities.

‘Age of man, blessed by death,
Life of desires leads to another birth,
To sacrifice at times for mother earth,
Is to rise above this life of misery and mirth.’

... Ecosphere-Developing-an-Ecological-Cultural-Conscience-Muse