Inclusive Development

Whether it's housing, education, or agriculture, Dhyan Foundation plays an active role in promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Over ten thousand economically distressed people including women, and rural and tribal communities, have been supported through our shelters and various initiatives across the country. Since we built Gaushalas in the most remote parts of the country, the development of these areas has accelerated; areas that previously lacked basic amenities such as roads, electricity, medicines, or internet connectivity have now grown into small hubs of burgeoning social and business activities. We have invested in these backward and neglected communities, establishing critical infrastructure that promotes development.

Our inclusive development is reflected in the diversity of individuals under our care & maintenance expenditure. Some of the Adivasi communities empowered by Dhyan Foundation include the Sautali tribes of Gohpur, Assam, Santali tribes of East Singhbhum, Chakulia, Hyderabad, and Mandya. In several communities and households across these tribes, women are able to learn useful skills & support their families. We provide them with several opportunities that create self-sufficiency in their households.

This has resulted in more stable housing in various rural regions. Our Gaushalas also provide housing, sanitary facilities, and clean food, in addition to network access. Here is what they said:

“After COVID, I and many others were stranded. Nobody would support us because we are Dalit, but we have now found our home at the DF Gaushala.” (Translated)

Sustainable Agriculture

Our vision of rural development is centred on sustainability. Hundreds of square kilometres of wastelands near our gaushalas have been converted into agricultural lands, where traditional farming methods are being revived and practised. This includes the use of panchagavya treatments, which include desi cattle dung (govar) and urine, among other things. Farmers' input costs have been significantly reduced as a result of their use as natural fertilisers.

Additionally, to feed the cattle, Dhyan Foundation purchases fodder from farmers worth Rs. 30 crores annually across the country. While this has increased farmers’ incomes and reduced their chances of falling into debt traps, it has simultaneously reduced stubble burning and air pollution in various parts of North and East India. Here is one of their testimonials:

"We spend our entire lives attempting to repay the fertiliser debt, from where do we even bring food for our families?" (Before DF supplied traditional & organic fertilisers) (Translated)

Some of these tribal women had never experienced anything other than working within their households; they were completely reliant on their husbands, but now these courageous women are an important part of our cause. We believe this marks the beginning of a new generation of Global and Educated citizens.

Such initiatives have not only boosted the rural economies of states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Rajasthan but have also uplifted the standard of living of the underprivileged. Such efforts have generated indirect employment through the creation of forward and backward linkages.

The establishment of these shelters also created a local market for tools, services, farm equipment, and other necessities. Small businesses on the verge of extinction have seen significant growth and gained permanent customers.