Shanti Hastkala is visualized by Swami Nityanandaji of Shanti Mandir, after becoming aware of the plight of the villagers around the ashram. When the vision and mission of uplifting the downtrodden was explained to the devotees of the Ashram there was an overwhelming response and many came forward to devote their time and offer seva for this worthy cause. Thus Shanti Hastkala , the non profit organization was born.

ABOUT US:

• Shanti hastkala whose basic creed is “Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu” (may all See Only Auspicious Sights) is a humble effort towards creating opportunities for a small rural community in the periphery of ‘ Shanti Mandir’ at Magod village close to Valsad district in Gujrat state , India. Its initial challenge was to inspire the villagers as well as enable them to help themselves by building their community , at the same time remaining environment friendly.
• The excitement of those who work with these simple people has been to see their skills, improve gradually both at work and in communication. Yet nothing can happen overnight ,and it continues as a patient, sustained effort.

SOCIAL VISION FOR THE POOR:

• Upliftment of surrounding villages by identifying needy families, widows & underprivileged children and helping them acquire skills, which can sustain them financially and also help them get work.
• Providing basic computer literacy to students along with basics of English language and suitable vocational training to unemployed among the villagers.
• Help develop handicrafts and dress making as a small industry among village ladies to help support themselves and their families.

SHK MISSION & APPROCH

Shanti Hastkala tries to understand the local community’s current needs and in that context help it achieve better income, sense of financial security through development of occupational skills ,and assistance in developing business acumen and sales promotion.

• Creating for the village folk newer opportunities for gainful work in their home environment instead of going out to big cities in search of employment.
• Empowering women- 90% of their work under Shanti Hastkala auspices is done by the women folk, who are in a real sense endeavoring to improve the health and socio-economic conditions of their families.
• Enhancing environment consciousness by using recycled or sustained harvested raw material, providing opportunity to work in their natural contexts and creating incentives to protect their natural surroundings

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION, SOCIO-CULTURAL AND CHARACTER BUILDING GHARS

• Creating awareness against certain evils, such as social discrimination, occupational exploitation, habitual drunkenness and indebtedness, dowry and child marriage, superstition etc.
• Conducting character and value-building exercises that generate cultural organizing, celebrations on festival days of significance to the villagers.