Bhartiya Gramotthan Sanstha

Bhartiya Gramotthan Sanstha (BGS) is a Rishikesh based NGO working to combat poverty in Uttarakhand villages through women empowerment. Over 250 milli Read moreon people struggle to make ends meet in rural India with the problem being even more acute in the remote mountain regions. Established in 1988, BGS has been instrumental in alleviating this problem by providing the rural women training & the necessary skill set to create handicrafts and market opportunities.  The primary aim of BGS is to empower rural women by equipping them with handicraft-making skills using natural fibers sourced from plants such as Jute, Bhimal, Nettle, and Hemp, some of which are abundant in the Uttarakhand mountains.  One distinctive feature of BGS's training model is its flexibility, which caters to the diverse needs of rural women. Women participating in the training program can choose to work either from the comfort of their homes or at the central BGS center in Rishikesh. The center is well-equipped with sewing, weaving, and knitting machines, as well as traditional handlooms, facilitating the creation of high-quality handicraft products. In addition to skills development, BGS plays a crucial role in connecting the trained women with potential markets. The organization actively seeks out market opportunities for the products made by the rural women. By establishing partnerships with retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and fair-trade organizations, BGS ensures a sustainable market presence for the handicraft products. This market access not only generates income for the women but also helps in preserving traditional art forms and fostering economic growth in the region. With BGS’s help, Meena and Dipa from the Kirmola village have transformed themselves from housewives to independent business women, procuring their own raw materials and finding customers for their products. Another BGS beneficiary, Nirmala Devi of Gumaniwala, part of Vaishnavi Self Help Group (SHG), has emerged as a leader in her community providing encouragement, valuable support and part time employment to several women in her financially challenged neighborhood. Moreover, BGS's emphasis on preserving local craftsmanship and utilizing eco-friendly materials contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and ecological sustainability. By promoting these traditional art forms, BGS encourages pride in local traditions and craftsmanship, ensuring their continuation for future generations.