Akhanda Seva For International Shanti

Established in 2005, Operation Shanti, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, California, is dedicated to assisting the most impoverished individuals in Read moregaining their rightful place within society. Operation Shanti in India was registered under the name Akhanda Seva for International Shanti as a nonprofit company. Their initial efforts in India, particularly in Mysore, revolved around aiding families who were living on the streets. These efforts primarily focused on providing basic necessities like food and medical care, with volunteers from Operation Shanti offering daily meals and medical assistance to those without shelter. This initiative became known as Project Street. Over the next two years, Operation Shanti expanded its efforts to provide housing and financial support to families, along with educational opportunities for children to attend school instead of resorting to street work or begging. In 2006 and 2007, several street children were placed in a respected local boarding school, offering them a path away from the streets. In 2008, Operation Shanti established the Karunya Mane shelter on the outskirts of Mysore, providing permanent housing for street children. Many children who had previously attended local boarding schools chose to live at Karunya Mane. They stay there seven days a week and attend nearby schools. Other children continue to attend respected boarding schools. This initiative is referred to as Project Home. By September 2009, Operation Shanti had initiated Project Food & More, distributing care packages to destitute families experiencing medical hardships. Operation Shanti's future objectives include acquiring land and constructing a larger children's home near the Karunya Mane facility to accommodate more underprivileged children seeking a brighter future. From its inception, Operation Shanti has partnered with local nonprofit organizations in Mysore, including Swamiji of Cave Shiva Temple. Swamiji and other Indian locals constitute the Indian board of directors, providing guidance and support for Operation Shanti's local operations. An American board of directors focuses on fundraising and offers legal and administrative assistance to Operation Shanti. Operation Shanti's guiding principles reflect their commitment to treating every human life as equal and without discrimination. They provide assistance and conduct themselves in a manner they would expect for themselves, ensuring that those they help receive the same quality of care. Open-mindedness, long-term commitment, and responsibility for their actions are key values that shape their approach.

Operation Shanti's mission is to provide essential human services to the destitute, believing that only after their basic needs are met can they begin to help themselves and live up to their potential.

Since its founding in 2006, key milestones include establishing the Karunya Mane children's shelter in 2008, initiating Project Food & More in 2009 to distribute care packages, and expanding services to assist street women with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.