About
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Headquarters
Berinag, Uttarakhand
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Since
1996
Avani is a community-led initiative that has been fostering livelihood opportunities in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayas by reviving traditio Read morenal crafts, appropriate technology, and farm-based interventions. Founded by Rashmi Bharti and Rajnish Jain in 1999, Avani initially introduced a solar programme to address electricity scarcity in remote villages, resulting in the installation of 3000 solar lights across 25 villages. To make solar lights accessible to economically disadvantaged families, it initiated a weaving-based income generation programme. Today, with the dedicated support of local teams, volunteers, interns, and global partners, Avani sustains its mission of community-focused rural development. In a landscape marked by limited industrialization and reliance on Government sector opportunities, Avani offers skill-oriented livelihood options that are locally grounded and ecologically sustainable. Guided by a profound commitment to environmental ethics and cultural sensitivity, Avani's decisions concerning its products echo both environmental responsibility and local context. Originally an extension of the Barefoot College's Kumaon chapter in Rajasthan, Avani's transformation into an independent entity in 1999 underscores its enduring commitment to empowering communities and advocating for sustainable ways of life.
Programs
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Textile & Natural Dyes Programme
Avani's Textile and Natural Dyes Initiative, established in 1997, revitalizes local crafts by merging tradition with modernity. It empowers economically disadvantaged families by contemporizing hand spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing skills, ensuring steady incomes while safeguarding heritage. Avani champions natural dye revival, countering synthetic alternatives, and preserves indigenous fibres like Harsil wool, connecting tradition with sustainability. Nestled in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, Avani harmonizes traditional techniques with eco-friendly practices to create unique textiles, art supplies, and lifestyle products. With 100% natural materials, including plant-derived dyes and locally-sourced resources, Avani nurtures cultural heritage while fostering environmental consciousness.
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Bio Energy Programme
Avani's Bio Energy Programme pioneers sustainable energy in the Himalayas. Pine needle gasifiers combat forest fires and enhance biodiversity. Pine needles are removed by locals, preventing fires and yielding charcoal for clean cooking. Power stations fueled by pine needles provide energy and livelihoods. Avani's solar initiative illuminates remote villages, training locals as solar technicians. Over 40 youths, including women, maintain solar systems. Avani empowers the Himalayas with clean energy, livelihoods, and self-sufficiency.
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Primary Education Programme
Avani's Primary Education Programme, Abhivyakti, nurtures experiential learning and self-expression among children. It's a child-centric school established in 2011 within Avani's Tripuradevi campus. What began with a few campus-residing children has grown to include kids from nearby villages. The school emphasizes creative learning and foundational education. Abhivyakti integrates various activities like weaving, natural dyeing, gardening, and international cultural exchanges to foster holistic learning and environmental awareness. The school's growth from a makeshift building to a well-equipped space reflects Avani's commitment to nurturing young minds in a remote Himalayan region.
Impact Metrics
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Number of Members Reached Through Shgs
Year-wise Metrics- 2018-19 394
- 2019-20 391
- 2020-21 384
- 2021-22 352
- 2022-23 328
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Total Number of Villages Having Shgs
Year-wise Metrics- 2018-19 30
- 2019-20 30
- 2020-21 26
- 2021-22 26
- 2022-23 26
Leadership Team
Demographics & Structure
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No. of Employees
21-50
M&E
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Internal, External Assessors
No
Policies
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Ethics and Transparency Policies
No
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Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy
No
Political & Religious Declarations
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On Affiliation if any
No
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On Deployment Bias if any
No
Registration Details
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Registration ID
652/1999-2000
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VO ID / Darpan ID
UA/2017/0168378
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FCRA
347990018
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CSR Registration Number
Not Available
Location
Other Details
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Type & Sub Type
Non-profit
Society
Website
Financial Details
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2020-21
IncomeRs.19,462,524ExpensesRs.17,424,041Admin ExpensesRs.2,205,089Program ExpensesRs.15,218,952Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2021-22
IncomeRs.12,414,818ExpensesRs.20,510,350Admin ExpensesRs.2,808,990Program ExpensesRs.17,701,360Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it. -
2022-23
IncomeRs.8,771,771ExpensesRs.12,028,584Admin ExpensesRs.3,345,645Program ExpensesRs.8,682,939Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.