Avani-Kumaon

Revives traditional crafts and sustainable practices, empowering Himalayan communities with livelihood opportunities and eco-friendly solutions

  • FCRA
Transparency Rating:
Transparency Rating
The transparency rating is calculated based on the amount of information available for the organisation.
Claim this profile

About

  • Headquarters

    Berinag, Uttarakhand

  • 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.

Demographies Served

Programs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Number of Members Reached Through Shgs

    Year-wise Metrics
    • 2018-19 394
    • 2019-20 391
    • 2020-21 384
    • 2021-22 352
    • 2022-23 328
  • 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

  • Rashmi Bharti

    Founder

  • Rajnish Jain

    Founder

  • Rajendra Joshi

    Natural Dye Operations Manager

  • Rajnish Pant

    Textiles Operations Manager

  • Deepa Bhoriyal

    President, Earthcraft and Manager finished Goods Inventory

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    21-50

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • Registration ID

    652/1999-2000

  • VO ID / Darpan ID

    UA/2017/0168378

  • FCRA

    347990018

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

  • Headquarters

    PO Tripuradevi, via Berinag, Dist. Pithoragarh, Kumaon, 262531

    Directions
  • Offices in Cities

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit
    Society

Financial Details

 Income / Expenses
  • 2020-21

    Income
    Rs.19,462,524
    Expenses
    Rs.17,424,041
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.2,205,089
    Program Expenses
    Rs.15,218,952
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.
  • 2021-22

    Income
    Rs.12,414,818
    Expenses
    Rs.20,510,350
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.2,808,990
    Program Expenses
    Rs.17,701,360
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.
  • 2022-23

    Income
    Rs.8,771,771
    Expenses
    Rs.12,028,584
    Admin Expenses
    Rs.3,345,645
    Program Expenses
    Rs.8,682,939
    Tip: Click on any value above to exclude it.