Latest news with #TheArtofLivingSocialProjects
Business Standard
3 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
Reclaiming Water, Restoring Hope for Kolar: The Art of Living & Ashirvad
NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], June 20: In the drought-worn landscape of Kolar, Karnataka, a quiet revolution has taken root. Not with slogans or grand announcements; but with stone, soil, science and spirit. "The root cause of poverty in villages is the lack of water. Solve the water problem, and prosperity returns," - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Inspired by world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project (April 2024 to March 2025) by The Art of Living Social Projects and Ashirwad by Aliaxis is the story of how a corporate vision, a humanitarian mission, and community participation converged to address one of India's most critical environmental challenges: groundwater depletion. Led by The Art of Living Social Projects, in partnership with Ashirwad by Aliaxis, this year-long initiative set out with a simple but transformative objective - to recharge the earth beneath Kolar's feet and reignite hope in its people. Kolar's Crisis: A Deepening Dryness Once famed for its gold mines, Kolar today faces a far rarer commodity - water. Since the 1960s, unsustainable groundwater extraction has left vast parts of the district parched. Borewells now plunge 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep in search of moisture. Agriculture falters, women walk miles for water, and youth migrate as traditional water systems collapse. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and NITI Aayog's Water Index, Kolar is among India's most 'overexploited' groundwater zones. This is more than an ecological problem. It's a human crisis, disrupting livelihoods, health, and rural dignity. Primary Goals: Turning Vision Into Action The partnership responded with a scientific and human centered solution - a replicable IWRM model rooted in participatory design, data-driven planning, and grassroots empowerment. 1. Scientific Site Identification Using geological and aquifer mapping (aligned with CGWB standards), potential recharge zones were meticulously selected through multi-parametric analysis. 2. Recharge Structure Construction Following the successful JalTara model, each intervention site paired a Boulder Check (to slow runoff) with a strategically placed Recharge Well (to percolate water into aquifers). 3. Water Literacy & Community Capacity Building Training deepened public understanding of water cycles, aquifer behaviour, and the importance of recharge. Youth and elders alike engaged, many for the first time, in local hydrology. 4. Ownership & Decentralisation Elected Representatives (ERs) and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) were involved throughout - from planning to post-construction monitoring. 5. Monitoring & Documentation Impact dashboards, infiltration tests, and site photographs ensured transparency, while GIS-based maps empowered Gram Panchayats to oversee their own resources. 6. Scalable Sustainability With Kolar as a pilot site, this model is poised for replication across drought-prone districts in Karnataka and beyond. Project Highlights (April 2024 - March 2025): * 135 pairs of Boulder Checks (BCs) and Recharge Wells (RCWs) constructed across 26 villages, reaching 10,000+ residents * Comprehensive geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys for optimal site selection * Water Literacy Training Programmes conducted in every Gram Panchayat * MoU-based execution with strong Gram Panchayat involvement and formal handovers This was not just civil work, it was community work. Beyond Numbers: A Human Story While metrics quantify impact, the spirit of the project lives in the people it touched. Farmers Reclaim Confidence In Arabikothanur and Harati, villagers saw something they hadn't in years - water staying in the soil after a rain. "We had accepted drought as normal. Now we see water in our land - and that is not just water, it is hope." Farmer, Arabikothanur GP Youth and Awareness Water Literacy sessions awakened curiosity among students. "This is the first time I've understood where water goes after it rains." Student Volunteer, Harati GP Panchayat Ownership Local leaders felt seen and empowered."This is the first time a CSR project came and stayed with us till the end - not just for inauguration." Elected Representative, Shapur GP Women in Water Leadership For many women, restored wells meant reclaimed time and energy. "If the well near my house works again, it saves my legs, my time, and my life." Woman Farmer, Bethani Village Seva Meets Science: A New Development Paradigm This project became a model of mindful collaboration, where: * Contractors saw the work as duty, not just deployment * Villagers offered voluntary help without being asked * Corporate partners, scientists, and community members walked together - not in parallel, but in unison Looking Ahead: A Replicable Movement The Kolar IWRM Project has done more than restore water - it has revived trust, participation, and shared responsibility. As a benchmark model, it offers a compelling case for how scientific precision and spiritual intention can co-create sustainable impact. This wasn't a project for the people. It was a project with the people. And through them. The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities - earning recognition and accolades along the way. Follow: Like:
Fashion Value Chain
3 days ago
- General
- Fashion Value Chain
Reclaiming Water, Restoring Hope for Kolar: The Art of Living & Ashirvad
In the drought-worn landscape of Kolar, Karnataka, a quiet revolution has taken root. Not with slogans or grand announcements; but with stone, soil, science and spirit. 'The root cause of poverty in villages is the lack of water. Solve the water problem, and prosperity returns,' – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Inspired by world renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project (April 2024 to March 2025) by The Art of Living Social Projects and Ashirwad by Aliaxis is the story of how a corporate vision, a humanitarian mission, and community participation converged to address one of India's most critical environmental challenges: groundwater depletion. Led by The Art of Living Social Projects, in partnership with Ashirwad by Aliaxis, this year-long initiative set out with a simple but transformative objective – to recharge the earth beneath Kolar's feet and reignite hope in its people. Kolar's Crisis: A Deepening Dryness Once famed for its gold mines, Kolar today faces a far rarer commodity – water. Since the 1960s, unsustainable groundwater extraction has left vast parts of the district parched. Borewells now plunge 1,500 to 2,000 feet deep in search of moisture. Agriculture falters, women walk miles for water, and youth migrate as traditional water systems collapse. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and NITI Aayog's Water Index, Kolar is among India's most 'overexploited' groundwater zones. This is more than an ecological problem. It's a human crisis, disrupting livelihoods, health, and rural dignity. Primary Goals: Turning Vision Into Action The partnership responded with a scientific and human centered solution – a replicable IWRM model rooted in participatory design, data-driven planning, and grassroots empowerment. Scientific Site Identification Using geological and aquifer mapping (aligned with CGWB standards), potential recharge zones were meticulously selected through multi-parametric analysis. Recharge Structure Construction Following the successful JalTara model, each intervention site paired a Boulder Check (to slow runoff) with a strategically placed Recharge Well (to percolate water into aquifers). This boulder check dam increases soul moisture & minimizes erosion Water Literacy & Community Capacity Building Training deepened public understanding of water cycles, aquifer behaviour, and the importance of recharge. Youth and elders alike engaged, many for the first time, in local hydrology. Ownership & Decentralisation Elected Representatives (ERs) and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) were involved throughout – from planning to post-construction monitoring. Monitoring & Documentation Impact dashboards, infiltration tests, and site photographs ensured transparency, while GIS-based maps empowered Gram Panchayats to oversee their own resources. Scalable Sustainability With Kolar as a pilot site, this model is poised for replication across drought-prone districts in Karnataka and beyond. Project Highlights (April 2024 – March 2025): 135 pairs of Boulder Checks (BCs) and Recharge Wells (RCWs) constructed across 26 villages, reaching 10,000+ residents Comprehensive geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys for optimal site selection Water Literacy Training Programmes conducted in every Gram Panchayat MoU-based execution with strong Gram Panchayat involvement and formal handovers This was not just civil work, it was community work. Beyond Numbers: A Human Story While metrics quantify impact, the spirit of the project lives in the people it touched. Farmers Reclaim Confidence In Arabikothanur and Harati, villagers saw something they hadn't in years – water staying in the soil after a rain. 'We had accepted drought as normal. Now we see water in our land – and that is not just water, it is hope.' Farmer, Arabikothanur GP Youth and Awareness Water Literacy sessions awakened curiosity among students. 'This is the first time I've understood where water goes after it rains.' Student Volunteer, Harati GP Panchayat Ownership Local leaders felt seen and empowered.'This is the first time a CSR project came and stayed with us till the end – not just for inauguration.' Elected Representative, Shapur GP Women in Water Leadership For many women, restored wells meant reclaimed time and energy. 'If the well near my house works again, it saves my legs, my time, and my life.' Woman Farmer, Bethani Village Seva Meets Science: A New Development Paradigm This project became a model of mindful collaboration, where: Contractors saw the work as duty, not just deployment Villagers offered voluntary help without being asked Corporate partners, scientists, and community members walked together – not in parallel, but in unison Looking Ahead: A Replicable Movement The Kolar IWRM Project has done more than restore water – it has revived trust, participation, and shared responsibility. As a benchmark model, it offers a compelling case for how scientific precision and spiritual intention can co-create sustainable impact. This wasn't a project for the people. It was a project with the people. And through them. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is committed to creating lasting societal impact through transformative initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation continues to uplift individuals and communities – earning recognition and accolades along the way. Follow: Like: Post: Message:
Business Standard
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Standard
Pioneering Sustainable Solutions: The Art of Living's 4R Approach
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 13: Water, the elixir of life, is under severe threat worldwide, and India is no exception. Inspired by the world famous humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has proactively addressed this crisis, pioneering transformative water conservation initiatives that blend traditional wisdom with modern solutions. At the core of its efforts is the innovative 4R Approach - Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle - a holistic, year-round model that integrates community action, technological breakthroughs and environmental protection, providing a roadmap for a water-secure India. Reduce: Inspiring a Grassroots Revolution Water conservation begins with awareness. The Art of Living Social Projects has been instrumental in educating communities to adopt mindful water usage through public awareness campaigns and training programmes. The Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) is a pillar of this grassroots revolution. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural youth - limited resources, vulnerability to negative influences, and lack of direction - this initiative turns obstacles into stepping stones for progress. YLTP instills the belief that 'Change begins with me.' Participants are equipped with tools for personal growth, including the Sudarshan Kriya, to enhance mental clarity and resilience. Beyond self-improvement, these young leaders return to their communities as agents of change, leading capacity-building projects and spreading awareness about water conservation. Their actions ignite a chain reaction of transformation, nurturing a self-sufficient future. Reuse: Smart Water Management makes Every Drop Count In areas where rain is scarce, reusing water becomes a vital practice for survival. The Art of Living Social Projects integrates Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat grey and black water, making it suitable for reuse in households, industries, and agriculture. This recycled water not only meets daily needs but also replenishes groundwater reserves, providing a vital buffer in the face of prolonged dry spells. By integrating ecological processes into water management, this approach ensures a viable supply while safeguarding the environment. Recharge: Tapping the Earth's Reservoirs With agriculture heavily reliant on groundwater, replenishment becomes a lifeline. The Art of Living Social Projects employs a ridge-to-valley approach to capture and direct rainwater back into the ground. By leveraging natural terrain, every drop of rain contributes to groundwater recharge. Complementary initiatives like soil conservation, afforestation, and the desilting of rivers and lakes further enhance groundwater retention; collectively strengthening the water table and ensuring year-round availability for farming communities. Recycle: Nature's Purifiers at Work Water recycling isn't just about reducing waste; it's about restoring balance to ecosystems. The Art of Living Social Projects employs enduring purification techniques, including bioremediation and phytoremediation, which use plants and natural agents to clean polluted water naturally. Ingenious solutions such as these are central to the organisation's efforts to promote durable water practices across industries and communities. A shining example of nature-based solutions (NBS) for water revival is the restoration of Radha Kunj Lake at the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru. Driving all the creative, eco-friendly transformative initiatives is meticulous planning. Experts in geology, hydrology, and remote sensing collaborate to identify optimal sites for building water structures. Using advanced tools and on-ground validation, teams execute action plans with unparalleled precision. CSR partnerships amplify the impact, creating long lasting solutions that address both rural and urban water challenges. A Legacy of Leadership with a Vision for the Future With over a century of collective expertise, The Art of Living Social Projects' core team seamlessly blends traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Their approach encourages communities to take ownership of water conservation, transforming individuals into guardians of sustainability. Through initiatives like YLTP and workshops, The Art of Living Social Projects has developed networks of water trustees who are actively safeguarding their resources. A notable success story is the women-centric Naganadhi River project, where over 44,000 women, trained as water conservation champions, revived the Naganadhi. Their remarkable efforts were recognised by Prime Minister Modi for the third time in the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat. This grassroots empowerment goes beyond skill-building; it instills a deep sense of ownership. From rural farmers adopting water-efficient practices to urban planners integrating resilient designs, these efforts are sparking a ripple effect of positive change across the country. As the organisation continues to innovate and lead, its 4R Approach serves as a model for creating a water-positive and environmentally balanced future for India. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is dedicated to creating a positive societal impact through transformative water conservation initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation works to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Understanding the deep connection between human health and environmental vitality, the organisation places a strong emphasis on preserving and conserving water resources. Through sustainable practices, afforestation projects, and ecological education, the organisation aims to safeguard and restore water systems, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, balanced ecosystem alongside prosperous communities. Follow: Like: Post: Message: Photo -
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Pioneering Sustainable Solutions: The Art of Living's 4R Approach
BENGALURU, India, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Water, the elixir of life, is under severe threat worldwide, and India is no exception. Inspired by the world famous humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living Social Projects has proactively addressed this crisis, pioneering transformative water conservation initiatives that blend traditional wisdom with modern solutions. At the core of its efforts is the innovative 4R Approach - Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle - a holistic, year-round model that integrates community action, technological breakthroughs and environmental protection, providing a roadmap for a water-secure India. Reduce: Inspiring a Grassroots Revolution Water conservation begins with awareness. The Art of Living Social Projects has been instrumental in educating communities to adopt mindful water usage through public awareness campaigns and training programmes. The Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) is a pillar of this grassroots revolution. Designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural youth - limited resources, vulnerability to negative influences, and lack of direction - this initiative turns obstacles into stepping stones for progress. YLTP instills the belief that 'Change begins with me.' Participants are equipped with tools for personal growth, including the Sudarshan Kriya, to enhance mental clarity and resilience. Beyond self-improvement, these young leaders return to their communities as agents of change, leading capacity-building projects and spreading awareness about water conservation. Their actions ignite a chain reaction of transformation, nurturing a self-sufficient future. Reuse: Smart Water Management makes Every Drop Count In areas where rain is scarce, reusing water becomes a vital practice for survival. The Art of Living Social Projects integrates Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to treat grey and black water, making it suitable for reuse in households, industries, and agriculture. This recycled water not only meets daily needs but also replenishes groundwater reserves, providing a vital buffer in the face of prolonged dry spells. By integrating ecological processes into water management, this approach ensures a viable supply while safeguarding the environment. Recharge: Tapping the Earth's Reservoirs With agriculture heavily reliant on groundwater, replenishment becomes a lifeline. The Art of Living Social Projects employs a ridge-to-valley approach to capture and direct rainwater back into the ground. By leveraging natural terrain, every drop of rain contributes to groundwater recharge. Complementary initiatives like soil conservation, afforestation, and the desilting of rivers and lakes further enhance groundwater retention; collectively strengthening the water table and ensuring year-round availability for farming communities. Recycle: Nature's Purifiers at Work Water recycling isn't just about reducing waste; it's about restoring balance to ecosystems. The Art of Living Social Projects employs enduring purification techniques, including bioremediation and phytoremediation, which use plants and natural agents to clean polluted water naturally. Ingenious solutions such as these are central to the organisation's efforts to promote durable water practices across industries and communities. A shining example of nature-based solutions (NBS) for water revival is the restoration of Radha Kunj Lake at the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru. Driving all the creative, eco-friendly transformative initiatives is meticulous planning. Experts in geology, hydrology, and remote sensing collaborate to identify optimal sites for building water structures. Using advanced tools and on-ground validation, teams execute action plans with unparalleled precision. CSR partnerships amplify the impact, creating long lasting solutions that address both rural and urban water challenges. A Legacy of Leadership with a Vision for the Future With over a century of collective expertise, The Art of Living Social Projects' core team seamlessly blends traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Their approach encourages communities to take ownership of water conservation, transforming individuals into guardians of sustainability. Through initiatives like YLTP and workshops, The Art of Living Social Projects has developed networks of water trustees who are actively safeguarding their resources. A notable success story is the women-centric Naganadhi River project, where over 44,000 women, trained as water conservation champions, revived the Naganadhi. Their remarkable efforts were recognised by Prime Minister Modi for the third time in the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat. This grassroots empowerment goes beyond skill-building; it instills a deep sense of ownership. From rural farmers adopting water-efficient practices to urban planners integrating resilient designs, these efforts are sparking a ripple effect of positive change across the country. As the organisation continues to innovate and lead, its 4R Approach serves as a model for creating a water-positive and environmentally balanced future for India. About The Art of Living Social Projects The Art of Living Social Projects is dedicated to creating a positive societal impact through transformative water conservation initiatives. With a focus on holistic development, the organisation works to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Understanding the deep connection between human health and environmental vitality, the organisation places a strong emphasis on preserving and conserving water resources. Through sustainable practices, afforestation projects, and ecological education, the organisation aims to safeguard and restore water systems, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving, balanced ecosystem alongside prosperous communities. Follow: Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Standard
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
The Art of Living Wins Best NGO of 2025: A Triumph of Service, Impact & Vision
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 28: In a resounding endorsement of its grassroots impact and transformative reach, The Art of Living Social Projects - SSRDP was honoured with the Best NGO of the Year - 2025 at the prestigious Global CSR & ESG Awards on 25th April. Recognised for its path breaking work in Border Village Development, Skill-Based Rehabilitation of Jail Inmates, and the Holistic Transformation of Government Schools; the organisation stood out at the high-energy summit in New Delhi which brought together visionaries and changemakers; spotlighting bold ideas in CSR, sustainability, and ESG. Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of The Art of Living Social Projects, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation, emphasising the collaborative efforts that led to this achievement and reaffirming the organisation's commitment to a progressive India. From Margins to Mainstream: Transforming India's Border Villages Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally revered spiritual leader and humanitarian, The Art of Living Social Projects - SSRDP is transforming India's border villages by blending education, sustainability, and empowerment. Key Impact Areas: * Rural Solar Electrification: Distributed over 66,000 solar lamps, enhancing the living standards of 1,65,000+ villagers. * Solar Smart Schools: Equipped 190 schools with tech-enabled learning, providing quality education to 17,000+ children. * Skill Development: Trained 20,000+ youth in solar technology, with thousands more uplifted through vocational and leadership programmes. * Women & Youth Empowerment: Delivered targeted training programmes nurturing innovation, self-reliance, and grassroots leadership. * ITI Lab Upgradation: Upgraded infrastructure in government training institutes to enhance employability. * Partnerships with the Indian Army: Collaborative programmes build resilience and leadership among youth in border regions. These multidimensional efforts foster inclusion, peace, and resilience; transforming isolated regions into self-reliant communities. Powering Rural Livelihoods through Skill & Self-Reliance In the sphere of skill development, the organisation unveils a mosaic of transformation - not just inspiring individuals and youth, but catapulting them toward sustainable and dignified livelihoods. By collaborating with government agencies, corporates, educational institutions, and local organisations, The Art of Living Social Projects - SSRDP is equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive. * 4,20,000+ youth trained in 48+ job roles across 120+ skill centers, offering new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship * 3,10,000+ rural beneficiaries across 500+ districts in 23 states Lighting Up Young Minds: Free Schools for Lasting Change In India's most underserved regions, free schools are preparing first-generation learners with a combination of academics, life skills, yoga, and digital learning. With nearly half of the students being girls, these schools are breaking barriers and creating lasting change in communities. * 1,00,000+ students impacted across 1,262+ free schools in remote tribal, rural and urban areas across 22 states Reimagining Rehabilitation: The Prison Reform Initiative Rooted in Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's insight that "Inside every culprit, there is a victim crying for help," the organisation's Prison Program has transformed correctional spaces into centres of healing and hope. Since 1990, prisoners across the globe have benefited from its holistic approach which blends emotional healing with vocational training and workforce reintegration. With certifications, job support, and a renewed sense of dignity, former inmates step into society not just reformed, but transformed. * 6,700+ inmates trained in 28 prisons across India * Global outreach: 8,00,000+ inmates impacted in 65 countries In essence, the foundation's efforts are anything but ordinary. They transcend conventional development models - breathing life into communities and laying the foundation for a future that is not just dignified, but vibrant and resilient. About The Art of Living Social Projects - SSRDP Inspired by the vision of world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the organisation transforms and uplifts rural India through sustainable technologies, value-driven initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Enables every farmer to thrive in a balanced and prosperous ecosystem. Photo -
