Profile of the Organisation
SANTHIGRAM
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- Name of the organisation : SANTHIGRAM
- Address : Chappath, Kazhuvur. P.O, Pulluvila (Via)
Thiruvananthapuram (Dist), Kerala.
South India PIN 695 526
- Phone : 0471-2269780, 2267989, 9895498123
- Tele/Fax : 0471-2269780
- E-mail : santhigram@vsnl.net, santhigram2003@yahoo.com
- Website : www.santhigram.org
- Chief Functionary : L Pankajakshan, Director
- LEGAL STATUS
- Registration number : 1230/87 under Charitable Societies Registration
Act XII of 1955 on 16/12/1987
- FCRA number : 0 5 2 9 1 0 2 2 3 9 under FCRA on 27 March 1996
- Income Tax Registration ? 301/ADIT (E) / TVM-9/96-97 under 12A(1) of
Income Tax Act 1961, dated 7/5/1997
? PAN-AAAAS3305F dated 16/12/1987
? TVDS 00827 B under 203 A of the Income Tax Act 1961 dated 27/8/2001
- Exempted from Income Tax under 80G
of the Income Tax Act 1961, C.No.302/ADIT (E)/17/2004-05 Dated 21st September 2004(2004-07)
- Other registration ? 02-KWC-TPM / 99 (A) under Kerala Women’s
Commission (Registration of Women’s Welfare
Organization) Rules 1997, dated 16/12/1999
? Kerala Folklore Academy Regn.No.96/06
Dated 29-11-2005
- BANK INFORMATION
3.1.Bank account no. (General) : SB A/C No. 31975
Bank : Canara Bank, Cantonment Branch,
M.G.Road, Thiruvananthapuram –695 039
- 2. Bank account number(FCRA) : SB A/C NO. SIB 502 (New A/C No. 57050327901) Bank : State Bank of Travancore,
Nellimoodu (Branch) Code: 7544
Nellimoodu .PO, Kanjiramkulam (Via)
Thiruvananthapuram District. PIN .695 524
- PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of SANTHIGRAM is rooted in the Gandhian vision, that people have inherent power in them for creating, through voluntary peaceful means, a better society in which individuals and groups can live in peace, cohesion and creative collaboration. It lays great stress on sustainability, people’s participation, eco-friendly technologies and lifestyles, gender equity and full employment for all.
- STRUCTURE
SANTHIGRAM is a membership organization, governed by an executive committee, consisting of 15 members, elected from the general body. An advisory committee consisting of 10 members is constituted for providing technical support. The executive committee meeting is held once a month and the general body meeting is conducted twice a year.
- DEVELOPMENT STAGES
SANTHIGRAM’s history begins in 1980, when a team of socially enlightened youth in and around Chappath, joined together to give shape to a youth movement, under the name ‘Navabhavana Arts and Sports Club’. Though the group undertook a wide spectrum of social work activities, under the label of the Arts and Sports Club, government agencies were unwilling to entrust the organisation with development projects/schemes. Hence the group decided to register a new organization with the present title ‘SANTHIGRAM’. The new organization was registered on 16th December 1987. Over the years, Santhigram has grown, developed and evolved to become the people’s movement that it is today.
- STRATEGIC THRUST
- Empowerment of People through Local Self-governance Institutions
- Conservation of Natural Resources
- Promotion of Holistic Health Care
- Gender Equality
- Strengthening People’s Organizations/VOs for the self-reliance of the villages
- VALUES
Love, Non-Violence / Peace, Truth / Honesty, Justice, Transparency, Co-operation, Gender Equity & Equality, Collective Responsibility /Accountability, Self-Reliance/Self-Rule, Freedom / People’s Power, Patience, Sincerity / Punctuality.
- VISION
The vision of SANTHIGRAM is the dream of creating a world characterized by respect and concern for everything and complementary reciprocity of relationship, in which people can live and work in peace and contentment and the elements of nature are conserved. We share the vision of Mahatma Gandhi, in which people are led by need and not by greed, and there is enough for everyone to share and celebrate, but not for squandering. Quality of relationship is the underlying resource of such a world- a relationship in which there is no exploitation or abuse and the weak and needy are specially taken care of. Sharing and compassion are extended not only to the human beings, but to the entire gamut of living and non-living things. Only such an attitude and culture can safeguard the sustainability of development, which happens through the process of empowerment of the powerless. Such a society will be free of all social evils and based on the perennial values of love, harmony, social justice, people’s power, self-reliance, etc. and will ensure basic facilities and amenities, including work and health for all as well as recognition, freedom and participation in decision making for women, the aged, children and all disadvantaged sections, as well as give emphasis to agriculture and nature conservation.
- MISSION
The mission of SANTHIGRAM consists in promoting participatory people’s action in the struggle for the all round development of the disadvantaged sections of the population, who have been socially, economically, politically and culturally suppressed over centuries.
OBJECTIVES
Ø To educate the people to cultivate self respect and self –confidence, and to respect others in the spirit of solidarity and equity
Ø To train the people to scientifically analyse problems and find solutions
Ø To help people to develop love, compassion and regard for all living things in the spirit of social, environmental and cosmic solidarity
Ø To strengthen solidarity and cooperation among various sections of the population
Ø To motivate the people to fight against social and ecological evils
Ø To encourage people’s collective endeavors aimed at poverty eradication and employment for all
Ø To support women’s struggle for equality
Ø To promote and help develop nature cure, meditation, yoga, Acupressure, Sujok and other sound indigeneous and holistic methods of healing and other native knowledge and technologies
Ø To support and promote attempts at popularizing the Gandhian vision and approaches
Ø To encourage folk arts, sports and other cultural activities
- ROLE
- Facilitator & Capacitator
- Organizer & Coordinator
- Resource Mobiliser
- STRATEGY
SANTHIGRAM follows the path of participatory, people-centered, integrated and eco-harmonic development. Specifically, the organization employs the methods of Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP), including
- Promotion and Strengthening of People’s organisations (POs)
- Capacity/Cadre Building
- Promotion of Gender Equality
- Linkage Building and Networking
- Lobbying & Advocacy
- Documentation and Dissemination of Information
- MAIN PROGRAMS
- Formation and strengthening of POs
- Eco-Conservation/Natural Resource Management
- Sustainable Agriculture/Bio-farming
- Promotion of Cultivation and Use of Medicinal Plants
- Watershed Development/Rain Water Harvesting
- Employment-Oriented Skill Development
- Support for Village Industries and Social Marketing
- Alternative & Holistic Health Care
- Strengthening Panchayat Raj System
- Swaraj Kerala Facilitation
- Women’s Empowerment/Gender and Development
- Development of Children
- Continuing Education
- Promotion of Folk Arts
- Capacity Building
- Research & Documentation
- Rural Technology Development
- Information Technology Application
- PARTICIPATING PEOPLE
GROUP:
iWomen iChildren iDrop out youth iFarmers iWorkers in Traditional Occupations iVoluntary organizations/Activists iGeneral Public
Area:
Nine districts in Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kasargod) and the districts of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tutucorin and Viruthu Nagar in Tamil Nadu.
- RESOURCES
15.1. Human Resource
There are 45 members on the resource team– 21 full-timers, and 6 part-timers and 18 volunteers.
Sl. No | Name | Designation | Remark |
1. | L.Pankajakshan | Director | Full-Time |
2. | G.S.Santhamma | Joint Director | Full-Time |
3. | P.M.Dev | Project Officer | Part-Time |
4. | Mulloor Surendran | Hon Director, School of Ecology, Santhigram | Volunteer |
5. | S.Renjini | Accountant | Full-Time |
6. | M.P.Aswathy | Office Assistant | Full-Time |
7. | B.Sindhu | Project Assistant | Full-Time |
8. | B.Padmavathy | Attender | Part-Time |
9. | P.Usha | Health Educator | Full-Time |
10. | S.Suja | Gardener | Full-Time |
11. | R.L. Sreedevi | Prerak, Continuing Education Center | Full-Time |
12. | V.K. Sreedharan | Consultant-Bio farming | Volunteer |
13. | Ajith Venniyoor | Consultant-Rural Technology | Volunteer |
14. | O.Sukumaran Nadar | Chairman, Bio-farmers’ Association | Volunteer |
15. | L.D.Souda | Village Animator, Kanjiramkulam | Full-Time |
16. | J.Janova | Village Animator, Karumkulam | Full-Time |
17. | T.J.Marykutty | Village Animator, Kottukal | Full-Time |
18. | B.Sudha | Children’s Program Co-ordinator, Karumkulam | Full-Time |
19. | R. Anizhakumari | Children’s Program Co-ordinator, Kottukal | Full-Time |
20. | S. Ambili | Children’s Program Co-ordinator, Kanjiramkulam | Full-Time |
21. | N.L.Reeja | Therapist (Acupressure, Reiki) | Full-Time |
22. | S.Jayachandran | Therapist (Acupressure, Yoga, Reiki, Pranic) | Full-Time |
23. | S.Unnikrishnan | Therapist (Acupressure & Marma Chikitsa) | Full-Time |
24. | C.Retnakaran | Therapist (Acupressure, Sidha Marma, Naturopathy) | Part-Time |
25. | Dr. V.Vijayakumar | Hon. Director, Santhigram Holistic health Care and Research Center (SHCRC) | Part-Time |
26. | Dr.Mercy Muricken | Consultant Trainer-Acupuncture, Reiki Master | Volunteer |
27. | Acharya George Jacob | Consultant Trainer-Acupressure | Volunteer |
28. | Dr. K.G.Bhadran | Consultant- Homeo, Sidhamarma, Reiki Master | Volunteer |
29. | Dr.Shajikutty | Consultant-Homeo | Volunteer |
30. | Dr. K.N. Sunilduth | Consultant-Alopathy | Volunteer |
31. | G. Mohandas | Consultant-Meditation | Volunteer |
32. | N. Narayanankutty Menon | Consultant- Varmam | Volunteer |
33. | Dr.A.Sasidhara Babu | Consultant-Animal husbandry | Volunteer |
34. | Adv. J.M.John | Consultant-Project | Volunteer |
35. | K.Prathapachandran | Master trainer, EDP | Volunteer |
36. | R.Mohanakumaran Nair | Master trainer, Govt. Programme | Volunteer |
37. | Fr. Antony Palakkal | Master trainer, Team building & Leadership | Volunteer |
38. | Adv.Eugine Herbert | Consultant –Legal aid | Volunteer |
39. | Adv. R. Saju | Consultant, Information Technology | Volunteer |
40. | K.Sathyavrathan | Co-ordinator, Vocational training | Part-Time |
41. | S.Baburaj | Instructor, Auto Driving | Full-Time |
42. | E. Appicherukan | Instructor, Home Appliance Repair & Mechanism | Full Time |
43. | Sunny Kidarakkuzhy | Instructor, Screen Printing | Part Time |
44. | S.Sreekumari | Manager, Swaraj Product s | Full Time |
45. | M.Leela | Trainer, IGP | Full Time |
15.2. Financial Resources
Santhigram mobilizes its financial resources through donations received from the members, the public and from the well-wishers. Grants and loans are also availed of from governmental and non-governmental institutions and funding agencies.
15.3. Annual Income & Expenditure during 2005-2006
Income: Rs. 39,27,579.41
Expenditure: Rs. 33,44,510.30
15.4. Auditors
S.S. Daniel Mobesh F.C.A, Partner, Sankaran & Sekharan chartered Accountant, Jagathy,
Thiruvananthapuram -695014
- INFRASTRUCTURE
LAND AND BUILDING
Santhigram is in possession of 91 cents of land and has a well-equipped office building. with a plinth area of 152 sq. meters and a Conference Hall (74 sq. meters) a Guest Room and a Kitchen. There is another hall (Santhigram Vidyapeedam) with a plinth area of 82 sq. meters and a classroom measuring 30 sq. meters.
OTHER ASSETS
The organization has basic facilities, furniture and equipments, including four computers, with scanner, fax, sound system, overhead projector, an auto-rickshaw and a two wheeler (Honda dio)
- INSTITUTIONS RUN
- Santhigram Holistic Health Care & Research Center (SHCRC)
- Herbal Plant Nursery
- Rural Marketing Service Centre
- School of Ecology
- Continuing Education Centre
- Library and Reading Room
- Panchayat Raj Information Centre
- Vocational Training Center
- NYK Youth Development Center.
- Information Technology Center
- Rural Technology Center (RTC)
- INSTITUTIONS PROMOTED
- Swaraj Products
- SHG Federations in Three Grama Panchayaths
iii. Bio-farmers Federations in three gram Panchayath
- Mother Theresa Candle Work
- Herbal Medicine Preparation Centre
- Electrical Equipments service Center
- MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Executive Committee is in charge of the implementation of the programs. The Director supervises the activities according to the policy decisions of the Executive Committee. For each program a sub-committee is constituted, with a member of the executive committee as chairperson. Currently there are eleven sub-committees:
- Vanitha Vedi (Women’s Forum)
- Kuttikoottam (Children’s Club)
- Jaiva Karshaka Samithi (Bio Farmers’ Council)
- Sneha Nidhi (Charity Fund)
- Federation & Micro Credit
- Functional Vocational Training
- Andheri-Hilfe Project
- Literacy Program
- Swaraj Kerala
- Holistic Health Care/Acupressure
- Youth Development Center
The sub-committees meet once every month and monitor the programs of the related projects, performance of the staff and present report of the same in the following executive committee meeting.
- LINKAGES AND NETWORKING
Santhigram networks with a large number of likeminded groups, organizations, institutions and movements across the country, such as
- Mitraniketan, Vellanad
- Kerala Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi
- SAHAYI, Centre for Collective Learning and Action
- Vikas Adhyayan Kendra, Mumbai
- Jai Bhagwan Acupressure Service (International), Mumbai
- Swasthya-Centre for Alternative Treatment and Research, Mumbai
- Govt. Naturopathic hospital, Varkala
- Nature Cure Association
- Government Ayurveda College
- Health and Psychology Department, Calicut University
- International Su Jok Therapy Association/Su jok Therapy Centre, Jaipur
- Sakhi-Women’s Resource Centre
- Loyola college of social Sciences (LES)
- Nehru Yuva Kendra
- Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority
- Kerala Women’s Commission
- Jan Sikshan Sansthan (JSS)
- CACEE, University of Kerala
- Food and Nutrition Division
- Central Board for Workers Educaton, Kochi
- KAVAL (Kerala Voluntary Agencies League)
- ADHWANA – Kerala Forum of Partners in Functional Vocational Training
- Swaraj- A forum for Gandhian Societal Perspective & Action
- Save Idukki Campaign
- Swaraj Vikas Kendras
- Peermade Development Society, Idukki
- State Land Use Board
- District Industries Center
- Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Kerala
- Kerala Folklore Academy, Kannur
- College of Agriculture, Vellayani
- Center for Environment & Development (CED)
- FUNDING PARTNERS
- Kerala State Social Welfare Advisory Board (KSSWAB)
- Central Social Welfare Advisory Board (CSWB)
- Ministry of Environment and Forests Govt. of India
- CAPART, Government of India
- State Committee on Science, Technology and Environment (STEC) and STED, Government of Kerala
- Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLM), Government of Kerala
- Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), Govt. of India
- NABARD
- Friends of World Women’s Banking (FWWB), Ahmedabad
- Indo-German Social Service Society (IGSSS)
- Christian World Service, New Zealand
- Peaceful Society, Goa
- Andheri Hilfe e.V. Bonn
- FVTF, Bangalore
- KZE/Misereor, Germany
- SDC, Cap DecK
Current Project Partners
- Andheri Hilfe e.V. Bonn
- FVTF, Bangalore /KZE/Misereor, Germany
- Kerala State Literacy Mission (KSLM)
- Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK)
- CAPART, Dharwad
- Center for Environment and Development (CED/STEC)
- ACHIEVEMENTS
22.1 Children’s Clubs
Catalysing the allround development of children has always occupied a prominent place in Santhigram’s programs. This activity was carried on through the Balavedi (Children’s Forum). Children’s clubs called Kuttikottams were formed and facilitated. There are currently 30 Kuttikoottams, with a total strength of 625 children. Every week the clubs meet for various activities, including group study and learning, sports and games, cultural performances, community service like planting and taking care of trees and medicinal herbs. Support groups, consisting of elders, have been formed with a view to providing guidance and support.
The children celebrate days of national importance and anniversary. They also have holiday camps and study tours. The child development intervention of Santhigram has inspired a philanthropic group to donate learning aids for distribution among 150 deserving children.
The cumulative result of these endeavors has been the creation of a new wave of enthusiasm among the children from poor families to study and develop their talents.
22.2. Women’s Empowerment
- Santhigram has promoted around 200 women’s SHGs and three federations of SHGs which are functioning well
- Women’s SHGs have been coordinated under Panchayath level Federations.
- Women’s economic self-reliance has been promoted through self-employment undertakings
§ Under the ‘Women Development Program’ supported by Andheri Hilfe, Bonn, Santhigram has been implementing programs of capacity building, including EDP, social marketing, financial management, accountancy, SHG management, leadership development, child development, watershed management, bio-farming etc for the members of women’s SHGs and their federations. More than 1100 families benefit from these programs.
22.3. Holistic Health Care & Research Center (SHCRC)
- Santhigram has been running a Holistic Health Care & Research Center (Acupressure, Acupuncture, Reiki, Su Jok, Yoga, Meditation, Nature Cure, Counseling and guidance etc, in collaboration with premier alternative health care institutions, such as the Jai Bhagwan Acupressure Service (International), Mumbai, Swasthya-Centre for Alternative Treatment and Research, Mumbai, Vikas Adhyayan Kendra, Mumbai, International Su Jok Therapy Association/Su jok Therapy Centre, Jaipur. Scores of people suffering from diverse ailments from far and near make use of the services in this center for meeting their health care needs.
- A solid foundation has been laid for healthy alternative approaches to living.
- Santhigram maintains a herbarium with thousands of plants belonging to 148 species and thousands of seedlings have been distributed to the villagers.
- Santhigram has facilitated the production and marketing of a dozen of herb-based ayurvedic products for the treatment of common ailments.
- Santhigram has also published and circulated a number of booklets and handouts on the importance of medicinal plants and alternative/ holistic health care.
22.4. Eco-Conservation/NRM
- School of Ecology for promoting environment education, research and action
- Promotion of organic farming / medicinal plants / kitchen garden in three panchayats through SHGs and organic farmers associations
- Bio-farming methods are being successfully followed by scores of farmers and the model plots have created demand for such initiatives in other areas.
- Environment-enriching practices such as rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, medicinal plant cultivation, bio-farming etc. have been inculcated in a significant section of the local population.
- Facilitation of 30 organic demonstration farms
- Facilitation in digging more than 50,000 rain pits
- Emergence of over 400 homestead herbal gardens
- Bio-farming practiced in 11.5 hectares
- Contour bunding for 6000 meters
- Association of 150 Bio farmers in 3 Panchayaths (Kottukal, Kanjiramkulam, Karumkulam)
22.5. Employment/IGP
- Swaraj Village Industries Centers provides employment to around 300 people, 90 percent of them women
- Training in village industries and micro enterprises for women and people belonging to weaker sections
- Santhigram Rural Marketing Service Centre to market eco-friendly rural products
- The organization has trained 242 women and men in various employment-oriented skills in Auto rickshaw driving, Home appliance repair & mechanism, Preparation in Herbal medicine, Poultry & live stock management and Bookbinding, Screen printing and Paper bag courses. More than 50 % of the trained are either self-employed or have found employment.
- Santhigram is facilitating production units by women’s groups, in areas such as: ayurvedic products, food processing, herbal medicines, herbal soaps, candles, emergency lamps, electronic choke, handloom clothes, providing employment and income to scores of poor unemployed women.
22.6. Helping the Poor
Santhigram has made substantial contributions towards the welfare of the poor and the destitute, including poor children, poor women, widows, sick people.
In connection with the Onam celebrations, in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Santhigram arranged distribution of Onam kits to selected poor families, which included rice and dress.
In another instance, Santhigram mobilized local resources, under a fund called “Snehanidhi” for giving educational support to the poorest children, including text books and uniforms.
In the health sector, Santhigram has provided relief from acute and chronic diseases to the poor by arranging free medical camps and treatment.
On special occasions Santhigram arranges free food for the needy families.
- Santhigram has also arranged community-based rehabilitation of mentally and physically challenged people by providing wheelchair, crutches etc.
- Santhigram identifies the destitute women and children and arranges for the security in short stay and shelter homes run by other institutions.
22.7. Swaraj-Kerala
- Santhigram has been facilitating the Kerala and Tamil Nadu Swaraj Projects, which are part of the National Forum for Gandhian Societal Perspective and Action, led by Peaceful Society, Goa, with 20 partners in eleven districts of Kerala, and eight partners in three districts of Tamil Nadu.
- Coordination/facilitation of two river protection campaigns: ‘Save Idukki Campaign’ and Save Chaliyar Campaign’
- Facilitation of Participatory Strategic Planning (PSP) in 345 villages in 11 districts
- Providing moral support to people’s actions/ campaigns for protecting Natural resources
- Promoting, facilitating PO’s and PDO’s in six districts of Keral
22.8. Networking
- The organization has established linkages and is networking with scores of like-minded organizations and movements at local, state, national and international levels.
- Panchayatiraj information center for providing information and training for PRI members, social workers and the public
- Santhigram is one of the founder members of the State level network of Voluntary Organizations, called, Kerala Voluntary Agencies League (KAVAL).
- Santhigram is one of the founder of the State level network of FVT in Kerala named ‘ADHWANA’ -Forum of Partners of Functional Vocational Training-
22.9. Madavoor Gram Panchayath Jagratha Samithy
- Santhigram was one among the voluntary organization selected by the Kerala Womens Commission/SDC-CapDecK for providing management support to the Jagratha Samithy Project implemented in the Madavoor Gram Panchayath.
- Santhigram played keyrole in the formation, capacitation and facilitation of the Jagratha Samithy
- Leadership development, group management as well as project management training has been provided to the members of the Jagratha samithy, the panchayath members and the leaders of women’s groups.
- A pioneering participatory study on the ‘status of women’ in the Madavoor Gram Panchayat has been conducted
- A hand book for the operationalization of the Jagratha Samithy has been prepared and published.
22.10. Study & Publications
- Santhigram has conducted a study on the status and problems of widows in Kerala, in collaboration with the Kerala Women’s Commission.
- Publication of books and booklets on Panchayath Raj, Right to information Act, sustainable development, environment protection, water and health, bio-farming, holistic health and Gandhian values, such as:
- Prakrithi Samrakshanam Manava Samrakshanam (Environment)
- Swaraj- Bharathathinte Mochana Mantram (Philosophy)
- Bhoomikkoru Rakshakavacham (Environment)
- Sasyangal Nissabda Sevakar (Environment)
- Jalavum Jeevanum (Environment)
- Prameham (Health)
- Rakta Sammardam (Health)
- Oushada Sasyangal (Medicinal plants)
- Acupuncture and Acupressure (Health)
- SuJoK (Health)
- Swaraj Geethangal (Songs)
- Samoohika neethikku Jagratha Samithikal (Women Empowerment)
- Sthreepurusha Samathwam (Gender Training Hand book)
- Our Village Our Rule (Panchayath Raj)
- Swaraj News Bulletin
- RECOGNATION
- District Youth Club Award for outstanding performance related to youth activities during the years 1991 and 1992.
- Santhigram was presented District Level Youth club Award for the year 2004-05 on 18 January 2006; an award of Rs. 10,000/- and Certificate from Thiruvananthapuram District Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. (an autonomous body under the ministry of youth affairs and Sports, Govt. of India)
List of Swaraj Products for Healthy Living
– Pankajakshan.L
santhigram@vsnl.net
Director
Santhigram