Namaste

Namaste means, “I honor that place in you where the whole universe resides. And when I am in that place in me, and you are in that place in you, there is only one of us.”

It is in that spirit that we welcome you to the Manav Sadhna/ Gramshree / Seva Café / ESI / Moved by Love Family.

Your time with us is a time for you to reflect, learn, give, explore, experiment, and grow. Every day will offer you the opportunity to practice compassion, generosity, oneness, understanding, truth, and love, as well as a chance to give the best of yourself while you volunteer, and introspect on who you are in the process. We thank you for, and are touched by, your commitment to serve. We hope you remain as committed to yourself, and make the most of your time here.

Love all, Serve all

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.”

- Gandhiji

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Volunteer Honor Code

During the time you spend with us, we ask you to observe the following honor

code. Please remember that as a volunteer, you are also an ambassador of

Manav Sadhna (MS).

F Simple living

FObserve vegetarian diet (at MS and in volunteer housing,

out of respect for local community and local beliefs).

FNo alcohol or drug use

F Honesty, with yourself and others

FCommitment to your work

FPracticing mindfulness

FTaking the time for self-reflection

FObservation is the best teacher. Please be aware of your

s u r r o u n d i n g s a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y i n t h e

decisions you make.

FAbove all, always treat others with love, respect and

compassion.

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Volunteer Guidelines

All volunteers must attend Prathna (a multi-faith prayer), held at 10 am

sharp everyday, except on Sunday, at Manav Sadhna. Please be on time.

This is where the Manav Sadhna family, including you, get to share

experiences, ideas and reflections. It is also a good time to find out what is

going on in various projects.

Volunteers must attend the Volunteer Meeting every Friday

morning at 9 am. Out of respect for everyone, please be on time. The

meetings are an opportunity for you to share your field experiences,

personal insight and reflections, highs and lows and special moments of

the week. It is also a time to share your own challenges and offer

insights into those of other volunteers. You will be notified the day before

of the location by SMS, and of the departure time from Manav Sadhna if

we are meeting somewhere far from the Ashram. If you cannot attend,

please contact Ajay 9924490213 in advance.

A vegetarian lunch is provided for you Monday through Saturday at

Manav Sadhna. We eat together on the verandah, and clean up after

ourselves. Please let Ajaybhai know by 9 am if you will not be having

lunch that day, so that food is not wasted.

F

F

F

FWe ask volunteers to commit volunteering at least once a week

at Seva Café (Thurs-Sun). Contact Ajaybhai 9924490213 to sign up.

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F To make your time with us the most rewarding it can be both for yourself

and for those you serve, please arrange any travel plans or family visits

either before or after your commitment to Manav Sadhna. If you must

travel during your period of service, please inform us of your plans a few

weeks in advance.

FIf you are unwell, let us know immediately, so that we can take care

of you and arrange medical attention if required. Please read the

health and safety guidelines in this booklet.

FDress respectfully. Again, we provide a guide to culturally appropriate

dressing later in this booklet, and we thank you for your co-operation.

FNo visitors of the opposite gender are permitted in either the male or

female volunteer accommodation after 9 pm.

“It is simple. We are where we should be, doing what we should be

doing. Otherwise we would be somewhere else, doing something else.”

- Richard Stine

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F

F

F

F

Although it is okay to take pictures at Manav Sadhna project sites, please

refrain from photographing the local communities without asking a local

coordinator. It can be considered disrespectful in certain situations.

Please refrain from any contact with, or comments to, the media without

first consulting Shirishbhai.

We ask everyone staying in a volunteer house to contribute what you can

towards the monthly electricity bill. Coordinate with Ajay.

Free Wi-Fi is available at MS during operating hour, but this is available to

volunteers for research and email. Please do not use it for downloading

personal videos.

Volunteer Resource Library

Please document all lesson plans, workshops, awareness

c a m p a i g n s / m a t e r i a l s , e v e n t s , p r e s e n t a t i o n s , i d e a t i o n ,

art/craft/theater/music activities or any processes that you help create

and/or implement during your time here. These resources will guide

volunteers who proceed you in understanding what has already been done

and to also pull ideas and inspiration when necessary. Please turn in all

documentation before leaving Manav Sadhna.

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Being Part of the Community

As a volunteer visiting from another country, you are not only an ambassador for

that country, but a role model within our community. For this reason, we have

compiled a list of suggestions for the time you spend with us. These are to ensure

that you have a meaningful experience and positively impact the community.

Please read and respect the following:

F Live simply – although we understand the value of laptops, iPads, cell

phones and so on, please use these at appropriate times, and keep them

out of the reach of temptation. Manav Sadhna is not responsible for any

lost or stolen items. Simple living is a joyful experience, and we strongly

recommend it. We will assist you in obtaining an Indian prepaid SIM card

on arrival should you require one, but it must be returned to us before

you leave.

FPlease be mindful in your gender interactions, especially with

adolescent youth. Touching has a different meaning in this culture and

may not be perceived in the way you intended. It is helpful to be conscious

of your body language and clothing as well, and to observe how

others in the community interact.

F Staff and volunteers work very closely together, and often build strong

relationships during this process. While we encourage friendship and a

feeling of family, our first priority is to maintain the purity and collective

force of our greater mission – to serve humanity. Therefore, Manav

Sadhna will not entertain romantic relationships between

volunteers and staff under any circumstance.

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F

F

It is also worth noting that romantic relationships are viewed and

conducted completely differently here than in the Western world. There is

no such thing as casual dating. During your time here, we ask you to focus

on your service and your personal development.

Another important part of our philosophy is to teach self-reliance by

practicing it. Washing your own dishes, washing your own clothes,

cleaning up after yourself, and disposing of garbage properly are some

examples.

“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am

fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human

life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to

use all my energies to develop myself, to

expand my heart out to others; to achieve

enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I

am going to have kind thoughts towards

others, I am not going to get angry or think

badly about others. I am going to benefit

others as much as I can.”

- HH Dalai Lama XIV –

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Housing Guidelines

In the attempt to align the head, heart and hands, it is important to bring our

living style and habits into alignment with our commitment to service and

personal growth. Please respect the following guidelines in the volunteer

houses:

FSet time aside daily to meditate, pray, share with your house mates, or

simply spend some reflection time alone.

FSmoking, alcohol, and drug use are not permitted. Try to make living

without addictions a value in your life, at least for the time you are here.

FRespect the members of your community, develop good relationships

with them, and maintain these. Smile often; take time to chat or drink chai

with your neighbors.

FPlease switch off the AC, all lights, fans, and other electrical items

when not in use, and conserve water. Close and lock windows and

doors properly when leaving the house.

FPlease do not make it a habit to stay out late at night.

FUse the k i tchen fac i l i t ies respect fu l ly, and cook only

vegetarian food. This includes no eggs. Please clean up after yourself.

FPlease wash your own clothes and clean up your own living

space. If you decide to have the housekeeping sister wash your clothes or

do any additional cleaning, you are responsible for covering the

expenses.

The earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not

every man's greed.” -Gandhiji

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FA large part of our effort is to promote hygiene and sanitation. As a role

model, please ensure that you maintain these values both in your person,

and in your living space. Keep the house clean and tidy at all times,

including your luggage, clothing, and personal effects – make your bed

each morning, and wash your sheets once a week. Be aware that others

share your bathroom and toilet, and clean them regularly and when

necessary and maintain a clean and organized living space.

FAll housemates should get together for a thorough home

cleaning once a week. If for a service related reason you cannot make

this, dedicate an hour or so by yourself as soon as possible to

contribute to the group effort.

F When you leave, please go through the volunteer checklist and

ensure that the house is ready and welcoming for the next guest. Donate

anything you are leaving behind to friends, neighbors, or Manav

Sadhna. Do not let things collect in the volunteer houses.

“Experience is not what happens to you, it's what you do

with what happens to you.”

- Aldous Huxley

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Clothing Guidelines

Wear appropriate clothing inside and outside your home. Please be sensitive to

the clothing norms of this community, and observe how people around you dress.

Wash your clothes regularly and repair torn clothing before wearing it again.

WOMEN. Long, loose-fitting clothing is most acceptable and also very suitable for

the Ahmedabad climate. We recommend you adopt the traditional long tunic and

trouser combination called salwar kameez. Alternatively, long skirts or trousers

and loose blouses are fine, although avoid anything low cut, tight or transparent.

Dupattas, long wrap-like scarves, help cover exposed body parts and double as a

great head cover for the sun. Avoid sleeveless tops.

MEN. Western style wear is acceptable, but shorts are not appropriate. The local

long cotton tops (kurta) and loose cotton pants (pyjama) are cool and comfortable.

“Not all of us can do great things.

But we can do small things with great love.”

– Mother Teresa

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Health and Safety

Taking care of your health is crucial to ensuring you make the most of your time

with us. The right vaccinations and proper precautions with food, water, and

mosquitoes can protect you from minor irritants and major diseases.

Contaminated food and water are the leading cause of most health issues

experienced by volunteers. Although diarrhea and stomach problems are

common, they can be avoided or minimized by following a few simple precautions.

FWash your hands as frequently as possible, using soap. Carry a small

bottle of hand sanitizer for occasions when soap and water are

unavailable. Keep your finger and toe nails trimmed and clean. On many

occasions you will eat with your hands – long, dirty fingernails harbor

germs.

FDo not drink tap water, do not clean your teeth in it. When ordering any

drinks remember that the ice may be made with tap water Naariyal pani

(coconut water) is a safe alternative when out and about. Bottled water

is also readily available, although you should check if the seal is

undamaged, and crush the bottle after use before disposing of it

thoughtfully. Filtered water is available at Manav Sadhna and Seva

Café. If you want to drink tap water, boil it for a minimum of five

minutes first, or use water purification tablets brought from your home

country.

FDo not eat raw vegetables or fruit purchased without the skin. Wash

and dry fruit and vegetables before consuming them.

FWipe wet plates and cups dry before using them. Learn the Indian art of

pouring your drink into your mouth rather than putting your lips to the

bottle or cup. Practice makes perfect.

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FThings to pay attention to include your weight, allergies, the

frequency and consistency of your bowel movements, your menstrual

cycle, and your energy levels, especially during the hot season.

Dehydration and heatstroke can happen extremely fast so

ensure you drink plenty of fluids, and protect yourself from the sun.

F Insist on a new blade when getting a shave or a haircut.

FAvoid walking barefoot outside. Apart from the risk of cutting or damaging

your feet and subsequent potential infections, you can also contract

intestinal worms through the soles of your feet.

FStreet food in general should be viewed with great caution and eat only

hot food on the roadside. Get suggestions from our MS staff.

FMalaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis are all carried by

mosquitoes in India, and the best preventative step you can take is to

avoid getting bitten night and day. Mosquito nets are provided in our

volunteer accommodation, and you may also use electrical repellant

dispensers like All-Out, readily available locally, and repellant creams –

the local brand is Odomos and is effective and inexpensive.

FBe especially careful if you are here during or just after monsoon.

Remember mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.

Above all, please contact Manav Sadhna as soon as possible should you

become ill so we can arrange medical attention for you.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping

with a mosquito.” – HH Dalai Lama XIV

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Volunteer Checkout Checklist

About a week prior to your departure each volunteer is required to have a closure

meeting with a volunteer coordinator(s), project leader(s), and any other person

relevant to the work you have done.

Please make sure you submit/complete the following before the end of the

meeting:

qShare Reflection in Volunteer Voices.

qFill out Volunteer Feedback Form.

qShare soft copies of pictures that maybe useful for the organization.

qShare all relevant documentation for your project(s).

qConfirm Info on Volunteer List.

qMake sure you have received an invite to join the MS Facebook page.

qLet us know if you will need transportation to the airport/train station/bus

station for your departure.

Possible places to donate personal things:

qManav Sadhna (hygiene products, clothing, first aid, etc)

qSeva Café (books)

qOther volunteers (clothing, food stuff, hygiene products, etc)Or anywhere else you see fit. Please do not let these things collect in the house.

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If you stayed in the volunteer housing please do the following:

qPlease clean up and leave the space as you found it.

qClear any accounts with housekeeping sisters for the Karuna I and II Homes.

qReturn keys and SIM card/phone to Shirishbhai.

qLeave contribution for light bill with Ajay or Shirishbhai.

qPlease give away anything you are leaving behind.

Please drop us an email when you reach your destination safely.

Have a safe journey and come back soon.

Tener un viaje seguro y vuelve pronto

Haben Sie eine sichere Reise und kommen Sie bald wieder.

Avoir un bon voyage et à bientôt.

Avere un viaggio sicuro ea presto

ykðòu...

Love All, Serve All

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Female Volunteers

Although Gujarat is relatively safe for women, you may still encounter

uncomfortable stares and catcalls when out and about. The local term 'eve-

teasing' refers to a group of men harassing a woman or group of women. Dressing

modestly and like a local, (see Clothing Guidelines), helps decrease some of the

unwanted attention. Avoid baring your legs and/or midriff as this can be

interpreted in a negative way. Light hair and light skin will always draw attention,

so take sensible precautions, and avoid being out late at night by yourself. Always

lock your door, and when riding public transport, place your bag between you and

other passengers to prevent any groping or grabbing. You can always move if you

are uncomfortable, and don't hesitate to scold somebody or tell him to stop if he is

being inappropriate. It's sometimes best to avoid eye contact and conversation

with strange men, especially about personal matters, as this may be taken as a

sign of interest. If you become uncomfortable while talking to someone, walk

away.

“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”

– Buddha

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Notes on Culture and Community

FUnderstanding Feet. It is customary in most Indian households to

remove your shoes as a sign of respect. Please do not enter Manav

Sadhna without removing your footwear. Choosing chappals (flip-flops)

makes this easy. This is also expected at religious spaces, and some

shops and businesses. Pointing your feet at someone or stepping on

books or paper (seen as forms of Sarasvati, Goddess of

Knowledge) is also offensive. Touching the feet of elders demonstrates

reverence and love.

F Water. The first thing anyone will offer you when you enter their home is a

glass of water. This is considered the ultimate act of hospitality. However,

when doubtful of the water source it is a good idea to carry your own

bottle of water and politely decline by showing it when anyone offers.

FThe Right Hand. Anything sacred or important, including eating, is

carried out with the right hand. This is especially important when

accepting or passing out prasad (food offered to God). The left hand is

most commonly associated with cleansing oneself after using the

bathroom.

F Beggars. Everyone has a different reaction to beggars. There is no right

or wrong answer, but you can acknowledge the person(s) begging by

talking with them and giving them respect and love. If you want to give

them something, try to buy them a healthy snack/meal verses handing

over money.

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FPushing personal limits. Locals will love testing their English out on you

and quenching their curiosity about you by asking questions. More often

than not, the first questions will include what country you are from,

whether you are married, and what you do. If you look Indian, they will

also ask your last name so they can gauge where in India you are from,

and what community you belong to. The questions will get progressively

more personal; however this is not considered rude and is in fact a

friendly Indian inquisition. Take the opportunity to ask questions back and

gain insight into local culture. Don't be put off by the long stares you may

experience – Indians often stare beyond the point of comfort for most

Westerners, but it is culturally acceptable, and usually not intended to be

harmful. Of course, if you are a woman, and a man is ogling you, take it for

what it is.

FPersonal space. This is a foreign concept in Indian cultures. This means

that people may rummage through your stuff, stand in close

proximity to you, and always insist on giving you company even though

you may not want it! Often, an entire family lives in a one-bedroom house,

and thirty people cram into an eight seat Jeep. Although this can be

initially uncomfortable, it's easy to get used to, and even to miss once you

have left.

Recommended Reading – 'India Guide Gujarat' and '101 Ways to Experience

Ahmedabad' by Anjali Desai, and 'A Volunteer's Guide to Ahmedabad' by Dave

Mayer and Eva Schwoel.

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“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can

do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not

refuse to do something that I can do.”

– Helen Keller

The Gandhi Ashram and Manav Sadhna are powerful and sacred spaces. Spaces

where many have gone before you in the search for truth, self, and on the path of

selflessness. During your time with Manav Sadhna, we hope that you may find the

same inspiration and support to follow your journey.

Aside from selfless service and connecting with the community and your peers

through various projects and events, we encourage you to use your time here to

also introspect and connect within. Why are you really here? What are the things

about yourself and your nature that you would like to change or strengthen? What

in the world would you change for the better? Do you feel as if your life is driven by

purpose, or are your drifting? What are your values? What do God, spirituality, and

religion mean to you? What does truth mean to you? Who are you?

There are many questions we can ask ourselves. Finding the answers is

sometimes difficult, and often leads to more questions. However, as Gandhiji

shares in his aptly titled autobiography, 'My Experiments with Truth', he dedicated

his life to searching for these answers and more through various personal

experiments. We suggest you use some of your time here to experiment with your

own thoughts, actions, and reactions; to experiment with your way of living.

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Experiments with Self

Although ideas for self-experimentation are infinite and depend on your own will,

creativity, and determination, we would like to share a few practices that may

spark inspiration. Please feel free to share your insights, frustrations, and

questions with others throughout the process. We all have so much we can learn

from each other.

Nurture the Volunteer House to be your Ashram

Do daily meditation and prayer in your home. Compost. Water the plants every

morning. Feed the peacocks, squirrels, and ants and provide water for them.

Keep your surroundings clean and beautiful. Wash your clothes daily. Practice

yoga. Communicate honestly with your Ashram-mates to clear any negative

energy and create an atmosphere of positivity, love, and tolerance. Write daily.

Read more. Live with love and gratitude every day.

Meditation.

Meditation can be considered the foundation, heart, and soul of the process of

making internal change. From birth we are conditioned and layered with so many

external stimuli that we forget or sometimes do not even understand the process

of connecting with ourselves.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of

the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never

decreases by being shared.” – Buddha

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Meditation helps cut through those layers so that we may connect within. With

practice, it enables us take control of the mind and nurture deep self-awareness.

One method of meditation is focusing on our breath as it moves in and out of our

nostrils. As you focus on your breath, you will notice that your mind begins to

wander into a thousand different directions – one thought will pop up and then

another. This is natural for human beings. In this process, once we 'realize' that

our mind is wandering, we should consciously bring it back to the 'in, out' of our

breath and remain focused on this as long as possible. If we get frustrated we will

not be able to tame the wild beast of our mind. But through patience and love for

oneself, we can learn to still the mind. As the mind finds peace through meditation,

it becomes the path for internal change; a tool for loving and serving others with

the purest of intent.

You may prefer another form of meditation, like walking meditation, chanting, or

visualizations. For a deeper understanding, consider attending a ten day course

of Vipassana, visit a Brahma Kumari Kendra, spend time with Mukeshbhai or join

our Wednesday evening meditation group. Please ask us for further information

and available meditation courses.

Keep a Journal

Make a habit of reflecting and writing daily. Write for yourself and to explore your

inner being. Sometimes writing helps you clear the mind and allows you to gain

clarity in what you want. Your journal will become the story of your time here and

provide inspiration for you after you leave. Another idea is to keep a gratitude

journal, writing five thing you feel grateful for today, every day. It is a great exercise

to remind us of just how much abundance we have in our lives.

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Fasting.

We can use fasting as a tool in varying ways. Our sense of taste is one of the most

challenging to control, and we can use this to our advantage to strengthen the

mind.

Choose a day, a meal, a specific type of food, to remove from your diet. Let go of

fried food for a week. Stop eating sweets. Eat only fruit for a full day. Do not eat any

food with preservatives and/or flavorings for a month. (This is a good lifetime habit

to cultivate regardless).

Choosing your experiment is only one aspect of the process. How you go about

doing it is important. How your mind is processing the experiment is even more

important. As you fast for the day, are you at peace and finding solace in your

control? Or are you craving, and counting the hours or days until the experiment

ends?

Gandhiji tells us that he struggled for five years to achieve celibacy. He had many

failures during that time, but eventually made his vow of celibacy in 1906 and

never looked back. An important observation he made in his autobiography was

that if he had not tried and failed so many times, he would not have able to get to

his vow and commitment.

Thus we learn from Gandhiji that we should try and fail, and try and fail, and grow

and learn. But keep experimenting with self and growing along the way.

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“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of

his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”

– Khalil Gibran

Compassion.

Many times we feel deeply touched for other people, for their plights and

difficulties. There are various ways we can nurture our compassion and love for

others. One simple way is to put yourself in their position – 'walk a mile in their

shoes'. Spend a day blindfolded at our blind school with the kids. Spend the night

with a local family in the Tekro. Live with them, understand them, and find the

strength and resilience they have despite the challenges.

Gratitude.

Find your own way to fill your heart with gratitude for who you are and what you

have and the world that surrounds you. Walking is always a beautiful experience

that can slow us down and let us connect with everything around us. Walking in

India can be a pilgrimage every single time. You will see pain, beauty, grace, and

suffering surrounding you. You can contemplate the blessings you have received

in your own life, and you may become closer to a life of daily joy and gratitude

through this process.

Try keeping a daily journal that includes five things you are grateful for, every day.

Write a letter, even if you don't send it, to your parents, a friend, a mentor, or

anyone who has touched your life, and tell them how much they mean to you and

how they inspired you.

How often do you catch yourself or someone else complaining about life's trials

and tribulations? How much grief and suffering does this bring into our lives?

Think positively can transform our energy, and bring joy to us and others.

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Giving.

How can we truly develop our nature of selfless giving? One way is to practice

giving without expecting anything in return. Giving anonymously and without ego.

Giving with the desire to see joy in others.

Perform one random act of kindness a day, every day, from the heart. Plant a tree

and nurture it. Buy cold buttermilk for a construction worker toiling in the heat. Sit

and drink chai with an elderly neighbor. Pick up trash and put it in the bin. Print

some of those photos you took of the kids at Saturday Special and gift them back

to the children. The opportunities are endless, and when you act from a place of

selflessness, you will feel a sense of inner joy that is priceless. For more ideas,

check out www.helpothers.org

Silence.

We are so busy and consumed with the day to day, that we almost never

experience the power of silence. Experiment with observing silence for a full day

(or whatever amount of time works for you). Use that time to really connect with

yourself and experience the world without all the noise.

Oneness.

Sit in front of a tree and mindfully breath in the oxygen it is giving you and be aware

of the carbon dioxide you are giving it. Observe how connected you really are.

Take the time to feed some flour to ants and observe just how dynamic these tiny

creatures are. Perhaps take the time to just deeply listen to another being, and

realize how much of their story is really yours too. Everything in this vast planet is

interconnected with our being. How do we fit into this tightly knit family? Think

about it. Connect with other parts of nature, and reflect on the concept of oneness.

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Simple Living.

Try to detach from money and live within a simple daily budget. Cook your own

food in the volunteer home kitchen. Decide to give up one thing you enjoy for a set

period of time and observe how you react. Write and send letters to friends and

family. Make a commitment to only use public transport. Simplify your needs and

watch how it impacts your thoughts, your way of life, and even the people around

you.

There are endless ways we can look within, introspect, and experiment with our

minds, our lives, our actions and reactions, and the way we see others. These are

just some starting ideas you may find helpful. We truly encourage you, and hope

you take the initiative and dig a little deeper into yourself while you are here, and

progress on your spiritual journey.

“However many holy words you read, however man

you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?”

– Buddha

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About Manav Sadhna

Our Mission

Our humble mission is to serve the underprivileged. At Manav Sadhna, we

navigate with the philosophy of 'Love all, Serve all'. By seeing God in every

individual (Manav), service is transformed into worship (Sadhna). To this end,

Manav Sadhna is engaged in constructive humanitarian projects that cut across

barriers of class and religion while addressing issues faced by socio-economically

neglected segments of society. In executing this mission, we are guided by

Mahatma Gandhi's unshakeable beliefs in truth, non-violence, and compassion.

A Brief History

In 1990, a team of volunteers inspired by Gandhian values, began gathering

under the branches of a tree in the Gandhi Ashram every Saturday afternoon to

play with street children. They provided the children with a nutritious meal, and

taught them about basic hygiene by cutting their nails and bathing them. This

activity soon attracted many volunteers and developed into a full time endeavor

working to brighten the future of children. Under the guidance of Gujarat Harijan

Sevak Sangh, Safai Vidyalaya, and the Environmental Sanitation Institute, (ESI),

Manav Sadhna was established both in India and the USA. Today, from a quiet

corner in the Gandhi Ashram, Manav Sadhna serves thousands of women and

children through a variety of projects. The projects are created based upon the

needs and participation of the community.

“ I do not want a kingdom, salvation or heaven, what I want is to

remove the trouble of the oppressed the poor and the needy.’’

- Gandhiji

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Manav Sadhna Projects

We have about 30 projects centered on value-based education, nutrition, health,

creative learning, and community building. Each project begins with an all-religion

prayer. All education initiatives include a wholesome, nutritional snack.

VALUE-BASED EDUCATION

Anganwadis – preschool centers that provide children between the ages of 0-6

with basic nutrition, healthcare and an introduction to education. These centers

are also used to provide awareness and vocational training to adolescent girls and

to monitor pregnant mothers to ensure they receive proper healthcare and

nutrition. Harshaben 9898363685.

Vidhayadham Supportive Education at the Tekro - after-school programs to

strengthen values and the education of the children. Malti-9543187868.

Bal Sanskar Kendra – classes that impart education to younger children through

songs, stories and games. Shweta 9978614999.

Earn N Learn – works to provide children a safe and nurturing alternative to street

labor by teaching children to make handmade paper products while also

encouraging their education. Jagatbhai 9879032100 or Yogesh 9327063896.

Ashramshala –this residential hostel was started in 1979 by Ishwarbhai Patel to

provide basic education and life skills to the children of the Valmiki community,

which is generally associated with sweeping and civic sanitation; they are often

discriminated against and seen as outcastes of society. Manav Sadhna has been

providing supportive education and extracurricular activities to the children for

more than 20 years. We have also been involved in improving nutrition and living

conditions of the hostel. Varshaben 8306265717.

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Computer Education – provide training in computer software such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop and Tally to develop skills among young adults to help them find jobs. Sureshbhai 9157700982.

HEALTH

The Health Project – this initiative covers a wide range of health needs and includes the Arogya Kendra Evening Health Clinic, Health Camps and Awareness Campaigns, Door to Door Health Consultations and a Dental Clinic. Raman 9913437908.

CREATIVE LEARNING

Development through Sports – encouraging self-confidence, team work, leadership, self-discipline and sportsmanship through sports. Rahul 7874531901.

Dance and Theater - providing children with exposure to the performing artsthrough practice and performances for various events. Bharat 9724553254.

Saturday Special – this weekly activity focuses on fun activities such as craft, games, movies, etc with the intention to provide children with a platform to enjoy their childhood. Ajay 9924490213.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/LIVELIHOOD

Adolescent Girls Program – this weekly interaction aims to provide young girls with awareness and a change in attitude towards personal hygiene, health and nutrition awareness, improved quality of living, importance of education and help with skill-based training. Malti 9574187868.

Ramapir No Tekra Community Centre – in addition to education-based projects, this community hub runs a series of regular activities including Vadil Vatsalya (Care for the Elderly), Community Library, Boy Scouts, and the Savings Program. Malti 9574187868/Nitin 7383920204.

Paryavaran Mitra (Rag-picking Women’s Cooperative) - this rag-picking women’s collective is working towards increased earnings, improved working conditions and more self-awareness to improve the overall quality of life of the women involved in waste collection. The cooperative has started the flower-pot project, upcycling waste plastic bottles into hand-painted planters. Ashish 7383434065.

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Manav Gulzar – modeled after the Ramapir No Tekra Community Centre, Manav

Gulzar is also community hub for education-based and community building

activities. Barot 9909419969/Neelam 9016808382.

The Loving Community (Leprosy Centre) - Manav Sadhna helps facilitate

community building in this distinct locality where all of the families are affected by

leprosy. Manav Sadhna also works on initiatives aimed at empowering them to

lead a better life. Sunil 8866073612.

Shankar Bhuvan Community Center - The Shankar Bhuvan slum community,

located in the Shahpur area of Ahmedabad, consists mainly of fruit and vegetable

vendors, and others who take part in daily wage jobs. Similar to many other slum

communities, Shankar Bhuvan faces challenges in education, health, sanitation

and gender inequality. After facilitating a street school program in the community

for the last 15 years, Manav Sadhna is now running an informal school with a

focus on value-based education. Kiran 9328223320.

HELPING HANDS

Manav Sadhna works closely with several other communities and education

programs to provide strength and support where needed. These include the Blind

School, Naroda Ashramshala (a residential hostel) and Vinay Mandir (a girls’

school from the 8th-12th standard).

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More about the Communities

Ramapir no Tekra Community Center (across Gandhi Ashram)

Ramapir No Tekra (also known as the Tekro) is a large slum area situated across

Ashram Road from Manav Sadhna. The Tekro consists of approximately 80,000,

people, mainly daily wage laborers, rag pickers, home cleaners, pedal rickshaw

drivers and potters. The entire Tekro is basically an encroachment on

government-owned land; however, people have occupied the space for more than

fifty years. Initially lacking in all the basic amenities, the Tekro today has electricity,

water, toilets, sidewalks and a gutter system. However, due to problems with

addiction, health issues, superstitions, illiteracy, and high interest loans, many

slum dwellers continue to exist in the same cycle of despair and poverty. A lack of

education and opportunity are the core causes of many of the problems in the

Tekro. By promoting education, values, and awareness among the children and

women of the Tekro, Manav Sadhna hopes to eradicate many of these challenges

and uplift the standard of living.

As every project is based on the needs and participation of the community, the

community development initiatives began within informal school when Manav

Sadhna discovered that more than two hundred and eighty children were not

attending school, but instead, were on the streets shining shoes and rag picking.

The Community Centre was inaugurated in 2006. It serves as a model for how a

slum community can work towards self-empowerment and community building.

We host a variety of health, education, sanitation, nutrition, and community

development programs at the Centre.

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Slums are the product of broken-down village life. The irregularity of rain,

unemployment, the caste system, the appeal of city life, and a lack of

facilities are some of the factors that lead people to abandon their villages

and migrate to urban spaces, which are congested, unhealthy, and lack

basic amenities. These areas are usually located on the fringes of society

and begin to form with migrants, often landless laborers, who come to the

city in search of employment. At the time of India's independence, 90% of

the population lived in villages. Today, India's cities host more than 40% of

the population.

Manav Gulzar Community Center (Jamalpur)

This slum community is home to more than 40,000 Hindus and Muslims. During

the 2002 riots, while most of the area was engulfed in violence and hatred, this

religiously diverse locality remained peaceful due to the foresight and leadership

of local leaders. For many years, Manav Sadhna ran a street school in the area.

After building a strong relationship with the community, they requested Manav

Sadhna to build the Manav Gulzar Community Centre, located between a Hindu

temple and a Muslim dargah, right in the heart of the neighborhood. A beautiful site

and a symbol of unity and peace, the Community Centre serves as the hub of for

programs in education, extracurricular learning, computer training, sewing

classes, nutrition, health and recreational activities.

The Loving Community aka Leprosy Community (Vastral)

Affectionately known as the Loving Community, the leper community is located

on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Because of social stigma associated with

Leprosy, the community members have been treated as outcasts for generations.

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Though the youth have been treated and are healthy, they still lack proper access

to opportunities and facilities.

Manav Sadhna has worked alongside the community to develop a community

centre, through which activities such as communal dining (Bhav nu Bhojan), a

children's leadership program and vocational training have all been fostered.

To connect with the Loving Community, please contact Sunil 8866073612.

The Blind School and Hostel (Gandhinagar)

The Blind School, nestled in Sector 16 of Gandhinagar, capital of Gujarat (20

minutes from MS), consists of more than sixty resident students, both boys and

girls, studying from 1st-10th standard. The children are all afflicted with varying

degrees of blindness.

The Blind School is committed to making a difference in the lives of visually

impaired children from remote and poor villages as well as urban communities, as

the blind are often ignored, and considered a burden. In most cases they have no

access to education or skill development facilities at home. The school

encourages the students to develop their strengths instead of focusing on their

limitations. It fosters a sense of family while encouraging each child to discover

and express their individual spirit.

Manav Sadhna strongly supports the school through activities such as art,

gardening and games as well as frequent interactions with the children.

To connect with the Blind School, please contact Shirishbhai 968761061.

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Our Family of Organizations

Manav Sadhna is part of a larger ecosystem that we think of as family. During your

time here, you will not only visit, but most probably interact with many, if not all the

organizations. The following is a list of the organizations and a brief description.

Environmental Sanitation Institute - Sughad

Environmental Sanitation Institute (ESI) strives to provide a better quality of life to

rural people and the urban poor through improved sanitation. ESI was

established in 1985 under the guidance of Shri Ishwardada Patel out of its mother

organization Safai Vidyalaya (Sanitation Institute), located on the Gandhi Ashram

campus. ESI and Ishwardada are the inspiration behind Manav Sadhna.

ESI envisions an India free from practice of open defecation and the inhumane

task of scavenging human waste by hands. The institution tackles the problems of

sanitation with the holistic vision that sanitation awareness will lead to better

health, improved education and a stronger economy of the whole country.

Activities include training and creating awareness among the government, NGO

officials, students, teachers, masons, health workers; functioning as a nodal

agency between the government and other NGOs in the construction of

individual, household and school sanitation facilities, smokeless ovens and

soakage pits; developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable

sanitation technologies and appropriate implementation strategies; and creating

information, education and communication (IEC) material on sanitation.

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Nandini

In an effort to impart health and sanitation education to rural communities, ESI

introduced Sanitation and Health on Wheels, a custom-designed bus better

known as Nandini. Nandini aims to motivate the villages of Gujarat and make the

state a model of cleanliness, good health, and environmental sanitation. Nandini's

objectives are 1) to raise awareness of prominent sanitation and health issues, 2)

provide basic health services, 3) increase the felt need for sanitation facilities, 4)

provide an environment for volunteering at the rural grassroots and 5) foster an

improvement in the general quality of rural life.

The mobility of Nandini allows the ESI training teams and volunteers (both

domestic and international) to conveniently reach rural communities with all the

materials and facilities to make these visits most effective. Although the issue at

hand is education, ESI has learned that the relations formed with individual

members of the community form the communication structure for gaining the trust

of the community.

To connect with ESI please contact Devendrabhai 9825034857.

Gramshree and Rudra Women's Centre

Founded in 1995, Gramshree's mission is to enable women to be catalysts of

change in their families and communities. Gramshree believes a significant step

in securing a brighter future for each woman and her family is to give her the skills

for a steady income. They give women training in handwork, tailoring, and

catering, and then offer flexible employment opportunities and fair wages to the

women who choose to join Gramshree.

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Gramshree couples income generation with activities that foster the women’s

confidence, self-respect, financial independence, and overall well-being.

An integral part of the program is family planning, and encouraging higher

education or vocational training for the women’s children.

Gramshree works with more than 1000 women between the slum and lower

income areas of Ahmedabad, and the rural regions of Patan, Kachchh,

Bhavnagar, and Bharuch.

More recently, Gramshree launched the Rudra Center, a community space in the

Tekra for strengthening women through awareness building and leadership

activities.

To connect with Gramshree, contact Jyotsna at 9824971692.

“When a sleeping woman awakes, she can move mountains.”

- Chinese Proverb

Craftroots

Craftroots has stemmed from Gramshree and works to support Gujarat's artisans,

their craft traditions and their way of life.

They have partnered with local NGOs and the government to create a marketing

platform that engages craftspeople with the end users, promotes fair wages and

fosters awareness in the market about the process behind the craft. Craftroots

also exposes artisans to modern techniques and contemporary elements to

improve their methods and designs.

To connect with Craftroots, contact Sandeep at 9979857780.

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Seva Café

“A generous heart, kind speech and a life of service and compassion are

the things which renew humanity.” -Buddha

Seva Café is an experiment in the shared joy that comes from humble giving and

selfless service. Wholesome meals are cooked and served with love by a

dedicated team of staff and volunteers and offered to our guests as a genuine gift,

paid for in full by previous guests.

As more people participate in the joy of giving, the more the experiment thrives. It

begins with a single gift: first given, then received... multiplied, and given again, in

a growing chain of kindness and care.

Today Seva Café has slowly transformed into a movement that has inspired

Karma Kitchen in Berkeley, California (USA), Washington D.C. and Chicago. It

has been a seed for Seva Café in Long Island, California and Pune, Maharashtra.

Seva Café is based on five important principles: the spirit of volunteerism,

Vasudeva Kutumbakam (Global Family), Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God), Gift

Economics (selfless and heartfelt offerings), and Circle of Giving (to pay it

forward). Through the practice of these principles we can help shape a future

rooted in love and community.

Seva Café operates Tuesday through Sunday. Volunteer shifts run from 6:30 to

10 pm for serving, hosting, and kitchen duties. You can also volunteer to cook a

special dish! Our menu changes daily and we welcome your input and

suggestions. The Café is located opposite the Municipal Market on CG Road. To

sign up to serve contact Ajaybhai 9924490213 ; Seva Café 7567262737.

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Moved by Love

An incubator of generosity, Moved by Love facilitates various projects that foster a

cultural shift from Transaction to Trust, Scarcity to Abundance, Isolation to

Community and Consumption to Contribution.

Volunteers are constantly engaging in various projects and acts of kindness

across the country. In Ahmedabad, you can stay connected by visiting the Seva

Cafe on CG Road, or the Awakin gathering on Wednesday at Madhu and

Meghna's home just across the Gandhi Ashram. RSVP at www.awakin.org

Moved by Love volunteers also host bi-monthly retreats in the spirit of co-creation

at the ESI Campus, Sughad. These 3-day retreats help deepen each others

commitment to service. To connect with Moved by Love, contact Madhu at

9537160173 or e.mail at

The Bindi Project

The Bindi Project's mission is to foster love and respect for all women and girls in

India primarily by working with men and boys. The Bindi Project believes that most

men and boys do love and respect women and girls. But within a population of 1.2

billion people, the small percentage who does not adds upto a large number.

People can be inspired to change, when they see for themselves another way.

The Bindi Project uses the power of positive example to change how these men

and boys think and feel. At Bindi Project we have a variety of activities including

identifying good men who love and respect their daughters and promoting their

stories as positive examples within their own communities and facilitating younger

men and boys in taking an active role in preventing violence and discrimination

within their communities. Bindi Project is located at Manav Sadhna, Gandhi

Ashram. For more information, please visit us on www.bindiproject.org or contact

us on +919624465870

We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening

our own path”- -Ben Sweetland

injourney@gmail.com

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NOTES

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VOLUNTEER

Volunteers don’t necessarily have time, but they have the heart. As a volunteer, you will learn not just more about the needs of others, you will also learn more about your own needs and you will discover that in helping others, you help yourself most of all.

A volunteer can be anybody. There are no age limits to being a volunteer, no preferred categories, no salary specifications, no special degrees or work experience. All that is required is a dedication to the cause, sincerity about the work that one is doing and commitment to a regular and sustained effort with the organization.

-Mahatma Gandhi

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