Saathi is a non-governmental organisation working with the vulnerable communities of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, in helping them live a life with dignity. It focuses on issues of craft-based livelihoods, health, education, and accessibility to essential services in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions. We primarily began by addressing the exploitation faced by the artisan communities on multiple levels. With time, our work has spread across various themes depending on the community’s critical needs.
Saathi envisions creating an exploitation-free, sustainable and self-sufficient rural community.
To work towards a society where poor and landless people can earn a dignified living out of their traditional livelihood systems. At Saathi, we realise that empowerment is a multi-pronged approach. So we expanded our horizons and started focusing on the holistic development of communities.
‘Saathi’ was born when three young people Bhupesh Tiwari, Late Bhupendra Banchhore and Harilal Bharadwaj, met while they were studying together in Gramoday Sangh, Bhadrawati, Maharashtra. During their studies, they embarked on a journey across India, where they realised that artisans with remarkable skills lacked respect and were not paid according to their skill sets. This eventually forced artisans to adopt other means of livelihood to earn their living, which not only a massive loss of their creative potential but also leaves them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Thus, with this realisation and the social work ideals of their Guru, Late Shri S.K Mirimira, Dr SN Subbarao and the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and J.C Kumarappa, they stepped up for the empowerment of artisans. This brought them to Bastar and after five years of groundwork and trust-building with the community, they formed Saathi. At the heart of the movement was the idea of friendship. The bond that not only shared amongst themselves but wished to share with the community of Bastar and eventually help them to elevate their lives.
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Co-Founder & President
The co-founder and President, Mr Bhupesh Tiwari was influenced by Gandhian Dr S.N. Subbarao and SK Mirmira to work toward a decentralized economy and revival of traditional handicrafts. He has been part of many social and youth movements since his childhood. From his 35 years of experience in the social sector, he has expertise in rural marketing, rural technology, organizational development,community mobilizations and development etc.
Co-Founder & Secretary
Our Co-founder and Secretary came across various social organisations in Uttar Pradesh and was inspired by their work in his early life. During his time at Gramoday, he developed a keen interest in the sector. He has expertise in handicraft operations, artisan mobilization and technical expert in terracotta, Dhokra, wrought iron etc. He had great relationships with the artisan community and a strong knowledge of the ground.
Co-Founder
Our Co-founder Late Bhupendra Banchhor has also been inspired by his Guru S.K. Mirmira Ji, because of whom he wanted to work in handicrafts. He was a creative head of the organization and envision Bastar to be recognised globally for its craft and culture. His motto in life was "work like a labour and live like a king". And in his life-span, he stood by his words.
Secretary
Vice President
Treasurer
Member
Project Manager
Wash Associate
Account Head
Principal
Counsellor
Member
Member
Management Information System Officer
