Central Himalayan Rural Action Group

Celebrating 38 Years of Empowering Lives As CHIRAG commemorates its 38th Foundation Day, we reflect on a journey dedicated to uplifting the lives of rural communities in the Central Himalayas. Founded by Late Shri Kanai Lall, the organization has been instrumental in driving positive change through its interventions in Health, Education, Livelihood, and Natural resource management. Our approach emphasizes community ownership and participation, fostering self-reliance and empowerment. We express our sincere gratitude to our funders, partners, government officials, individuals, and most importantly, the communities who have been instrumental in our journey. Their unwavering support has enabled us to make a meaningful difference. Let us celebrate this milestone together as we continue to strive for a brighter future for the people of the Central Himalayas. #CHIRAGFoundationDay #NGO #DevelopmentSector #CommunityDevelopment #SocialImpact #Uttarakhand #RuralDevelopment #Empowerment #MakingADifference #InspiringChange #BuildingCommunities #EmpoweringLives

CHIRAG, in partnership with Grow-Trees, has initiated a reforestation project spanning across the Nainital and Almora districts of Uttarakhand. The initiative aims to plant four lakh native species across an expansive area of 550 hectares, with a primary focus on restoring and safeguarding the region's ecological balance. The plantation drive, undertaken during the Van Mahotsava (Forest Festival) serves as a significant period that sees the vast majority of tree plantations. Van Mahotsava is an annual tree-planting festival that comes in the month of July. It is regarded as a festival of life, that promotes environmental conservation, ecological harmony, social responsibility, human health & biodiversity. This initiative exemplifies the spirit of Van Mahotsava by contributing significantly to Uttarakhand's green cover and promoting ecological balance. By engaging with 17 Van Panchayats across 23 villages, the project emphasizes community participation as a cornerstone of its success. This collaborative approach ensures the long-term sustainability of the newly planted forests and empowers local communities to take ownership of their environment. Reforestation in Uttarakhand is crucial for addressing various environmental challenges, including soil erosion, deforestation, and climate change. By increasing forest cover, this project contributes to biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and improved air quality, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of the region's inhabitants. Grow-Trees.com Ronak Jariwala Sanjay Joshi Abhishek Likam Deon Sajan Haritha P #Reforestation #PlantTrees #SustainableDevelopment #GreenInitiative #OneGreenMission #Plantationdrive #ClimateChange #Ecofriendly #EnvironmentalAwareness #NatureConservation #GrowTrees #CHIRAG #Uttarakhand #Nainital #Almora #Himalayas

A delegation from Mercer University in Georgia, USA, recently embarked on a short-term study program with CHIRAG. The group conducted in-depth interviews with community beneficiaries and CHIRAG's staff. This collaborative initiative aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted impacts of tourism on local communities. Through in-depth interviews with CHIRAG beneficiaries and staff, the students gained valuable insights into the positive and negative consequences of tourism development. The students identified economic benefits, likely due to increased tourism activity, and on the other side water shortages and land sales emerged as key concerns for local residents. However, they also discovered significant concerns regarding environmental issues like pollution, wildfires, and increased traffic congestion. CHIRAG recognizes the importance of international perspectives and actively encourages student engagement. The team from Mercer University shared their insightful recommendations on how to address these challenges. Their valuable contributions will be instrumental in shaping CHIRAG's future strategies for promoting sustainable tourism development that prioritizes the well-being of both local communities and the environment. CHIRAG remains committed to fostering international collaboration and welcomes opportunities to engage with students from around the world. These collaborative programs offer a platform for valuable learning experiences, allowing students to gain practical knowledge while providing CHIRAG with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to support its mission. Sanjay Joshi Abhishek Likam Haritha P Deon Sajan Mercer University Rachael Goodman #SustainableTourism #CommunityDevelopment #InternationalCollaboration #StudentEngagement #SocialImpact# #ImpactfulLearning #Ecotourism #RuralDevelopment #CulturalExchange #EnvironmentalSustainability #SocialImpact #RuralLivelihood #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #SDGs

Proud to partner with MakeMyTrip Foundation's impactful journey! CHIRAG collaborates with the MakeMyTrip Foundation in their impactful journey towards environmental harmony in Uttarakhand. Through this collaborative initiative, we've successfully reintroduced native species and promoted biodiversity regeneration within the Almora District. This joint effort focuses on promoting natural regeneration through soil & water conservation activities in the Van Panchayats of Uttarakhand and improving vegetation cover through the plantation of 7,50,000 saplings over three years. We're excited to share the MakeMyTrip Foundation's Annual Report 2023-24, which details their extensive efforts across various environmental and social initiatives. By aligning with their mission of Empowering Change, CHIRAG is honored to be a part of their incredible journey. MakeMyTrip Foundation Abhishek Likam Sanjay Joshi Supriya Rathore Anisha Narula #MakeMyTripFoundation #AnnualReport #SocialImpact #Sustainability #ImpactReport #EmpoweringCommunities #SustainableSolutions #CommunityInitiatives #CorporateSocialResponsibility #SustainablePolicies

"Rising Population, Rising Responsibility: Let's Plant More for a Greener Future" As we commemorate World Population Day, it's crucial to recognize the significance of responsible stewardship. The rapid population growth presents a significant challenge to achieving sustainable socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and individual well-being. Uttarakhand's landscapes, with their rich biodiversity and delicate ecosystems, underscore the importance of our efforts in population management, sustainable development, and tree plantation. These actions are essential to preserve this natural heritage for future generations. This day is observed to raise awareness, encourage action, highlight issues related to the impact, and urge people to opt for sustainable choices. While a growing population presents new opportunities, it also introduces challenges that require inclusive solutions. This year's World Population Day theme, "Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone," underscores the importance of ensuring everyone is accounted for in addressing population dynamics and their impact. So, let's cultivate a greener future together. #WorldPopulationDay #SustainableDevelopment #PopulationGrowth #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalSustainability #GlobalCommunity #SocialImpact #LeaveNoOneBehind #CountEveryone #ResourceManagement #BeTheChange #TakeAction #GetInvolved

Turning Trash into Treasures! CHIRAG, with the support of the SBI Foundation, proudly organized a 'Best out of Waste' event as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at Government Intercollege, Banana. Students showcased their creativity by transforming everyday waste into innovative and useful items, promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. Together, we're nurturing a cleaner, greener future for our communities. SBI Foundation Sanjay Joshi Pratiksha Bhosale Aan mary #SwachhataHiSeva #GandhiSwachhtaMission #BeTheChange #PlasticFreeIndia #CleanAndGreenIndia #MyCleanIndia #SwachhBharat #BestOutOfWaste #CleanIndia #Chirag #SBIFoundation #ReduceReuseRecycle #SwachhataHiSeva #WasteToWealth #GreenIndia #EcoFriendly #SustainableLiving #GoGreen

"Periods are a natural part of life for women everywhere, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. 🩸 On May 28th, we celebrated World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and ending the stigma. CHIRAG with the support of SBI Foundation, through their flagship project SBI Sanjeevani is working hard to create safe spaces for women to discuss their experiences. We believe the first point of contact is the strongest point of contact, and the conversations start at home. That's why we introduced "Maa, Beti aur Gupshup" - a program encouraging open communication between mothers and daughters about periods. This helps create a period-positive world and dismantle societal barriers. Join us in making menstrual health a priority! We want every woman and girl to have access to the information and resources they need. SBI Foundation Pratiksha Bhosale Sanjay Joshi Aan mary #WorldMenstrualHygieneDay #MenstrualHealth #SafeSpaces #PeriodPositive #CHIRAG #WomensEmpowerment #SBISanjeevani #SBIFoundation #CommunitySupport #OpenConversations #MothersAndDaughters  #breakthestigma

Uttarakhand's challenging terrain makes accessing healthcare difficult for rural residents. Despite an organized health system, issues like doctor shortages persist. CHIRAG, supported by the SBI Foundation's initiative, SBI Sanjeevani, is helping bridge this gap by offering door-to-door services and making healthcare more accessible. SBI Foundation Sanjay Joshi Pratiksha Bhosale Aan mary Video Credits: Rupam Majumder #SBISanjeevani#ClinicsOnWheels#CHIRAG#SBIFoundation#HealthCare# MakingaDifference#Changinglives#CommunityImpact#BreakingBarriers# Communityhealth#RuralHealth#Wellnessonwheels https://lnkd.in/gKYwj9_V

Congratulations Bronze Awardees! We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our students who have successfully completed the Bronze level of the International Award for Young People (IAYP). Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off! A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Kapil Bhalla, National Director of IAYP and Mrs. Bhalla for presenting the awards and inspiring our students to dream big. This is just the beginning – let’s continue to strive for excellence and embark on a journey of lifelong learning and growth! #IAYP #BronzeAward #YouthEmpowerment #HolisticEducation #CHIRAG #Uttarakhand #FutureLeaders #CommunitySupport #YouthDevelopment #SkillBuilding Sanjay Joshi, Haritha P, National Director - IAYP India, The International Award for Young People

🌍 Happy World Environment Day! 🌿 Today, we at the Central Himalayan Rural Action Group (CHIRAG) join millions around the globe to celebrate World Environment Day, a day dedicated to encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment. In the heart of the Himalayas, we witness firsthand the delicate balance of nature and the profound impact of human activities on our ecosystems. This year's theme, "Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience," resonates deeply with our mission to rejuvenate and sustain the natural resources that rural communities depend on. Today, let's recommit ourselves to protecting our planet. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a big difference. Get Involved: Volunteer with Us: Join our community-driven initiatives and make a tangible impact on the ground. Support Our Projects: Your donations help us expand our reforestation and conservation efforts. Spread the Word: Share our mission and success stories with your network to raise awareness about the importance of ecosystem restoration. Credits: Supriya Rathore, Pratiksha Bhosale, Goutam ., Deon Sajan, and Aan mary #WorldEnvironmentDay #EcosystemRestoration #CHIRAG #SustainableFuture #CentralHimalayanRuralActionGroup #ClimateAction Abhishek Likam, Sanjay Joshi, Haritha P, saurav burfal, Deepak Yadav, Abhay pratap singh, Sonal Odedara, Lakshmi N, Vikas Rawat, Surendra Negi