Founded by Rashmi Bharti, Avani is nestled in the Kumaon region of the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Avani is a community built on the principles of sustainability and local empowerment. A global network of diverse employees, interns and volunteers give life to Avani’s community-centric rural development programs.

In a region where small farms are many families only source of income, Avani is a hub of opportunity; constantly developing new approaches to sustainable, conservation-based livelihood generation for rural communities.

Avani has been working extensively with the preservation and revival of the traditional craft of weaving, spinning and natural dyeing. The philosophy has been to introduce modern raw materials to make contemporary products while conserving the handicraft skills as livelihood options.

On International Women's Day, President Ram Nath Kovind presented Avani with the "Nari Shakti Award", the highest civilian honour for women, in recognition of Avani's service towards Indian society and women’s empowerment.

Image and text source-Avani- Earthcraft