Karm Marg

In India, there are innumerable vulnerable and destitute children from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds who are physically, mentally and sexually exploited and abused and often end up in a hopeless life of poverty and crime. The objective for Karm Marg (meaning path of action) is to provide these children with a long term, secure environment where they can realise their full potential with a sense of confidence. Also to train and help marginalised youth and rural women generate income to improve the standard of living for the entire family and community as a whole. Emphasis is given on enabling young adults to become self reliant. One major project is to make and... read more In India, there are innumerable vulnerable and destitute children from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds who are physically, mentally and sexually exploited and abused and often end up in a hopeless life of poverty and crime. The objective for Karm Marg (meaning path of action) is to provide these children with a long term, secure environment where they can realise their full potential with a sense of confidence. Also to train and help marginalised youth and rural women generate income to improve the standard of living for the entire family and community as a whole. Emphasis is given on enabling young adults to become self reliant. One major project is to make and sell innovative, environment friendly products, made out of discarded materials such as newspaper, waste/recycled cloth rags, waste wood and scrap metal. Marketed under the brand 'Jugaad', we now produce very popular carry bags, greeting cards, pouches, pictures frames, stationery, and many other products. Our young adults get training in the production of these, the income from these products is used to run the home and provide seed capital for them. One innovative feature in our organisation is that we are a completely democratic set up with little hierarchy and red tapism. Though the board members develop the main strategies, everyone, including staff and children have equal say in most of the decisions. There is open communication and strategies are changed as and when needed. Our home, Karm Gaon (Action village), is truly of the children, for the children and by the children with adult staff as friends and guides.