About Us

An Introduction  

ABOUT US

Yog Manav Vikas Trust – An Introduction

From the Chairperson’s Desk

Sankalp bade hain, rah kathin, atah jaroori hai hona apno se parichay,

Gatha ek chote se antaral ki,  jahan uplubhdhiyon ka hua hai sanchay.

To introduce or to be introduced is a term of wide amplitude as precisely in what form the introduction should be communicated to those who are our own…, though simpler it appears but is equally difficult. Question also arises that when someone is our own, then why an introduction is necessary? Nevertheless an introduction is essential to acquire proximity and make it stronger.

You are considered own, because in the mission we are pledged to, we assume that you too are a fellow traveler on the common path of philanthropy. In the endeavors of the Trust towards accomplishment of this great pledge, this introduction could be able to foster the “Synergy”; we with this view have great pleasure in presenting to you this introduction.  

In the August of 2001, Yog Manav Vikas Trust was founded by a small group of such people who had embarked upon this path with a fervor… and since then several people joined in the expedition and this sibling of Yog Manav Vikas Trust gradually began taking a form; and with your continued patronage this has spread it’s root deep, like a giant Banyan tree in the soil of yog and spirituality.

This introductory booklet, is a reflection of our few undertakings, that we have been able to accomplish in this short span of time….., a view of the expedition, in which much has been done and much more remains to be done……, an a,b,c of the alphabet where other letters are being written …., a knock on the door that leads to philanthropy, sacrifice and service.

We are confident that upon marveling at this image we will get your solidarity…., the synergy will provide a tremendous flip to our activities opening new vistas .

Looking forward to your patronage towards YMVT, your own Trust.                   

With positive faith

                    (Kiran Dodeja)

                Chairperson

Yog Manav Vikas Trust

     Yog Manav Vikas Trust is a voluntary Non Government Organisation (NGO), founded in the year 2001 by families of few officers of NHPC (National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) serving in Chamba (Himachal Pradesh, India) for a long time. Such service with NHPC provided families an opportunity to have an insight into lives and the hardships endured by the people living in the remote villages of Chamba district, and also to analyze, the reasons of poor developments/progress including economical conditions despite of inhabiting in Chamba, the Land of Lord Shiva. Altruism and Spirituality in one form or the other, has been an integral part of the lives of these NHPC families since beginning. Something very special, very different, need to be accomplished in this holy land of Chamba by these families and hence establishing a Trust for the purpose was thought of in the beginning of year 2001. Smt. Kiran Dodeja, Smt. Nisha Chauhan, Smt. Suman Thakur and Smt. Chetna Negi assumed the responsibility of acquiring some land in and around Banikhet and in April 2001, finally purchased land at the village Pukhri out of their personal resources. It was also thought that the foundation of the Trust must be for long term basis/objectives to instil confidence amongst the local people/inhabitants and hence Trust infrastructure including own building  was considered an essentiality, besides founding families to  have their homes built adjacent to the precincts of the Trust building; so that upon retirement or otherwise, these families stay there permanently and continue to serve the Trust & locals forever. Some more land was acquired. Besides the initial outlay on land, funds were contributed from personal means / resources by these families. Although, the funds were not sufficient for the construction of the Trust building; neverthless, it was decided to start the construction. Contributions were solicited from family & friends and acquaintances. Meanwhile all the formalities required in respect of the land were completed. The State Government and various offices co-operated fully; Contributions and Donations began pouring. The Trust was registered in September 2001 under the banner Yog Manav Vikas Trust. The construction was started in October 2001. It was never anticipated initially that the construction would take place at such a fast pace and that too without any interruption, but with the enthusiasm of the donors, the donations kept pouring and construction of the multipurpose hall on the first floor of the Trust building was completed within 10 months and inaugurated in August 2002 by Sri Avay Shukla, Principal Secretary to the Himachal Pradesh Government. During the construction period, the Trustee's meetings continued with volunteers and the Trust assumed the responsibility of education support up to class l0 to 50 students from 30 neighbouring and far flung/far off villages. Health checkup of 1376 students from these village schools were also organised. Eyesight of about 50 students was found weak who were provided free spectacles. Self Help Groups of men and women were formed, 5000 saplings of fruit-bearing and other trees were planted in the precincts of the families living in the villages, and other activities were also undertaken. Weekly communes were also organised. Volunteers from different villages agreed to assist the Trust. In August 2002 it was also decided to set up a Vocational Training Institute for developing self-employment skills in rural girls. Construction of second floor was undertaken. Recognition was obtained from the National Institute of Open Schooling, Govt. of India, to run courses in vocational training and from November 2002, courses in Cutting &Tailoring, Dress Making and Secretarial Practice for the women & girls were successfully commenced. There was so overwhelming response to these courses that three more branches were set up in remote areas of Brangal, Wangal and Manjeer as girls from far areas could not come daily to Banikhet for the courses. 85 girls benefited from these courses in the very first year. Dean of the Pensylvenia University, USA and colleagues donated 15 computers to the Trust in December 2002 for the education of rural girls in Secretarial Practice and other application, thus this becoming first vocational institution to offer education through Computers in the Chamba district. Besides, the first hour for girls assigned for meditation and moral teachings. Impressed by the work & activities of the Trust, the government of Himachal Pradesh decided to assign the responsibility of running the third HELPLINE for the distressed women and the then Chief Minister Prof. P. K. Dhumal inaugurated the HELPLINE service in Chamba district in October 2002.
In December 2002 Sri R. V. Shahi, Secretary (Power), Govt. of India, inaugurated Vocational Training Institute and announced an aid of Rs.2 lac for Trust activities. In March 2003, the Trust took a building on rent in the vicinity of Bhalei temple, to establish a Bal Ashray for the parentless children, Smt. Asha Kumari, Minister for Education, Himachal Pradesh inaugurating the Bal Ashray. The Ashray then started with five children only, has today taken the responsibility of complete care of 12 children, who besides their livelihood, are provided formal education at school and also given lessons in spirituality. More & more, application are pouring in and hence Trust has decided to acquire land near Banikhet for construction of permanent Ba1 Ashray for 50 children.

            To improve the economical status of village farmers, the Trust has formed an Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Growers Co-operative Society (registered) to encourage cultivate besides Wheat and Corn, aromatic plants like Lavender and Geranium.

            Thus, in a very short span of time, Yog Manav Vikas Trust has made tremendous progress. The Income Tax Department, recognising its objectives and the activities granted exemption under Section 80G of Income Tax Act on donations made to the Trust. The State Govt. and the villagers have now the faith that the Trust really intends to and serve, uplift and help develop rural mass and is receiving adequate goodwill & response.

            For the efficient management of the Trust, Smt. Kiran Dodeja, Chairperson & other Trustees, besides several specialists from different fields i.e., social upliftment, education, women empowerment, Project finalisation & implementation, child health, environment, yoga & spirituality religion are providing their services with sincere efforts, devotion & dedication. Sri Yogendra Prasad, Chairman and Managing Director, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation is the Chief Patron of the Trust and keeps guiding from time to time. Although the Trust has been founded and being run by the families of officers of NHPC, the organisation has no direct interest whatsoever in the Trust, No grant has so far been received from either the state or the Central Government. However, the Trust intends submittal of some schemes to the State Government for uplifting economical conditions of rural inhabitants with due training for creating self employment skills. Trust has approached other international agencies on its innovative proposals.

The major activities undertaken by the Trust are :-

 

I.          SOCIAL, ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

 A.         YOG MANAV VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (ACCREDITED BY NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OPEN SCHOOLING, MINISTRY OF HRD, GOVT OF INDIA) :

More than 200 girls have undergone vocational training in Cutting/Tailoring, Dress Making, Beauty Culture and Secretarial Practice in Banikhet Centre & its branches in Chamba district. The courses shall be offered on need basis of local rural from year to year, thus providing skills in different trades/courses to generate self employment potential. 

B.            BAL ASHRAY :

This center was started from a rented building in the vicinity of Bhalei Temple, Brangal.   The Trust takes complete care of education and living of these children.  Smt. Asha Kumari, Minister for Education, Himachal Pradesh Government inaugurated this on 5^th March 2003. This Bal Ashray is now operating from much improved environment of large building and facilities at Devidehra and is taking care of 20 children. One such center for girl children is proposed at Banikhet.  Permanent Bal Ashray building for 50 children is being planned.

C.            HELPLINE SERVICE FOR THE AFFLICTED WOMEN:

A HELPLINE service through phone & other media is being run for the afflicted women on behalf of State Commission for Women.  Any distressed women of Chamba district can call/write for help to this HELPLINE service for assistance.  Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Government inaugurated service on 30^th October 2002.

D.            YOG MANAV AROMATIC PLANT GROWERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY:  

This Society has been established under  the Co-operative Societies Act with farmers of villages being members of this Society.  Geranium and Lavender, i.e. aromatic plants yielding higher income are cultivated in the fields by these farmers. More than 20000 plants of Geranium and Lavender have been distributed and nurseries created. Appropriate measures are being instituted for cultivation of off-season vegetables. Indo-Himalyan Bio-Technology(CSIR, Govt. of India), C.S.K. University of Agriculture, Palampur and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestary, Nauni (Solan) are providing technical know-how to villagers and farmers through Trust. Oil extractions facilities are being provided by Salooni Branch of C.S.K. University of Agriculture, Palampur.

E.             LIFT IRRIGATION SOCIETY: 

Although few of villagers are located few meters above and on the periphery of rivers, villages for farming are totally dependent upon rains only for its water needs for irrigation and hardly grow single crop during the year. Villages of Brangal and Saili have been selected for launching of lift irrigation scheme. Societies have been established with farmers/owners of land being the members of society and society shall function on innovative concept of participation & involvement for collecting seed fruits, sharing responsibility of operating & maintaining the scheme after its commissioning. Irrigation scheme of Saili has been commissioned on 7^th September’2004 and Brangal scheme being funded partly by UNDP has been commenced for construction/execution.

YOG MANAV SAILI LIFT IRRIGATION CO-OPERATIVE  SOCIETY :

13 Ha. of land shall get irrigated benefiting 35 no. farmer families, increasing yields manifold. Water is being pumped from river Siul at head of 260 mtr. This scheme is funded to the extent of 90% by YMVT and balance by farmers themselves. Scheme has costed approximately Rs. 12 lacs. This experiment may prove a learning experience for other villages as well for State Government. Scheme has been launched in record period of 45 days with commissioning achieved on 7^th September’2004 in the presence of Shri Yogendra Prasad, CMD, NHPC and Shri Rahul Anand, DC, Chamba.

YOG MANAV BRANGAL LIFT IRRIGATION CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY :

28 Ha. of land belonging to 60 no. farmer families shall get irrigated. This scheme is also to be completed on participative basis but is largely  to be funded by UNDP Under Small Grants Scheme. Grant of Rs. 15.40 lacs has been sanctioned by UNDP for the scheme to be completed in a period of 9 months. Foundation stone of scheme has been laid on 7^th September’2004 by Shri Yogendra Prasad, CMD, NHPC in presence of Shri Rahul Anand, DC, Chamba

 

F.             SELF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES :

i)                  Tailoring unit:- Tailoring unit one at Saily village and other at Banikhet established for passed out students to provide them self employment opportunities and providing some means of income through their product etc.

ii)                 Training in manufacture of products of consumption: 10^th/12^th class students have been provided training in manufacturing incense sticks, candle making, pappad etc for providing self-employment.

iii)              Bee keeping- An innovative training programme for girls including drop outs has been designed & submitted for implementaion in Salooni & Mehla Blocks.

G.            ADOPTION OF SAILI AND JASSORGARH VILLAGE:

Saili village falling in Salooni block of District Chamba has been adopted by the Trust or conversion into an ideal village. Concrete paths, toilets and bathrooms have been constructed by the Trust in association with Shram Daan provided by the villagers.

Ø          Providing training facilities to the Unemployed Youths of Saili & Jassorgarh village in manufacturing small items of daily use like making incense sticks, Pappar and Candle etc.

Ø           Adult literacy programme also being conducted by 10^th/ 12^th class student for the adult villagers with the assistance of Trust.

Ø          Villagers and farmers committed to convert the village into an ideal village and have determined not to   indulge in intoxication, smoking etc.

Ø            2 Nos cows donated to income-less widows for providing them some opportunity to earn income.

Ø           The villagers and farmers of Jassorgarh in Tissa block of District Chamba provided 1 bigha of land for creation of nursery for the improvement of farming techniques.

Ø           Handicraft unit for manufacture of Shawl and other woolen items established for the ladies of the village at Jassorgarh.

Ø            2 Nos aged old persons being provided pension of Rs 150/- pm.

 

II.        HEALTH & EDUCATION

A.            HEALTH :

Ø     Health & medical check of all the children of remote and nearby villages including 30 villages adopted by the trust being undertaken from time to time and free of cost medicines are provided to them.  Medical Camps are also, organized twice a year.

Ø     Doctors and healthcare experts camp in the villages, examine the villagers and give medicines free of cost to those requiring treatment.  School children are also examined for their eyesight/vision and spectacles provided free of cost.

Ø    During 2003, medical examination of 1324 children got conducted and 54 No free spectacles distributed to the affected children.

Ø            12 medical camps have been organized so far in Banikhet, Brangal, Manjeer, Churi-Dharwala areas of Chamba district by Specialised expert doctors from Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Pathankot and other places. 8530 no. of villagers/children were benefited by these medical camps.

Ø     Besides these healthcare programmes on Alternative Healthcare & Healing Technique like Reiki is also organized from time to time by the Chairperson of the Trust, who herself is a Reiki Grandmaster.  Arrangement have also been made by the Trust for Sudarshan Kriya programme of the Art of Living and Vipassana method of meditation invented by Lord Buddha.  Short courses on Yoga & Pranayam for the villagers and tourists are also included in the objectives of the Trust.

B.            EDUCATIONAL HELP TO HELPLESS & SCHOLARSHIPS:  

                        50 very poor school going students from 30 villages have been adopted for education support till class 10^th.  The Trust bears the expenses of the school uniform, shoes, books and stationery etc. of these students and organizes annual health checkup.

Scholarship to meritorious students (in the nearby villages including 30 villages adopted by the Trust) of 5^th and 8^th class being regularly distributed.

III.             ENVIRONMENT

Every year on 5^th June, World Environment Day is being celebrated, in which rally is organized by school children and local people.  Painting and essay writing competitions on relevant theme are organized. Eco/Nature Club have been formed in schools, where Trust organizes awareness campaigns.  In the year 2002, 5000 fruit-bearing and other tree saplings were planted in and around villages and thereafter every year around 10,000 fruit bearing and other trees, saplings are being planted in the same locations / at other selected places. Information regarding conservation of nature is disseminated by newsletter amongst households.

Shri Arvind Kumar, Conservator of Forests, Chamba, Shri A. K. Sachdeva, ED (Region-II) and Dr. Tej Pratap, Vice Chancellor, C.S.K. University of Agriculture, Palampur were Chief guests for World Environment day in 2002, 2003 & 2004 respectively.

IV.              SPIRITUAL ACTIVITIES

The prime objective of the Trust is also to draw people to spirituality.  Generally it was observed that common people though appear inclined, do not absorb adequately due to leading too materialistic life & past conditionings.  Villages were observed to be relatively better in absorption but their economical status compels them drawing their attention to earning of normal livelihood first.  Hence Trust determined to inculcate the practices of meditation/spirituality in young lot of girls & boys of Vocational Training Institute and Bal Ashray and introduced schemes for betterment of poor farmers to enable them lead their life in spiritually materialistic way.  The journey though is long, nevertheless, initiative has been made and good progress is expected with the passage of time.  The efforts so far are proving fruitful.

                        Commune is organized once every week at the Trust.  Women, men and children from villages participate/gather in the commune for benefit from the discourses on religion/spirituality given by the saints and Mahatmas invited by the Trust. Among other prominent saint/Mahatmas, living masters viz. H.H. Saint Thakar Singh Ji Maharaj, Ram Piara Ji Maharaj (Chherhatta), Kinkar Ji Maharaj  visited the Trust and people of the area got opportunity to have blessings from them.

      Such are the multi-dimension objectives & accomplishments of the Trust.

 

Special Events of the Trust : -

            During past years the Trust has attained tremendous success.  Few major achievements are :

Ø     Padam Shree Vijay Chopra,Chief Editor, Hind Samachar Group paid a visit to the Trust premises on 22^nd September 2002 and appreciated the activities of the Trust with further publishing its achievements in Punjab Kesri and other Newspapers for awareness of all public in general.

Ø      In the very first year, the Trust was granted Tax Exemption under Section 80G of Income Tax Act for donations to the Trust vide Income Tax Department and renewed vide letter No. CIT/Shimla/TEC/ 2004-2005/336-339 dated 23.04.2004 for period upto Mar’2007.

Ø      Adoption of 50 children of the Trust for education support up to 10^th Class.

Ø      Inauguration of multipurpose hall on 11^th Aug 2002 by Shri Avay Shukla,Principal Secretary,Govt. of HP.

Ø      Accredition of YMV Vocational Training Institute acquired through National Institute of Open Schooling, Govt. of India and admission taken by more than 250 girls so far for the courses presently being run by the Institute.

Ø      Inauguration of Vocational Training Institute by Shri R.V.Shahi,Secretary(Power),Ministry of Power, Govt. of India on 8^th December 2002 and in appreciation of the Trust activities, declaration of an aid of Rs.2 lakhs.

Ø      Registration of Yog Manav Aromatic Plant Growers Co-operative Society for motivating farmers to promote plantation of aromatic, medicinal, off-seasonal vegetables/plants to improve economical conditions.

Ø      Observance of World Environment Day rally on 5^th June every year with great enthusiasm & response.

Ø      Establishment of Bal Ashray for parentless children on 16^th March 2003 and inauguration by Smt.Asha Kumari,Education Minister, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.

Ø      Granting of 3^rd HELPLINE  service to YMVT for Women in distress of Chamba district by State Women Commission, Himachal Pradesh and its inauguration by Prof.Prem Kumar Dhuman, the then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh on 30^th October 2002.

Ø      Organising medical camps in the cluster of villages and providing free medicines and treatment.

Ø      Donation of 10 Computers by Pennsylvania University of USA to the Trust for providing education to girls.

Ø      Smt. Jaywanti Ben Mehta, Minister of State for Power, Govt. of India, visited the Trust on May 2003 along with Shri Yogendra Prasad, CMD, NHPC and Shri Anil Razdan, Joint Secretary(Hydro) and distributed uniforms and books to the school children adopted by the Trust and appreciated the activities of the Trust.

Ø      Initiating efforts to convert Saili Village into an ideal village.

Ø      Launching lift irrigation scheme at Saili through its own initiative and funding sources and completing on 7^th September’2004.

Ø      UNDP sanctioned Rs. 15.4 lacs under small grants scheme for bio-diversity through lift irrigation scheme for Brangal Village. Scheme commenced on 7^th September’2004.

Ø      MOU signed with IHBT (CSIR, Govt. of India) for period of 10 years for providing expertise, assistance and services of specialized persons for bio-diversity in villages through YMVT.

Ø      Ministry of Home Affairs granted registration no. 182430007 dated 13.09.2004 under FERA for donations/assistances by agencies from other countries.

 Cultural programme during World Environment Day 2002

Plantation during world Environment Day 2002 

Rally organized during World Environment Day 2002 

 Inauguration of Multipurpose Hall by Sh. Avay Shukla, Principal Secretary, Govt. of H.P.

 “ Poojan “ at the time of inauguration of Multipurpose Hall.

 Awareness programme during “ National Campaign on Saving of Water” Organized by The Trust.

 Prof. P.K. Dhumal, the then Chief Minister of H.P. inaugurating the third HELPLINE in H.P. operated by the Trust.

 Prof. P.K. Dhumal, the then Chief Minister of H.P. inaugurating the third HELPLINE in H.P. operated by the Trust.

A group of children provided spectacles free of cost by the Trust. 

Aromatic plant production Campaign organized by the Trust. 

 Inauguration of Yog Manav Vocational Training Institute by Sh. R. V. Shahi, Secretary (Power), Govt. of India.

Inauguration of Yog Manav Vocational Training Institute by Sh. R. V. Shahi, Secretary (Power), Govt. of India. 

 Distribution of School Books to the poor student by Sh. R. V. Shahi, Secretary (Power), Govt. of India and Shri Y. Prasad, Chief Patron, YMVT.

 Smt. Malvika Pathania , Chairperson, State Commission for Women (HP), inaugurating the Computer center.

Computer Center being run by the Trust. 

 Ladies tailoring training in the Vocational Training Institute.

Information being given by Gramin Bank officials about financial assistance. 

 Drawing and painting competition during World Environment Day 2003

Smt. Jaywanti Ben Mehta, Union Minister of State for Power distributing educational help by the Trust. 

 Smt. Asha Kumari, Educational Minister, HP Govt. inaugurating Bal Ashray operated by the Trust.

Children adopted by the Bal Ashray. 

 Sh. Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, His Highness the Governor of HP inaugurating Exhibition Stall of the Trust in Minjar Mela 2003.

Sh. Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, His Highness the Governor of HP inaugurating Exhibition Stall 

Schemes for future : -

 

Ø      To sign MOU with District Administration and other international agencies including UNDP, Ford Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation etc. etc. for implementation of various welfare schemes and to enforce it on long term basis with training the villagers on related aspects of growth of off-season vegetables, Milch Cattle Development, Essential Oils, Bee Keeping, Incense Sticks manufacturing etc. etc. for implementation in Salooni & Mehla block of Chamba district.

Ø      Implementation of rural cleanliness sanitation programme/schemes.

Ø      To run vocational training courses for boys/men.

Ø      To construct permanent Bal Ashray for parentless boys & girls.

Ø      To establish Ashray Griha for helpless widows.

Ø      Development of Yoga and Spiritualism Centres in villages.

Ø      Opening of B.Ed.College in Chamba district.

Ø      Develop model villages & Eco parks.

In a very short span of time the Trust has done tremendous work with appreciable unique teamwork & efforts.  Will you not like to help this multidimensional Yog Manav Vikas Trust?  We urge to provide help.  Help provided by you will be assigned to relative aspects of social upliftment and you will be informed time to time.  Donated amount to the Trust is exempted under Section 80G of Income Tax Act.

Donations by Cheque/Demand Draft can be sent to Chairperson at address below :

      Kiran Dodeja

      Chairperson

      Yog Manav Vikas Trust

      Pukhri,Banikhet,Chamba(HP)

India 176 303