Where It All Began
In the 1980’s, the Tata Tea management uncovered a heart-breaking reality within their plantations in Munnar, Kerala: many children in the community were born with disabilities, a consequence of generational intermarriage.
With no access to specialised education, these children were often kept indoors, isolated from the world, while their parents laboured in the fields.
In 1991, we established a school that became a safe and nurturing place for these children to learn and grow.
Initially guided by experts from the REACH School in Kolkata, our teachers were trained to provide education tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Dare School
Athulya Paper Studio
Aranya Natural
Nisarga
Shakti
Vatika
The Deli
Disha
Our Journey Through the Years
Milestones that Shaped Us
1991
Dare School
In 1991, the DARE School was established to provide specialized education, functional academics and vocational training to specially-abled children.
1991
Athulya Paper Studio
Later that year, the Athulya Paper Studio was formed to employ DARE School graduates. Initially, making hand-made stationery, they now sell a wide variety of wood-free, handmade paper products.
1993
Nisarga
In 1993, Nisarga was founded. What started with small batches of High Range Strawberry Preserve has grown into a credible brand in jams and sauces.
1994
Aranya Natural
In 1994, a natural-dye unit named Aranya Natural was formed. Trained in Natural Dyeing, Shibori, Eco-Printing, Batik and Block Printing they handcraft sarees, pashmina shawls, stoles and other garments, as well as home essentials like table linen and cushion covers
1994
Shakti
In the same year a stitching unit, Shakti, was created to provide employment to women in the plantation community who were either widows or economically vulnerable. They began by tailoring sprayer coats and laundry bags in order to earn an additional income.
2009
Vatika
At Vatika, DARE School graduates connect with nature in Srishti’s lush gardens as they grow fresh vegetables and flowers. The produce is consumed by Srishti’s 120+ staff at the canteen and the surplus is sold to the local vegetable vendors
2009
The Deli
When our bakery, The Deli was being set up, a few hearing and speech impaired associates from the other units were sent to get trained under Chef Ananda Solomon of Taj President, Mumbai. Here they mastered some delicious recipes and today the bakery has become a hotspot amongst our visitors and the residents of Munnar.
2021
Disha
In 2021, specially-abled graduates of DARE School, skilled in sewing and embroidery, were trained in the art of hand-smocking. Today, the Disha unit stitches and sells smocked dresses, rompers, tote bags, pouches and more
Discover Munnar
Munnar, nestled in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is famed for its vast tea plantations, mist-kissed hills and lush greenery.
Decades ago, many families migrated to these serene highlands to work at the Tata Tea plantations, weaving their lives into the very fabric of the landscape.
Today, it is a tranquil blend of natural beauty and heritage, where endless shades of green meet the soft whispers of mountain breezes.
Together, We Grow Stronger
Srishti Trust, through its community welfare programs, provides housing, healthcare and nutrition to specially-abled individuals and their families in Munnar. During times of calamity, we extend aid to those in need. We also support specially-abled athletes, helping them pursue their dreams and compete in sporting events. The commitment of our management and support staff has been integral to building and nurturing our Welfare Institutes, empowering the specially-abled community across the Munnar region.
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you can start.”
– Nido Qubein
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you can start.”
– Nido Qubein