• Since 1991 • Munnar, Kerala

We Nurture Education

Foster Empowerment

And Create Sustainable Livelihoods

For specially-abled children of plantation workers in Munnar, Kerala

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Explore Our Journey →
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Lives Empowered
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Welfare Institutes
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Products Crafted

Who We Are

In 1991, with support from Tata Tea, we founded a charitable trust to educate and empower specially-abled children and young adults in and around Munnar’s plantations. At the time there was little access to special needs education and even fewer opportunities for a sustainable livelihood. What began as a small effort grew into eight welfare institutes, offering education, skills and financial independence…
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Making a Difference

At the heart of what we do

Education

At DARE School, we nurture children with disabilities through education, care and support, creating a holistic environment where they can flourish in academics, life skills and social skills.

Empowerment

At the age of 16, our students begin pre-vocational training guided by skilled artisans in fields that match their abilities and interests, helping them transition into meaningful careers within our welfare units.

Livelihoods

Our Welfare Institutes provide employment to specially-abled youth graduating from the DARE School empowering them to achieve financial freedom and become contributing members of our society.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

— Christopher Reeve

Our Institutes

At Srishti’s eight welfare institutes, children with disabilities are nurtured through a caring environment and specialized education; while our specially-abled adults find dignity, purpose and sustenance through work. From naturally-dyed textiles, wood-free handmade paper and embroidered creations to jams and preserves, baked items and freshly grown vegetables, every product carries their skill, care and story of empowerment.

Our specially-abled artisans, trained by world-class experts, skilfully blend global techniques with heartfelt craftsmanship to create every piece.

Dare School

Where specially-abled children flourish through education and care

Aranya Natural

Award-winning naturally-dyed textiles using traditional techniques

Athulya Paper Studio

Eco-friendly handmade paper from tea fiber and elephant dung

Nisarga

Delicious preservative-free jams and preserves from local fruits

The Deli Bakery

ISO 22000 certified bakery creating artisanal breads and pastries

Disha

Beautiful hand-embroidered creations by skilled artisans

Shakti

Women Empowerment

Vatika

Fresh Vegetables

Women Empowerment

Women are at the heart of Srishti Trust’s operations.  All production units are led by women, and the overall workforce has a higher proportion of women than men.  From the Managing Trustee to associates, women lead with professionalism, accountability and dignity.

A shining example is Mallika, a specially-abled artisan and natural dye master at Aranya Natural, who has raised her daughter on her own—today, her daughter works as a nurse in Ireland.

 

Stories like hers reflect the real impact of economic independence and social empowerment at Srishti Trust.

  

Across all our units, women’s contributions continue to shape an inclusive, equitable and empowering workplace.

Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017

Aranya Natural received the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2017. It also received the First International Craft Award in the same year in the ‘Organization for Business Development in the Craft Sector’ category.

Sustainability is at the Core of What We Do

Sustainability is central to Srishti Trust’s philosophy and operations. Waste water from all our units is treated at a central ETP and reused for gardening.

  • Raw materials for production are sourced responsibly, including natural discards like tea fiber and elephant dung, while untreated cotton fabric is used for stitching laundry bags.

  • Food units produce preservative-free and artificial colour-free products, with The Deli Bakery being ISO 22000 certified.

  • These practices ensure environmentally responsible, circular production and reflect the Trust’s commitment to harmony with nature.

Srishti Trust has been recognised as the winner at the 8th ICC Social Impact Awards 2026 in the Skill Development category for the project “Transforming Lives in Kerala’s Plantations.

Our Canteen and Crèche

Meal

Meal

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Crèche

Crèche

We offers a crèche facility for the children of working mothers, ensuring a safe and caring environment while they work.

Artisan Spotlight

When we were young, my sister and I studied at DARE School. After we completed our studies, we started working at Aranya Natural as natural-dye artisans. We are now earning and supporting our parents.

- James is the specially-abled son of an ex-plantation worker at Chundavurrai Tea Estate, Munnar.

Sustainable Livelihoods

We have empowered 193 specially-abled individuals, including DARE School graduates and specially-abled people from in and around Munnar, to build independent lives. Through training and guidance, they are now employed across our welfare institutes, thriving at work and supporting their families.

Shop Handmade

Your purchases power education and livelihoods

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Aranya Natural
Athulya Paper Studio
Nisarga
Disha
Deli Bakery

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Your donations help us expand our programs, reach more children, and create more sustainable livelihoods.

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