The Story of Panch Sutra Foundation
The Panch Sutra Foundation was founded with a powerful vision — to create a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future for the people of Jharkhand. Located in Bokaro district, one of India’s key mining regions, the organization works at the grassroots level to empower communities affected by poverty, environmental degradation, and socio-economic marginalization.
Registered as a non-profit under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, Panch Sutra Foundation draws its name and inspiration from five core principles or “sutras”: Education, Livelihood, Environment, Empowerment, and Equity. These values are embedded in every initiative it undertakes, aiming to bring lasting, community-led development.
The organization began with a focus on education and skill development through programs like Ujjwal Bhavishya, which provided rural children and youth access to quality learning, digital literacy, and vocational training. This initiative was critical in bridging the educational gap in mining-affected areas, where access to technology and modern education remains limited.
As the Foundation deepened its engagement, it identified livelihood insecurity as a major challenge. This led to the launch of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), with innovative projects around Mahua-based products such as jams, oils, and herbal tonics. These initiatives not only provided income but also revived traditional knowledge and local biodiversity.
Environmental sustainability became a major pillar with the Damodar Bachao Abhiyan, a people-led movement to protect rivers and water bodies in the Damodar valley. The Foundation also began leading climate justice efforts through programs such as Just Transition, aimed at helping coal-dependent communities shift towards green and sustainable livelihoods.
In the health and nutrition space, Panch Sutra initiated campaigns around maternal and child health, malnutrition prevention, and menstrual hygiene awareness, especially in remote and tribal areas. Programs like Balika Samriddhi Abhiyan promoted girl child education, sports, and leadership development.
A major strength of the Foundation lies in its community leadership and policy advocacy work. Through partnerships with local panchayats, Gram Sabhas, and networks like Saarthi – Jharkhand Just Transition Network, the organization ensures that local voices influence policies on climate, health, and rural development.
Over the years, Panch Sutra Foundation has grown from a grassroots initiative into a respected development organization. With a mission to empower communities through education, livelihood, and environmental action, it remains committed to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Jharkhand and beyond.
Its goals are ambitious yet grounded: planting over 100,000 trees, empowering 2,000+ youth and women, improving health access in 10 villages, and supporting 1,000 farmers in adopting organic and climate-smart agriculture.
The journey of Panch Sutra Foundation is not just a story of programs—it’s a story of people reclaiming their dignity, knowledge, and future. In a region marked by extractive industries and systemic neglect, the Foundation brings a model of hope, sustainability, and justice.
Education, Livelihood & Environment – Towards a Sustainable Future", Panch Sutra Foundation continues to build a Jharkhand where development is inclusive, green, and community-driven.
🌍 Vision of Panch Sutra Foundation
Panch Sutra Foundation envisions a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient Jharkhand, where every individual—regardless of their background—has access to education, dignified livelihoods, and a healthy environment.
We believe true development must balance social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental responsibility. In a state heavily affected by mining and industrialization, our vision is to ensure that communities, especially those in rural and marginalized areas, are not left behind in the process of progress. Instead, they should be at the center of it.
Our dream is to create a future where local resources are preserved, women and youth are empowered, children grow up healthy and educated, and natural ecosystems like water, forests, and land are protected for generations to come. Through people-centric programs and grassroots leadership, we aim to shift the development narrative from extraction and exploitation to sustainability and justice.
By promoting education, livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and policy dialogue, Panch Sutra Foundation seeks to become a model of transformative rural development—not just in Jharkhand, but across India.
Together with communities, partners, and local governments, we are building pathways to a just transition—one that leaves no one behind and builds a better future for all.
