About Chiranthana Foundation
Chiranthana Foundation is a non-profit organization working to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women through community-led initiatives.
Our work is rooted in the belief that women in rural communities possess deep knowledge, skills, and resilience—but often lack access to opportunities that align with their realities. We focus on designing livelihood models that are local, practical, and enable women to earn with dignity while remaining within their communities.
Vision
To build community-led, sustainable livelihood ecosystems where rural women can earn with dignity, remain rooted in their environment, and actively participate in shaping their local economies.
Mission
Chiranthana Foundation works to design and enable livelihood models for rural women that are home-based, community-driven, and rooted in local knowledge systems.
Our Approach
At Chiranthana, we work closely with communities to co-create livelihood models that are:
- Home-based and accessible
- Rooted in local knowledge and resources
- Economically viable and sustainable
- Led and managed by women
Our Core Areas of Work
Women-Centered Livelihoods
Primary Focus- Community-based income models (e.g., agri-tourism, silk experiences)
- Home-based enterprises (food and local products)
- Skill-building linked to real income opportunities
Local Knowledge & Sustainable Practices
- Revival of traditional food systems
- Use of locally available resources
- Integration of agriculture and livelihoods
Community Well-being
Emerging AreasOur livelihood programs also contribute to:
- Nutrition and health awareness
- Environmental sustainability
- Strengthening local economies
Partnerships & Market Linkages
- Creating access to markets for rural products
- Collaborating with institutions and CSR partners
- Building visibility for community-led initiatives
Our Work in Practice
Our current initiatives include:
Sutra – Silk Route Experience in Ramanagara
A community-led silk experience in Ramanagara that supports farmers, households, and women through experiential tourism.
Poshana – Food & Nutrition Enterprises
Women-led food and nutrition enterprises in Bendeganhalli that revive traditional knowledge and generate income.
Our Belief
We believe that meaningful development begins with participation.
When women are able to contribute economically in ways that align with their lives, it creates not just income, but confidence, dignity, and stronger communities.
Looking Ahead
Chiranthana Foundation is evolving as a learning organization.
As we grow, we aim to strengthen and scale these livelihood models, build partnerships, and expand opportunities—while staying rooted in our core principle of community-led development.
Founder's
Message
A note on how Chiranthana came to be, and where it is headed.
Chiranthana Foundation began with a simple observation — that many women in rural communities have the strength, knowledge, and willingness to work, yet lack access to opportunities that fit within their realities.
In many villages, stepping out for work is not always possible. But that does not mean the absence of capability. It calls for a different way of designing livelihoods — ones that are local, practical, and sustainable.
Our work is rooted in this understanding.
We collaborate with communities to create livelihood opportunities that are built around existing ecosystems, through immersive silk experiences that bring visibility to rural economies, or through food-based enterprises that revive traditional knowledge while enabling income from home.
What has been most meaningful is not just the income generated, but the sense of dignity and participation that emerges when women are able to contribute on their own terms.
As we grow, we remain committed to building models that are scalable, collaborative, and aligned with larger goals of community well-being and sustainability.
Chiranthana is still evolving, learning from every interaction, and strengthening these efforts step by step.
We invite individuals, institutions, and partners to join us in this journey of creating meaningful and lasting change.
— Founder, Chiranthana Foundation
Our Team
People shaping Chiranthana's grassroots work and long-term vision.
Founding Members
Leelavathi
SHG Leader, BendeganhalliFounding Member, Chiranthana. Works with women's groups on traditional food production and local recipes.
Apoorva
Livelihoods and Community EngagementFounding Member, Chiranthana. Works with rural women on SHG-based livelihood programs. Yoga and meditation teacher with a strong interest in local food systems.
Core Team
Vishalakshi Krishna
Strategy and Program LeadershipBrings experience in sustainability and ecosystem building. Leads project direction and supports the team in identifying initiatives and processes.
Manjula
Rural LivelihoodsWorks on community-led enterprise models. Connects silk, food systems, and local economies.
Jayashree
Silk CoordinatorSupports community-led silk experiences in Ramanagara.
Malleswari Baddela
Research, Food and Community SystemsHolds an M.Sc in Applied Microbiology and M.Phil in Biotechnology. Brings over two decades of experience across NGOs and education, working on health, nutrition, and community development.
Paramita Sen (Poppi)
Design and CommunicationsLeads visual design, storytelling, and digital presence. Works across branding, social media, and creative direction.
Advisors
Jannappa
Strategic AdvisorRetired Tahsildar and organic farmer. Supports long-term strategy with a focus on rural entrepreneurship and agriculture-based livelihoods.
Sujatha Kedia
Finance and PartnershipsBrings experience in finance, strategy, and corporate engagement. Supports financial systems and institutional partnerships.