ABOUT US
Our mission
At Svadhina we strive to empower PWDs and members of economically weak backgrounds through supporting small businesses of minority groups by making their products easily accessible enabling them to lead a self-reliant, dignified and financially stable life.
Our Vision
We envision a self-reliant inclusive community wherein People with Disabilities and members from economically weak backgrounds have access to equal opportunities and can participate as independent, dignified, productive members of a society where their abilities are recognized and celebrated.
OUR STORY
Svadhina was founded by Veronica Sankhe, a 17 year old girl from Mumbai, in 2021. Read below to know how Svadhina came to be.
''After volunteering with various NGOs, I came to realise that these NGOs generated most of their income by selling their products to corporates mainly during holidays through bulk orders. They said they wanted consistency in their sales and that since they were rarely able to sell their products to anyone other than corporate companies, they had to rely on fundraisers and donations. I knew that the products weren't the problem here, but ignorance and lack of awareness was. That's when I thought of the possibility of having a website where I could have products from various NGOs as well as information about Volunteering and the significant impact it can have, then maybe everyone would start thinking about buying from NGOs since I'd be making the information and products easily accessible and the process of purchasing them hassle free. So that's how Svadhina came to be.''
- Veronica Sankhe
SVADHINA
''Svadhina means 'self-reliant' in Sanskrit, I chose this name because by buying from these minority groups people would be helping them become earn steady income and become self-reliant. Our motto is 'ConsumeConsciously' since by purchasing handcrafted products, people won't only be supporting the environment but also the minority communities and our economy. Even a small purchase will be a step towards making the world a more equitable and sustainable community. ''
''The blog ConsciousConsumer aims to spread awareness about the importance of Inclusivity and Diversity in the supply chain and the impact it can make in our economy. It also includes guides and articles on how one can start volunteering and become a global citizen. Even little changes in seemingly insignificant daily decisions like buying our handcrafted kitchen linens or donating scraps of clothing to our NGOS can make a huge difference in the long run and I aim to instill this mindset among people through this blog. ''
-Veronica Sankhe
OUR CORE VALUES
Ecological Responsibilty
We work towards the conservation of our environment by selling only eco-friendly products.
Collaboration
At Svadhina, we post information about the NGOs we have collaborated with because we want to give our customers the opportunity to do more.
Handcrafted goods
All products sold at Svadhina are handcrafted and made with love. Since they are handmade each product will unique and one-of-a-kind
Inclusion & Diversity
Svadhina is an effort towards supply chain diversity by helping society support small businesses of minority groups.
Empowerment
By buying products from NGOs you will be empowering and supporting the livelihood generation of women from economically weak backgrounds and PwDs
Awareness
Our Blog: The ConsciousConsumer posts content about Volunteering, Inclusivity, and Sustainability so that everyone can become global citizens. Do check it out!
OUR PARTNER NGOs
Smt Kumudben Dwarkadas Vora Industrial Home for Blind Woman
This is an NGO for the visually impaired women based in Andheri, Mumbai. They aim to develop rapport with the differently-abled to change their mindset of helplessness by encouraging individual willingness to build on their skills through the holistic learning programs and vocational training workshops they conduct.
This NGO also provides Braille books. audio books, sign language handouts and awareness sessions to the disabled and their families in an effort to sensitize families, institutes and the local governance in which they belong.
They also conduct a Confidence-building workshop where they train them to lead a normal and productive life tthrough activities like physical training, participation in sports and cultural activities, visits to public spaces, familiarization with public transport etc. Trainees are also provided vocational guidance, exposure to work avenues open to them and assistance in identifying occupation that suits them most.