AVANI (Ar-vanni = “Earth” in Sanskrit) is a village based community development project in the Kumaon Himalayas. Founded and run by two Osho sannyasins for the past twenty years, it focuses on alternative energy generation and textile production. Chinmaya’s 2007 short documentary shows the community’s many facets, and it’s wonderful setting with views across the Himalayas into Nepal.
Second part of the short documentary. Rashmi and Rajnish, Avani’s founders, talk about their approach to development, especially respect for local peoples abilities. As the only two outsiders in a remote, conservative area, they have had to earn respect themselves. Their motivation? “To leave the Earth a little more beautiful than we found it”, as Rashmi says.
Chinmaya’s work with AVANI to bring solar lighting to the remove village of Jhuni
