Making A Difference

7 million beneficiaries 4200 villages covered 2 million volunteers Over 150 rural herbal gardens created 100,000 people benefited by yoga classes

Action for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR) is a multi-pronged, holistic, outreach program which was established by Sadhguru in 2003. ARR's primary objective is to improve the overall health and quality of life of the rural poor through a well-defined philanthropic effort that enhances existing development schemes by supporting indigenous models of health, participatory governance and community revitalization. Through its dedicated team of qualified and trained volunteers, the project is now active in 4200 villages in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.

ARR has been creating waves of positive change in the lives of people in rural areas. Its success can be attributed to its multi-faceted approach which envelops healthcare, sports, yoga, community development and social bonding. ARR works towards short-term wellbeing of villagers as well as long-term sustenance of the projects, by involving the community and creating a sense of ownership towards the projects undertaken. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that the community has the capability to take action for their wellbeing. The rural Inner Engineering program and Isha Kriya practice offered by Isha Foundation present villagers with tools to establish health, vitality, mental calm and clarity, and instills a deep sense of joy within them. After a core volunteer base is generated through these programs, the ARR team encourages the participation of the entire village community along with the volunteers in community games.

 

A culture of caring

ARR also works towards the psychological wellbeing of villagers. The large number of suicides by farmers led to the establishment of “Karunai Karuvarai” or “Wombs of Compassion.” Here, under the ARR aegis, one person in each village is trained as a village-counselor, so that farmers have a listening post to vent their grievances and work towards feasible solutions.

ARR also cares for people living with HIV/AIDS. The ARR Mobile Health Clinics refer patients exhibiting HIV-related symptoms to the nearest Counseling and Testing Center. Isha Rural Health Clinics are also equipped to test for HIV for consenting patients. ARR also partners with TANSAC (Tamil Nadu State AIDS Society) and maintains a Community Care Center for treatment and counseling of people living with HIV/AIDS in Palladam, Coimbatore.