The Hind Organisation, conceived by Hardit Singh in mid-august of 2024 by mobilizing 60 higher educational institutions across India, emerges dedicated to preserving, cultivating, and developing the Indic Subcontinent’s rich cultural heritage and socio-ecological balance with the particular emphasis on India, Hind aims to foster sustainable development and community empowerment through a holistic and integrated approach. By scholastically considering the intricacies of historical, cultural, social, and environmental factors, Hind aims to foster as pivotal forefront towards the reconciliation of the Indic Subcontinent as Vishwa Guru.
Hind is primarily used in reference to the Indian subcontinent. It’s derived from the Persian word “Hindu,” which itself is a cognate of the Sanskrit “Sindhu,” meaning “Indus River.” Over time, the term “Hind” evolved into “Hindustan,” which is often used interchangeably with India. It historically referred to the region along the Indus River but expanded to encompass the entire northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Ancient India, particularly during the Vedic and Gupta periods (1500 BCE – 800 CE), was renowned as a “Vishwa Guru” (World Teacher). Known for its intellectual prowess in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature, India’s influence extended across Asia. Ancient India, particularly during the Vedic and Gupta periods (1500 BCE – 800 CE), was renowned as a “Vishwa Guru” (World Teacher).
India’s historical significance as a “Vishwa Guru” (World Teacher) spans across several centuries, culminating in the Sikh Empire, the last recognized indigenous harmonious major independent power before the British mandate.
Vision and Mission
- Vision: To create a thriving Indic Subcontinent where cultural heritage is celebrated, ecological balance is restored, and harmonious communities flourish.
- Mission: To undertake research, advocacy, and implementation of projects that safeguard and revitalize the region’s cultural heritage, promote environmental sustainability, and empower local communities.
Core Values
- Holistic Approach: Recognizing the interconnectedness of culture, ecology, and society.
- Inclusivity: Embracing diversity and promoting equitable participation.
- Sustainability: Prioritizing long-term well-being and resource conservational development..
- Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with government, academia, civil society, and communities.
- Innovation: Exploring innovative approaches to address complex challenges.
Organizational Focus
Hind addresses the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of the Indic Subcontinent through the following key areas:
Cultural Heritage Preservation
- Documentation and Research: Conducting in-depth studies on tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
- Heritage Conservation: Implementing preservation projects for monuments, sites, and traditional crafts.
- Capacity Building: Empowering local communities in heritage management and tourism.
- Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Influencing policies as focal point for heritage preservation and sustainable development.
- Project Implementation: Direct interventions for cultural, ecological, and social impact.
- Partnership Building: Collaborating with government, NGOs, and the private sector.
Socio-Ecological Preservation
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting endangered species and ecosystems.
- Sustainable Land Use: Promoting agro-ecology, organic farming, and forest conservation.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Building resilience to climate impacts through community-based initiatives.
- Water Resource Management: Ensuring equitable access to clean water and sustainable water use.
Community Development
- Livelihood Enhancement: Supporting income-generating activities and entrepreneurship.
- Education and Skill Development: Providing opportunities for lifelong learning and skill building.
- Health and Well-being: Promoting access to quality healthcare and community health programs.
- Social Justice: Advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and gender equality.
Intersectionality
Hind recognizes that the challenges and opportunities of the Indic Subcontinent are deeply interconnected and influenced by various factors, including:
- Geography: Diverse landscapes, climates, and natural resources.
- History: Colonial legacies, conflicts, and social transformations.
- Culture: Rich tapestry of languages, religions, customs, and traditions.
- Economy: Varying levels of development, urbanization, and globalization.
- Politics: Governance systems, policies, and stakeholder influences.
- Social Structures: Caste, gender, and other social hierarchies.
By adopting an intersectional harmonised manner, Hind addresses the complex interplay of these factors to achieve its goals.
Fulfillment-Oriented Cultivation
Hind prioritizes the well-being and empowerment of local communities through participatory approaches and capacity building. By focusing on fulfillment-oriented cultivation, the organization aims to create sustainable and resilient communities that are deeply connected to their cultural heritage and natural environment.
The Hind Organization, while dedicated to the preservation and development of the Indic subcontinent’s cultural heritage and ecological balance, places children at the heart of its mission. By integrating child-centric initiatives into its core programs, Hind aims to foster a holistic development of children, ensuring they are active participants and beneficiaries of their communities’ growth.
Through initiatives such as Living Heritage Schools, Child Storytellers, Eco-Schools, Child Eco-Warriors, Child-Friendly Villages, and Youth Skill Development programs, Hind strives to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive. By measuring impact through child impact assessments and fostering long-term sustainability, the organization ensures that its efforts lead to lasting positive change.
Hind believes that by empowering children and providing them with opportunities to engage with their cultural heritage and natural environment, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and equitable future for the Indic subcontinent.
Core Principles for Child Integration
- Child as the Centerpiece: Every initiative should have a clear, measurable impact on children’s lives.
- Holistic Development: Focus on physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
- Participation and Empowerment: Involve children in decision-making and leadership roles.
- Sustainability: Create long-lasting impacts that extend beyond project timelines.
- Collaboration: Partner with child-focused organizations and experts.
Child-Centric Theme within the Hind Organization
1. Cultural Heritage and Child Development:
- Living Heritage Schools: Establish schools that integrate local culture, arts, and crafts into the curriculum.
- Child Storytellers: Train children to document oral histories and traditional knowledge.
- Youth Heritage Clubs: Create platforms for young people to engage with and preserve cultural heritage.
2. Socio-Ecological Preservation and Child Well-being:
- Eco-Schools: Promote environmental education and sustainable practices in schools.
- Child Eco-Warriors: Empower children to be agents of change in their communities.
- Nutrition and Health Gardens: Cultivate healthy food habits and address malnutrition.
3. Community Development and Child Empowerment:
- Child-Friendly Villages: Create child-safe and inclusive community spaces.
- Youth Skill Development: Provide vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Child Rights Advocacy: Strengthen child protection systems and raise awareness about child rights.
Measuring Impact and Sustainability
- Child Impact Assessment: Develop indicators to measure the impact of efforts on children’s lives.
- Long-Term Follow-Up: Track the progress of children over time to assess sustainability.
- Community Ownership: Ensure that initiatives are rooted in community needs and priorities.
Partnerships and Collaborations
- Government Partnerships: Collaborate with education, health, and social welfare departments.
- NGO Collaborations: Partner with organizations focused on child rights and development.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Engage with businesses for financial and in-kind support.
The Hind Organisation is committed to playing a pivotal role in India’s journey towards a sustainable and culturally vibrant future. Through its focused efforts and collaborative approach, Hind seeks to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of people and the environment.