ABOUT

Alaknanda  Ghaati Shilpi  Federation ( Aagaas Federation ) – Aagaas, is a community based voluntary non-profit making organization formed in 2002 to work towards the socio-economic development of rural mountain communities in Uttarakhand and registered in 2004 under the Societies Registration Act, XXI, 1860.

The organization is affiliated to Earth Charter International, Earth Charter Youth Group and SAYEN Asia. It was honored with a Recognition Award by World Bank in Washington D.C. in 2005. 

Vision :

To be a leading  NGO, spearheading activities for the holistic and sustainable development of the rural communities of Uttarakhand, by promoting the rich heritage of the Himalayas, while at the same time protecting her fragile ecosystem.

Mission :

To contribute to the economic development of the people of Uttarakhand, through various employment generation initiatives which optimize the available natural resources and skills, keeping in mind the environment sustainability of the Central Himalayan region. 

The organization is committed to:

Employment generation for the rural youth in the mountain areas through various new initiatives..

Support craft persons practicing different kinds of  natural resource-based crafts such as hill bamboo ( Ringaal) basketry, natural fiber based eco textiles etc. ( Himalayan Nettle and industrial Hemp)

Provide technical and marketing support to rural initiatives

Work with individuals and Self Help Groups for the promotion of organic farming, fruit processing, cultivation of medicinal plants, promotion of Ecotourism, Renewable energy and value added herbs.