Located in the hills of Uttarakhand, Geeli Mitti is a foundation with a remarkable story to tell, a haven for sustainable living, education, and community empowerment. Founded by Shagun Singh, Geeli Mitti embodies a blend of age-old wisdom and sustainable practices, offering people a pathway to coexist meaningfully with nature. The foundation’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) serves as a hub for sustainable solutions, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace eco-friendly lifestyles. Through various initiatives, Geeli Mitti focuses on promoting traditional agricultural practices, sustainable resource management, and environmental education, developing a deeper connection between the community and their natural surroundings.
This journey began with one woman’s determination to make a difference an inspiring story of purpose in the heart of the Himalayas. With a commitment to empowering local communities, Geeli Mitti is paving the way for a greener future, encouraging sustainable practices that respect both the land and its people.
The roots of change
Shagun’s path to creating Geeli Mitti was not straightforward. Initially in urban India, she witnessed first-hand the environmental toll of modern, fast-paced lifestyles. Despite a stable career in corporate training and team building, Shagun felt a longing to reconnect with nature and pursue a purpose that would benefit both people and the environment. Her passion for environmental preservation took root as she observed the increasing disconnect between communities and nature. This ignited a desire in her to return to the basics, encouraging a lifestyle in harmony with the earth. Shagun’s transformative journey led her to leave her urban life behind, fully dedicating herself to founding Geeli Mitti translated as “wet earth” in Hindi, symbolising the nourishing bond between humanity and nature.
It is a gathering place for individuals from all walks of life – students, professionals, rural community members, and environmental enthusiasts – coming together to learn practical ways to live sustainably. Shagun intended a space where local communities could be uplifted through skills aligned with sustainable practices. The foundation’s initiatives encompass eco-friendly construction methods, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy solutions, and permaculture. Each program is designed to create a lasting impact in participants’ lives, nurturing self-reliant, eco-conscious citizens.
Harnessing the power of nature
One of Geeli Mitti’s flagship projects focuses on sustainable architecture, reviving traditional building methods and adapting them for modern eco-conscious use. The structures on Geeli Mitti’s campus utilise natural, locally sourced materials like cob, bamboo, and mud, providing a beautiful and functional alternative to concrete. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint of construction but also reconnects people with the beauty of earth-based living.
In addition to sustainable building, Geeli Mitti is a revolutionary project in permaculture, rainwater harvesting, and food forests. These initiatives embody the principle where resources are regenerated, and waste is minimised. By creating food forests and rainwater systems, Geeli Mitti supports biodiversity while modelling practical pathways for communities to achieve self-sufficiency. Each project reinforces the foundation’s mission of “building with nature, not against it,” highlighting how sustainable practices can be achievable in everyday life.
Empowering hill communities
Shagun and her team understand that sustainability is a collective journey, and that’s why community empowerment is central to Geeli Mitti’s mission. Through workshops and training programs, the foundation equips local farmers, artisans, and individuals from economically vulnerable backgrounds with skills to create sustainable livelihoods. These programs are not limited to technical knowledge, they also introduce a sense of agency, teaching people that they, too, can be agents of environmental change. This community-focused approach is evident in initiatives such as natural farming workshops, skill-building sessions for rural youth, and collaborations with local artisans to preserve and promote traditional crafts. By blending local knowledge with modern sustainability techniques, Geeli Mitti is creating a resilient network of eco-conscious individuals who can drive meaningful change in their communities. Participants leave with practical skills and renewed hope, empowered to lead eco-friendly lives and build sustainable businesses.
Shagun’s vision, and commitment continue to drive the foundation’s success. She is not just the founder but also a hands-on leader, engaging directly in projects, mentoring participants, and guiding the foundation’s strategy. Her leadership has attracted a growing network of volunteers, environmental advocates, and collaborators who share her vision for a sustainable future.
She works more than just environmental activism, it’s a heartfelt aimed at reconnecting people with the earth and empowering them to take ownership of their environmental impact. Under her guidance, Geeli Mitti has flourished as a model of how conscious living, innovative technology, and community collaboration can lead to transformative change. Her journey from corporate life to eco-activism has inspired countless others to consider their role in preserving the planet, making her a respected figure in India’s sustainability scene.
Inspiring a new era of Sustainable Living
As Geeli Mitti grows, so does its impact. The foundation’s collaborative projects with artisans, farmers, and local communities reflect a commitment to preserving India’s rich heritage while embracing a sustainable future. By establishing the CoE, Geeli Mitti has created a sanctuary for learning, where people can not only acquire skills but also immerse themselves in a lifestyle of ecological balance. The foundation’s projects align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate action, responsible consumption, and sustainable communities. Geeli Mitti continues to expand its outreach, welcoming people from around the globe to learn, grow, and become part of a collective movement toward environmental stewardship. Each project, collaboration, and workshop echoes Shagun’s belief that when people are given the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to live sustainably, they can drive change in their communities and, ultimately, the world.
The foundation serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change is possible when we nurture our connection to the earth and embrace the principles of sustainability. With an unwavering commitment to education, community upliftment, and eco-conscious innovation, Geeli Mitti is building a future where people live in harmony with nature. As Geeli Mitti’s story unfolds, it continues to inspire individuals, communities, and organisations to join hands in creating a world where nature and humanity flourish side by side.
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