Shagun\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.![\"geeli\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theorganicmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/mitti.png?resize=500%2C281&ssl=1\" "\\"geeli\\"")
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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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Harnessing the power of nature <\/strong><\/p>\n One of Geeli Mitti\u2019s flagship projects focuses on sustainable architecture, reviving traditional building methods and adapting them for modern eco-conscious use. The structures on Geeli Mitti\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n In addition to sustainable building, Geeli Mitti is a\u00a0revolutionary 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\u2019s mission of \u201cbuilding with nature, not against it,\u201d highlighting how sustainable practices can be achievable in everyday life.<\/p>\n Empowering hill communities <\/strong><\/p>\n Shagun and her team understand that sustainability is a collective journey, and that\u2019s why community empowerment is central to Geeli Mitti\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Shagun\u2019s vision, and commitment continue to drive the foundation\u2019s success. She is not just the founder but also a hands-on leader, engaging directly in projects, mentoring participants, and guiding the foundation\u2019s strategy. Her leadership has attracted a growing network of volunteers, environmental advocates, and collaborators who share her vision for a sustainable future.<\/p>\n She works more than just environmental activism, it\u2019s 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\u2019s sustainability scene.![\"geeli](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theorganicmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/geeli-mitti.png?resize=500%2C281&ssl=1\" "\\"geeli")
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