Avani is a voluntary organization based in the Kumaon region of the Himalayan mountain ranges in northern India. Avani began in 1997 as a branch of the Social Work and Research Centre, known as the Barefoot College of Tilonia, and follows the Barefoot approach of community-based, sustainable development.  Today, Avani is a successful cooperative enterprise managed by the artisans themselves. The enterprise provides employment to the people living in the region’s remote villages by developing and marketing the Avani collection of wild silk textiles. 

Listen to The Social Impact Pulse Episode 39: Avani IFAM Stories: Avani Earthcraft  In Sync with Mother Earth (PDF)  Natural Dyes, Wild Silk in HAND/EYE Magazine  Avani Annual Report 2017-2018 www.avani-kumaon.org