Since 2006, SWAPAN strives for community-centred development of the Munda tribe, in Jharkhand, India.
Our innovative social intervention promotes a self-chosen, self-sustaining and inclusive development which arises out of the collective mind of tribal villagers. As a result, the villagers can pave their own path towards well-being without damaging either their society or their culture.
Prosperous villagers, peaceful diversity and flourishing natural environment, this our way to preserve the fascinating aspect and uniqueness of rural India.

The people we support are rich !

Despite the fact that the Munda have suffered from adverse effects of global development, they still preserve a richness which resides in their culture. They have astonishing ability to live in remote villages, nourishing social harmony and worshiping their entire environment.

So, why do we support them ?

With standardization of life styles through western-oriented development, that vigorously occurred in India, this richness seems to vanish. 75% of their forests have disappeared, forcing them to depend on market for their daily needs. Actually there is a profound inadequacy between their traditional way of living and the mentality one should acquire to favorably benefit from modern economy. With modernity, the Mundas are passing from cultural richness to economic poverty.

An innovative approach to development aid for prospering
in respect of tribal culture

There is no development path that is universal. We consider that tribal villagers should find their own way towards well-being, staying in village and caring for their resources. Economic poverty won't be healed with further cultural uprooting.

SWAPAN & Telluris have developed an innovative social method that puts the villagers back on their rails, in the continuity of their village life, with a positive outlook on their future. It covers social empowerment from the family to the community level, a non-monetary system of exchange, updating of village knowledge, group work, stimulation of creativity and restoration of tribal culture & identity.

The programme of our villagers

SWAPAN has gradually devised a programme that is a direct answer to the aspirations of the villagers. SWAPAN only makes sure that it keeps the track of communalization. For implementation of their projects we offer them social, technical, administrative and capacity building support. All projects are implemented in view of self-sustainability and replicability.