Water and Women: The Dual Revolution in Karnataka
June 25, 2025, 6:36 pm
Location: United States, Kansas, Winfield
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 2011
Total raised: $820K
In the heart of India, two revolutions are quietly reshaping lives. One is about water; the other, about women. Both stem from the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a beacon of hope and change. The Art of Living, through its Social Projects, is at the forefront of these transformations in Karnataka.
Kolar, once a gold-rich district, now grapples with a different kind of scarcity—water. Years of relentless groundwater extraction have left the land parched. Farmers struggle, families trek miles for water, and youth flee to cities in search of better prospects. The Central Ground Water Board has classified Kolar as one of India’s most overexploited zones. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a human crisis.
In response, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project emerged. Launched in April 2024, this initiative is a collaboration between The Art of Living and Ashirwad by Aliaxis. The goal? To recharge the earth and restore hope.
The project is a masterclass in community engagement. It combines scientific precision with grassroots participation. Using geological mapping, the team identified potential recharge zones. They constructed Boulder Checks and Recharge Wells, designed to slow runoff and replenish aquifers. This isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building trust.
Water literacy programs educated villagers about the water cycle and aquifer behavior. Local leaders were involved at every step, ensuring ownership and sustainability. The project’s impact is tangible: over 10,000 residents in 26 villages have benefited. Farmers are reclaiming their confidence. Women are saving time and energy.
While Kolar battles drought, another initiative is transforming the lives of young women across Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Art of Living’s Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) is empowering girls from underserved communities. This program blends ancient wisdom with modern skills, fostering resilience and confidence.
In just one year, 375 women have been trained. They learn soft skills, spoken English, and basic computer literacy. The curriculum is designed not just to teach but to inspire. Participants engage in yoga and meditation, nurturing their inner strength.
Take Vidyashree Nyamati, for example. Once a diploma holder sidelined by family responsibilities, she now leads as a Centre Coordinator in Haveri. Her journey is a testament to determination. Jayashree Koppad, another participant, found independence through a telecalling job. Her first salary marked a turning point, not just for her but for her family.
These stories are more than anecdotes; they represent a shift in societal norms. Women who once felt constrained by family expectations are stepping into roles that demand leadership and confidence. They are no longer just participants; they are trailblazers.
Both initiatives are interconnected. Water is essential for life, and empowered women are vital for community resilience. The Kolar IWRM Project not only restores water but also revives dignity. Women, once burdened by the daily struggle for water, can now focus on education and economic opportunities.
The impact is profound. As water returns to the fields, so does hope. As women gain skills, they uplift their families and communities. This dual revolution is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of social issues.
The Kolar IWRM Project serves as a model for other drought-prone regions. Its replicable framework combines scientific rigor with community involvement. Similarly, the YLTP can inspire similar programs across India, fostering a generation of confident, skilled women.
These initiatives exemplify the power of collaboration. Corporate partners, local leaders, and community members are working in unison. This is not just about projects; it’s about building a movement.
The future is bright. With plans to expand both initiatives, the potential for change is limitless. The Art of Living is not just addressing immediate needs; it’s laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
In Kolar, water is flowing again. In Haveri and beyond, women are rising. Together, they are crafting a narrative of resilience and hope. This is more than a story of survival; it’s a story of revival.
As these revolutions unfold, they remind us that change is possible. With vision, collaboration, and determination, communities can reclaim their futures. Water and women—two pillars of progress—are leading the way. The journey is just beginning, and the world is watching.
Water: The Lifeblood of Kolar
Kolar, once a gold-rich district, now grapples with a different kind of scarcity—water. Years of relentless groundwater extraction have left the land parched. Farmers struggle, families trek miles for water, and youth flee to cities in search of better prospects. The Central Ground Water Board has classified Kolar as one of India’s most overexploited zones. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a human crisis.
In response, the Kolar Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Project emerged. Launched in April 2024, this initiative is a collaboration between The Art of Living and Ashirwad by Aliaxis. The goal? To recharge the earth and restore hope.
The project is a masterclass in community engagement. It combines scientific precision with grassroots participation. Using geological mapping, the team identified potential recharge zones. They constructed Boulder Checks and Recharge Wells, designed to slow runoff and replenish aquifers. This isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building trust.
Water literacy programs educated villagers about the water cycle and aquifer behavior. Local leaders were involved at every step, ensuring ownership and sustainability. The project’s impact is tangible: over 10,000 residents in 26 villages have benefited. Farmers are reclaiming their confidence. Women are saving time and energy.
Women: Empowering the Future
While Kolar battles drought, another initiative is transforming the lives of young women across Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Art of Living’s Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) is empowering girls from underserved communities. This program blends ancient wisdom with modern skills, fostering resilience and confidence.
In just one year, 375 women have been trained. They learn soft skills, spoken English, and basic computer literacy. The curriculum is designed not just to teach but to inspire. Participants engage in yoga and meditation, nurturing their inner strength.
Take Vidyashree Nyamati, for example. Once a diploma holder sidelined by family responsibilities, she now leads as a Centre Coordinator in Haveri. Her journey is a testament to determination. Jayashree Koppad, another participant, found independence through a telecalling job. Her first salary marked a turning point, not just for her but for her family.
These stories are more than anecdotes; they represent a shift in societal norms. Women who once felt constrained by family expectations are stepping into roles that demand leadership and confidence. They are no longer just participants; they are trailblazers.
The Ripple Effect
Both initiatives are interconnected. Water is essential for life, and empowered women are vital for community resilience. The Kolar IWRM Project not only restores water but also revives dignity. Women, once burdened by the daily struggle for water, can now focus on education and economic opportunities.
The impact is profound. As water returns to the fields, so does hope. As women gain skills, they uplift their families and communities. This dual revolution is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of social issues.
A Model for the Future
The Kolar IWRM Project serves as a model for other drought-prone regions. Its replicable framework combines scientific rigor with community involvement. Similarly, the YLTP can inspire similar programs across India, fostering a generation of confident, skilled women.
These initiatives exemplify the power of collaboration. Corporate partners, local leaders, and community members are working in unison. This is not just about projects; it’s about building a movement.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright. With plans to expand both initiatives, the potential for change is limitless. The Art of Living is not just addressing immediate needs; it’s laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
In Kolar, water is flowing again. In Haveri and beyond, women are rising. Together, they are crafting a narrative of resilience and hope. This is more than a story of survival; it’s a story of revival.
As these revolutions unfold, they remind us that change is possible. With vision, collaboration, and determination, communities can reclaim their futures. Water and women—two pillars of progress—are leading the way. The journey is just beginning, and the world is watching.