UC Berkeley Chapter · Bharog Baneri, Himachal Pradesh
Rural India Social & Health Improvement
Project RISHI promotes the sustainable development and growth of rural Indian communities. We continually expand our resources to support our villagers — identifying issues central to our target communities and providing the means to implement solutions through extensive field research and on-campus initiatives.
Sirmaur District · Himachal Pradesh
A village of 1,400 people, a mile above sea level.
Our work in Bharog Baneri is carried out by four project teams, each tackling a different pillar of sustainable development.
शिक्षा
Education is dedicated to improving the learning environment and future opportunities for students in Bharog Baneri. We work with schools and community members to expand access to technology, promote extracurricular growth, and provide mentorship that supports students during and beyond secondary school. Our goal is to make sure every student has the resources and support they need to learn, grow, and pursue their aspirations.
जल एवं स्वच्छता
The Water & Sanitation team is committed to increasing safe, clean water access across Bharog Baneri while expanding agricultural education focused on sustainable farming practices. Through environmental education, farming resources, and community workshops, we help strengthen crop resilience during water shortages and support long-term food security. We build rainwater-harvesting systems, test common drinking-water sources, and rebuild and clean heavily used wells for safe drinking use. Our goal is to ensure the village has access to clean, safe water and also promote sustainable agricultural development.
महिला सशक्तिकरण
The Women's Empowerment team is focused on improving financial independence and reproductive-health awareness for women and schoolgirls in Bharog Baneri through sustainable, community-driven initiatives. We create opportunities for women to grow small businesses by hosting skill-building workshops, supporting local product creation, and building on existing agricultural practices — such as dairy farming and garlic harvesting — to increase long-term income potential. Through menstrual-health education and reusable-pad distribution events, we work to improve accessibility and comfort for schoolgirls and women. Our mission is to empower female voices, foster long-term independence, and build stronger communities together.
स्वास्थ्य
The Health team is committed to delivering structured, evidence-informed health initiatives in Bharog Baneri. Recognizing the systemic barriers that limit residents' access to specialized medical care — including difficult terrain and a shortage of on-site specialists — the team organizes targeted health camps spanning dental, ocular, and cancer-education services, equips the Primary Health Center with essential medical equipment, and develops educational materials to build lasting health awareness within the community. Through this coordinated approach, we work to bring critical care directly to Bharog Baneri while fostering the health literacy needed for long-term community well-being.
Where the four teams work
Five wards. One school. One primary health center.
The path every project follows, from first conversation to looking back.
Project RISHI Berkeley
Since 2012, side by side with Bharog Baneri.
We appreciate donations of all sizes — they keep us running and directly support our work in Bharog Baneri.
Donate now