Human Development and Research Centre - HDRC, St. Xavier's College Campus, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad (2026)

09/07/2025

HDRC's work has been featured in Breitling’s Sustainability Report 2025, which has just been published!
This recognition is a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire team. A heartfelt hats off to all our colleagues whose efforts have made this achievement possible.

21/06/2025

🌍 World Environment Day Celebration at HDRC | 5th June 2025 🌿
“Our planet, our future – let’s act together!”

To mark World Environment Day 2025, HDRC organized a series of inspiring and impactful activities across its four Skill Development Centres in Godhra, Limdi (Jhalod), Nizar, and Uchchhal. With the active participation of our students, trainers, and community members, the day was a strong reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and nurture our environment.

🌱 Tree Plantation Drive
Over 40 saplings were planted by students and staff, symbolizing our commitment to a sustainable future. Interactive discussions followed on plant care, climate action, and community responsibility.

🧹 Cleanliness Drive
Youth led a systematic cleanup around each centre, clearing plastics and litter – promoting hygiene, civic responsibility, and environmental care.

🎙️ Awareness Speeches
Our young changemakers delivered powerful speeches on pressing environmental issues like plastic pollution, water conservation, and the role of youth in climate action – sparking peer learning and critical reflection.

🎨 Art for Awareness
Creative minds came together in poster-making and drawing activities with powerful messages like “Save Earth,” “Beat Plastic Pollution,” and “Go Green.” Their artwork spoke volumes!

💬 Our Message:
This day wasn’t just an event – it was a collective movement toward building a culture of mindful, eco-conscious living. Our youth are not just learners – they are active contributors to the future of our planet. 🌎💚

🙏 HDRC extends heartfelt thanks to all students, trainers, and community members who made this celebration truly meaningful and memorable.

30/04/2025

Learning Resource Centre in Gupta Nagar is nurturing young minds from the Valmiki community through Joyful Learning, with 40–60 children actively participating in enriching educational activities.
On April 25, 2025, we had the honor of hosting the dynamic team from Breitling – Aurolia Figuera (Chief Operational Officer), Pauline Brown (Chief Sustainability Officer), and Falguni Wadiwala. They were joined by Varun Mukherjee (Country Director, Amani Institute), Eeshta Malhotra (Lead Consultant), Jannet Varghese, and Arundhati.
Ms. Aurolia was deeply moved by her interaction with the children. She shared her inspiring life journey and emphasized the transformative power of education through real-life stories that captivated everyone.

15/03/2025

Bridging Skills with Opportunities!
On 24th & 28th February 2025, Human Development and Research Centre (HDRC) and Quest Alliance successfully organized an HR Round Table, Job Fair, and Alumni Engagement event in Godhra and Nizar. This initiative aimed to connect industry leaders with aspiring trainees, offering career guidance, job opportunities, and alumni networking.

A total of 215 trainees from HDRC’s skill development centers in Halol, Limdi, and Nizar participated in this event. 12 esteemed companies from diverse industries, including Cosmos Man Power, Blueberry Agro, Jagdamba Herbal Pvt. Ltd., Hyundai Motor Pvt. Ltd., Maruti Suzuki, Arvind Textiles Pvt. Ltd., and many more, engaged with the trainees to discuss career prospects and conduct interviews.

The event provided a valuable platform for trainees to interact with HR professionals, explore job opportunities, and build professional networks.

A big thank you to all our industry partners, organizers, and participants for making this event a success! Let’s continue working together to empower youth with skills and employment opportunities.

06/03/2025

Empowering Women Through Sustainable Farming 🌱

At Human Development and Research Centre (HDRC), women empowerment is at the heart of our mission. Through our dedicated programs, we are working to make women financially independent by encouraging sustainable farming practices in 15 villages each of Meghraj and Bhiloda talukas in Aravalli district.
Women are being trained to prepare organic manure and pesticides using locally available farm materials, helping them reduce costs and embrace eco-friendly agricultural methods. This initiative not only enhances their livelihood but also contributes to a healthier environment and sustainable future.

On February 8, 2025, HDRC proudly participated in the "Kar Ke Dekho Mela" organized by Amani Institute at Kamla Café, Ahmedabad. Visitors to our stall witnessed a live demonstration of organic manure-making and received valuable resource materials to promote sustainable farming.

🌾 Small steps lead to big change! Let’s continue to support and uplift women farmers for a stronger, self-reliant future.

મહિલા સશક્તિકરણ એ માનવ વિકાસ અને સંશોધન કેન્દ્રના મુખ્ય કાર્યક્રમોમાંથી એક મહત્વપૂર્ણ કાર્યક્રમ છે. આ કાર્યક્રમ અંતર્ગત મહિલાઓને આર્થિક રીતે સક્ષમ બનાવવા માટે વિવિધ પ્રવૃત્તિઓનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવે છે. કાર્યક્રમ અંતર્ગત અરવલ્લી જિલ્લાના મેઘરજ અને ભિલોડા તાલુકાના ૧૫-૧૫ ગામોમાં મહિલાઓને ટકાઉ ખેતી અપનાવવા માટે પ્રોત્સાહિત કરવામાં આવી રહ્યા છે. તાલીમ દરમિયાન મહિલાઓને તેમના ખેતરમાં ઉપલબ્ધ વસ્તુઓમાંથી સેન્દ્રિય ખાતર અને જૈવિક જંતુનાશકો બનાવવાનું શીખવવામાં આવે છે.
8 ફેબ્રુઆરીના રોજ અમદાવાદના કમલા કાફે ખાતે અમાની સંસ્થા દ્વારા આયોજિત "કરકે દેખો મેળા"માં સંસ્થાએ ભાગ લીધો હતો. સ્ટોલ પર આવતા તમામ મહેમાનોને સેન્દ્રિય ખાતર બનાવવાનો ડેમો આપવામાં આવ્યો હતો અને જરૂરી રિસોર્સ મટિરિયલનું વિતરણ કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું...

* Photo courtesy by Amani Institute

05/03/2025

In the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), the Agaria community has been engaged in traditional salt manufacturing for generations. Every year, they migrate to the salt pans for 7-8 months, suffering extreme conditions to produce the salt. However, their relentless labor is met with economic hardships, health issues, and limited access to basic facilities like water, healthcare, and education. Women in the community face severe health risks due to prolonged exposure to salt and harsh weather, while children struggle with education gaps and physical development challenges due to migration.
To address this, Human Development and Research Centre (HDRC) is actively working in 35 Salt Pan areas of Dasada taluka to provide education and support to Agaria children. Through collaboration with local organizations, school management committees, adolescent groups, and youth groups.
On February 6, 2025, members of Amani Institute visited the Salt Pan area to understand the Agaria way of life, witness the traditional salt-making process, and engage with community members to understand their struggles and aspirations.

સુરેન્દ્રનગર જિલ્લાના દસાડા તાલુકાના કચ્છ વિસ્તારના નાના રણમાં વંચિત સમાજના લોકો પરંપરાગત રીતે મીઠાના ઉત્પાદનની કામગીરી સાથે જોડાયેલા છે, જેને અગરિયા કહેવામાં આવે છે. એક વર્ષમાં 7-8 મહિના મીઠું બનાવવા માટે સમાજના લોકો પોતાના ગામમાંથી સ્થળાંતર હોય છે. મીઠાના ઉત્પાદનની આ એક જટિલ પ્રક્રિયા છે, જે આ વ્યવસાય સાથે સંકળાયેલા લોકો માટે અસંખ્ય પડકારો ઉભા કરે છે. જેમાં અથાક માનવ શ્રમ છતાં નબળી આર્થિક સ્થિતિ અને મીઠાના સંપર્કમાં આવવાથી થતા વિવિધ શારીરિક પડકારો મહત્વપૂર્ણ છે. પાણીની અનુપલબ્ધતા, ભૌતિક સુવિધાઓનો અભાવ અને અસમાન વાતાવરણમાં રહેવાને કારણે અગરિયાની મહિલાઓનું સ્વાસ્થ્ય ચિંતાજનક છે. સાથેજ આ સમાજના બાળકોના શિક્ષણ અને શારીરિક વિકાસ પર પણ પ્રતિકૂળ અસર પડે છે. દસાડા તાલુકાના ૩૫ સોલ્ટ પેન વિસ્તારમાં અગરિયા સમાજના બાળકોને યોગ્ય શિક્ષણ મળી રહે તે માટે માનવ વિકાસ અને સંશોધન કેન્દ્ર કાર્યરત છે. જેમાં સ્થાનિક લોક સંગઠનો, શાળા વ્યવસ્થાપન સમિતિઓ, કિશોર જૂથો અને યુવા જૂથો મુખ્ય ભૂમિકામાં છે.
6 ફેબ્રુઆરી, 2025 ના રોજ, અમાણી સંસ્થાના સભ્યોએ સોલ્ટ પેન વિસ્તારની મુલાકાત લીધી હતી અને અગરિયા સમુદાયની પરિસ્થિતિથી પરિચિત થયા હતા, મીઠું બનાવવાની પરંપરાગત પ્રક્રિયાને સમજી હતી અને સમુદાયના લોકો સાથે ચર્ચા કરી હતી અને તેમના જીવનના પડકારોને સમજ્યા હતા...

26/02/2025

Honoring a Legacy: A Tribute to Fr. Heredero
We are honored to present a special documentary film dedicated to the life and legacy of Fr. Heredero, whose unwavering commitment to social justice and community empowerment continues to inspire us all.
Through this film, we celebrate his vision, his dedication to the marginalized, and the profound impact he had on countless lives. Join us as we remember his journey and the values he stood for.
Watch the documentary and be part of his legacy.

08/02/2025

Dear Friends,

We invite you to join us in a Prayer Meeting as we remember and honor the life and legacy of Fr. Jose Maria Heredero, SJ. His unwavering faith, kindness, and service touched many hearts, and this gathering is an opportunity for us to come together in prayer and gratitude for his life.

📅 Date: 22nd February 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Venue: Gurjarvani Hall, St. Xavier College Campus, Ahmedabad, India

All are welcome to join and offer their prayers.

03/09/2024

🌟 Empowering Youth, Building Futures 🌟
We're proud to share the impact of our Skill Development Program for Youth, designed to empower young individuals (aged 18-25) from resource-poor communities. One of our aims is to enhance employability skills, enabling these bright minds to lead lives filled with dignity and self-esteem.

Through a comprehensive and blended learning approach, we are training young minds with essential skills from basic English and digital literacy to life skills, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and gender equality – we cover it all!

Our program incorporates app-based learning, indoor and outdoor activities, and real-world exposures to prepare youth for the challenges of the workplace.

So far, 3,863 youth trained out of which 2,869 successful job placements across 5 centers i.e. Halol, Limdi-Jhalod, Nizar, Junagadh, and Golana.

Every young person deserves the chance to shine, and we're committed to making that a reality. Join us in celebrating their achievements and supporting their journey to success!

31/08/2024

📢 Campaign for Valmiki Community Awareness in Anand District 📢
We're excited to share our recent campaign focused on promoting education awareness among the Valmiki community children across 10 villages in Khambhat and Tarapur blocks of Anand district. 🎓
Our goal was to raise awareness among parents about the right to education and tackle the pressing issue of school dropouts. Over several days, our dedicated team engaged with communities through loudspeakers and pamphlet distribution, emphasizing the importance of education for their children's futures.

We held impactful discussions with parents, community leaders, and school authorities to address challenges and encourage re-enrollment. Local youth groups actively joined in, making this campaign a true community effort. Many parents expressed their commitment to enrolling their children, showing strong support for the cause.

Education is the foundation of progress, and we're committed to ensuring that every child in the Valmiki community has access to it.
Together, we can build a brighter future for all!

08/08/2024

🌟 HDRC Continues Its Legacy in Khambhat Taluka 🌟
Since 1977, the Human Development and Research Centre (HDRC) has been making a significant impact in the villages of Khambhat taluka, Anand district. The founding fathers of SXNFES envisioned a world where Development, Rights and Empowerment of poor and marginalised communities and the status of their Women and Children are the real indicator of a healthy and developed Society. The Visionary, Fr. JM.Heredero, SJ, along with his companions built upon the initial momentum, introducing innovative programs of rural outreach program that furthered the HDRC’s growth by promoting several self-managed and self-run local cooperative societies of women and men while the successive leadership within HDRC navigated the organization through several challenges and difficulties and achieved notable successes. Through their tireless efforts, they laid the foundation for a thriving organization that has expanded its present reach and impact under successive leaders and many other dedicated development workers’ contributions are still evident today in the area. Throughout its history, HDRC has remained true to its core values, thanks to the dedication of its leaders and members. As the organization continues to evolve, the founding fathers' vision remains a guiding force, inspiring future generations to strive for a better world.
Recently, a meeting was held at the HDRC in Ahmedabad to discuss the ongoing activities of the Dehda Sangh (Federation of farmers cooperatives) and its associated Samudayik Sahkari Kheti Mandli and Vruksh Utpadak Mandli. The goal was to discuss upon ongoing activities and plan for the responsible use of available land in the future.

Attendees included HDRC Secretary Fr. Isaac, Director Mathai K.O, Sr. Jasintha, and Arif Mirza. Representatives from all the Mandalis (Vainaj, Vadgam, Golana, Rohini, Tamsa, Gudel), along with the Dehda Sangh Chief and Secretary, were present. We were honoured to have Rajeshbhai Shah (Vikas Centre for Development) and Himmat Chauhan (Pochabhai Foundation) as a special guest.

The meeting concluded with a clear direction: Mandalis will play a key role in finding sustainable livelihood sources for the local people through responsible land use. Future plans include consulting soil scientists to address increasing land salinity, promoting environmental protection initiatives like solar energy, setting up charcoal and biogas plants, and encouraging fisheries. Together, we are committed to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life in our communities.

Together, we are committed to fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life of resource poor communities.

Human Development and Research Centre - HDRC

09/07/2025

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