An abode of nonviolence and sustainability

Shammi Nanda’s healing journey made him look at the toxic nature of negative emotions. He discovered that despite eating the healthiest food his illnesses prevailed, they were directly related to his emotional state. His passion for creating a world where one can collaborate with connection and effectiveness led to the birth of Ahimsagram. Founded two years ago, the organisation experiments with different approaches to collaborative governance, exploring Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Sociocracy. He has now moved his focus to working through Holacracy at Ahimsagram. He is also closely connected to various sustainability movements and ecological communities all over India. Ritika Parwal, a member of Ahimsagram, shares her experience and welcomes us into a new conceptual world.

- Ritika Parwal

Having been connected to Shammi and Ahimsagram through social media, I already had a deep sense of belonging and appreciation of the work they were doing. When I was in Jaipur, serendipity led me to Ahimsagram, and I have enjoyed contributing to this wonderful place ever since and also witnessed my healing happening gradually.

An ideal abode

The openness, selflessness, and the giving values this place embodies along with encouraging everyone to take care of their needs is a rare gift. When I see people around me looking at the world with aloofness, materialism, greed, lack of empathy, and exploiting nature, it is very unsettling. But at the same time, when I am at Ahimsagram, I get a sense of peace within me, making me feel like I am part of building solutions.

Ahimsagram is my idea of an ideal world where we are connected to each other, honor everyone’s need, belief in sharing, are sustainable and ethical in our everyday lives, and are able to show support and empathy when needed.

Most of the team members are women, and conscious efforts are made to create a safe and encouraging environment for them so that they can connect with their inherent abilities while supporting the purpose of the organization. This not only transforms their lives in Ahimsagram but also determines how they express themselves in their personal lives, at their homes and on the street.

Commitment to sustainability