Our brand
Hastha is an ethnic foundation of hand-block printed apparel and accessories. We draw inspiration from traditional Indian arts and use a contemporary canvas to showcase them.
For over 8 years, Hastha has been turning heads with its 100% cotton t-shirts. Each cut and crafted to suit the Indian body type.
Our Foundation
Hastha- The Foundation
Hastha’s firm belief in inclusion resulted in our association with Gurukulam, a Chennai based integrated centre for children with special needs (CWSN). Recognizing that CWSNs excel in repetitive activity, training was given to special children and adults in hand-block printing with an aim to further empower this community. In 2019, Hastha facilitated the setting up of a block printing unit at Gurukulam.
It continues to undertake handblock printing orders for both Hastha as well as other customers and initiatives to this day.
The association with Gurukulam, led to our founder trustee, Divya Vigneshwaran looking to create a sustainable model of employment for adults with special needs.
Our Foundation
Hastha
Hastha is an ethnic foundation of hand-block printed apparel and accessories. We draw inspiration from traditional Indian arts and use a contemporary canvas to showcase them.
For over 8 years, Hastha has been turning heads with its 100% cotton t-shirts. Each cut and crafted to suit the Indian body type.
What We do
Our Pilot at Gurukulam
Over the last few years, Hastha has been actively working with children and adults with special needs to create opportunities for them to earn & learn. To pilot this, we collaborated with Gurukulam (gurukulamindia.com) in Chennai to set up a block printing unit on their premises and train their students in hand block printing. The results have been heart-warming.
We chose block printing as part of their vocational training, not only since it is a part of what Hastha does, but also because of the nature of the art itself. It is repetitive, engaging and gives the children an opportunity to interact with different colours, shapes and textures.
The Hastha Foundation Block Printing Unit
Once a special adult joins our team as a Hastha artisan, we will focus on the many things that they’re capable of and guide them to work to the best of their abilities in the different roles needed to run a successful block-printing unit. Each artisan will be paid a monthly salary (not a stipend) as a part of our mission to mainstream sustainable avenues of employment.
Association with Gurukulam
The association with Gurukulam, led to our founder trustee, Divya Vigneshwaran looking to create a sustainable model of employment for adults with special needs.
About
Hastha – The Foundation
Hastha’s firm belief in inclusion resulted in our association with Gurukulam, a Chennai based integrated centre for children with special needs (CWSN). Recognizing that CWSNs excel in repetitive activity, training was given to special children and adults in hand-block printing with an aim to further empower this community. In 2019, Hastha facilitated the setting up of a block printing unit at Gurukulam.
It continues to undertake handblock printing work for both Hastha as well as other foundations and initiatives to this day.
- A place in history
- Impact Goodness
- Make Donation
- Charity & Donations
- Lesson In Humanity
- Little Help Donation
Mission
Bridge the gap between education and livelihood for special needs adults.
We are driven by a deep commitment to empower special needs adults with the opportunities they deserve, preparing them for meaningful, gainful employment. Everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves the chance to contribute to society, live with dignity, and build a fulfilling life.
“In 2019, when I was working with special children, I observed that schools focus only on vocational training. It doesn’t necessarily translate to gainful employment. As a parent myself, I wonder about my child’s future and career. Then I imagine the apprehensions and concerns of a special needs parent. That’s why our focus at the Hastha Foundation is providing sustainable employment for special needs adults. Above the age of 18, anyone with special needs is welcome to work with us.
Founder
Our Founder Trustee
Divya Vigneshwaran, started off her journey embracing the subtle art form of hand block printing to transform what were essentially comfort garments into elegant daily wear. The designs were an instant hit and so she wove her magic into the often forgotten but useful umbrella, as well.
Not satisfied with being a forerunner of this segment, she included the tiny tots and created playful happy t-shirts that grabbed the attention of the parents!
Over the last decade, she has also provided consultancy services both for entrepreneurs as well as NGOs to help them understand what it takes to create sustainable and meaningful businesses.
In 2019, when I was working with special children, I observed that schools focus only on vocational training. It doesn’t necessarily translate to gainful employment. As a parent myself, I wonder about my child’s future and career. Then I imagine the apprehensions and concerns of a special needs parent. That’s why our focus at the Hastha Foundation is providing sustainable employment for special needs adults. Above the age of 18, anyone with special needs is welcome to work with us.
Our Causes
How you can help?
Support us
- Purchase our products or place bulk orders.
- Donate a block or commission us to paint a canvas (e.g., a wall space in your location) for block printing. We’ll bring our team over to liven up your space!
- Attend our workshops
- Engage with us on social media. Like, tag, share, and subscribe to our content.
Donate
Make a cash donation.
Collaborate
Provide us with a stall at your event to showcase & sell our work.
In 2019, when I was working with special children, I observed that schools focus only on vocational training. It doesn’t necessarily translate to gainful employment. As a parent myself, I wonder about my child’s future and career. Then I imagine the apprehensions and concerns of a special needs parent. That’s why our focus at the Hastha Foundation is providing sustainable employment for special needs adults. Above the age of 18, anyone with special needs is welcome to work with us.