Your Stay, Their Change – Empowering the Soliga Community
About Gorukana Eco Wellness Centre
“Gorukana,” meaning The Web of Life, captures the deep connection between the Soliga community and their sacred forests. This harmonious bond, rooted in respect and coexistence, is beautifully celebrated in the song “Goru Goruka Gorukana,” which reflects the timeless relationship between humanity and nature.
In 2010, under the visionary leadership of Padma Shri Dr. H. Sudarshan, the Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) and Karuna Trust came together to establish the Vivek Karuna Foundation. VGKK, dedicated to integrated tribal development, and Karuna Trust, committed to advancing rural healthcare, education, and livelihood security, shared a transformative goal: to shift from dependency on charitable donations to a sustainable model of self-generated income through social entrepreneurship. This vision laid the foundation for fostering self-reliance and long-term community resilience.
The Gorukana Eco-Wellness Centre embodies this mission. As a social enterprise, it reinvests all revenue into initiatives that promote education, healthcare, livelihood security, and the empowerment of the Soliga community. At the same time, it remains steadfast in its commitment to biodiversity conservation, seamlessly integrating environmental stewardship with community well-being.
Empowering the Soliga people is central to Gorukana’s mission. By training community members in hospitality and Ayurveda, it fosters meaningful employment while preserving their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Through its focus on sustainable livelihoods, cultural preservation, and holistic wellness, Gorukana Eco-Wellness Centre exemplifies harmony between people and nature, paving the way for a thriving and sustainable future.
OUR MANAGING COMMITTEE
Dr. H Sudarshan
Managing Trustee, Vivek Karuna Foundation
Dr H Sudarshan’s journey exemplifies dedication and impact in the realm of public health and social development. Starting with a focus on addressing leprosy among the Soliga tribe in BR Hills, his work evolved into a holistic approach aimed at sustainable development for the community. The establishment of VGKK in 1981 marked a pivotal moment, expanding beyond healthcare to encompass various facets of community development.
His contributions extend far beyond Karnataka, impacting regions across India through initiatives focused on health, education, and livelihoods. By leveraging the collaborative efforts of VGKK and Karuna Trust, Dr. Sudarshan has achieved remarkable milestones, including securing land rights for indigenous communities, providing vital healthcare services to millions, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for thousands.
Dr. Sudarshan’s recognition with Padma Shri in 2000, and Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2014 speaks volumes about his tireless dedication and profound impact on society. These honours are a testament to his unwavering commitment to serving marginalized communities and fostering inclusive development across India. His legacy, marked by his innovative approaches to public health and social welfare, continues to inspire and drive positive change. Through his pioneering efforts, Dr Sudarshan has left a lasting imprint on the landscape of public health and social welfare in India, shaping a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.
Awards and Accolades
- Ashoka Fellow, by Ashoka Innovators for Public, USA
- Parisara (Environment) Award (1993) – the Government of Karnataka
- RajyotsavaState Award for social work (1984) – Government of Karnataka
- Right to Livelihood Award (1994) by the Right to Livelihood Foundation, Sweden – “for showing how tribal culture can contribute to a process that secures the basic rights and fundamental needs of indigenous people and conserves their environment.”
- Padmashree Award for social work (2000) – India‘s fourth highest civilian honours
- Mother Theresa Memorial Award (2013) for Social Justice
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award, India (2014) by The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation
- Outstanding Achievement Award(2009) by the Public Health Foundation of India
- Vice-President of the Voluntary Health Association of India, and a member of the Independent Commission on Health in India, the National Commission on Population, the National Nutrition Mission, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Indian Planning Commission’s Steering Group for the development of Scheduled Tribes.
- As Chairman of the Task Force on Health & Family Welfare, he has brought out a comprehensive report to reform the health system of Karnataka.
- As Ombudsman for Health, Education & Social Welfare, Karnataka Lokayukta, he was fighting against corruption and promoting good governance to make the public services reach the poor including the tribal people.
Our Trustees Members
Dr. Jadeyegowda.M
Dr. G. Paran Gowda
Ms. Shahsikala Muniyappa
OUR HEARTFELT THANKS AND ENDURING GRATITUDE TO
