About us
Hastha Foundation is a not-for-profit initiative creating dignified livelihoods for adults with autism and special needs.
our raison d'être
Across India, thousands of adults with special needs struggle with limited opportunities.
Despite their potential, they remain outside the workforce, resulting in untapped skills for our economy. Without meaningful employment, many are left dependent and overlooked.
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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.
How we do what we do
Hastha Foundation harnesses the power of hand-block printing to train and employ adults with special needs. We began by partnering with Gurukulam, a Chennai-based centre for children with special needs, setting up a block-printing unit on their campus. The results have been inspiring: students discovered both skill and joy through this art.
Block printing was chosen because of its structured, creative, and sensory nature. We are now establishing dedicated block-printing units where every artisan receives a monthly salary (not a stipend). This ensures not only skill development but also dignity in work. All funds raised go directly into running and expanding these units.
Why we do it - Our misson
To bridge the gap between education and livelihood for adults with autism and special needs.
We believe every person has the right to contribute, earn with dignity, and live a fulfilling life. By opening doors to sustainable employment, we enable adults with special needs to move from dependence to self-reliance.
All the funds raised by the foundation are directed towards the development of this unit.
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
“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.
meet our Founder
Divya Vigneshwaran
Divya Vigneshwaran, founder of Hastha Foundation, has over 25 years in the garment industry as a merchandiser and designer. She is the creative force behind Hastha, a Chennai-based brand known for hand-block prints on clothing and accessories. Her passion for empowering adults with special needs led her to create the Hastha Foundation. Through training in block printing, she enables them to discover creativity, self-sufficiency, and pride in their work.
Divya has been recognized with the Humanitarian Award for Excellence in Mainstreaming Neurodivergence and the Heritage Craft Entrepreneur Award from Anna University.
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.