Empowering Rural Transformation
HillRoots Foundation is a community-driven nonprofit organization based in the Gajapati district of Odisha, India. We are committed to uplifting indigenous and rural hill communities through sustainable development, ecological conservation, and inclusive livelihood generation.
We work at the grassroots—where the forest meets the farmland, and tradition meets opportunity. Our initiatives promote harmony between people and nature, helping preserve the unique ecosystems of Gajapati’s hills while building pathways to economic and social resilience for its communities.
🌱 Our Vision
To create thriving, self-reliant hill communities that live in balance with their environment while preserving their cultural and ecological heritage.
Our Mission 🍃
To empower the people of Odisha’s hill regions—especially in Gajapati—by promoting:
🌿 Sustainable, community-based tourism
🌿 Eco-conservation and biodiversity protection
🌿 Skill development and livelihood opportunities
🌿 Women and youth empowerment
🌿 Heritage preservation and indigenous knowledge
Why Gajapati?
The Gajapati district, nestled in the Eastern Ghats, is home to diverse tribal communities, lush forests, and rich cultural traditions. Despite its natural wealth, it faces challenges such as:
- Economic vulnerability
- Environmental degradation
- Limited access to education, healthcare, and employment
HillRoots Foundation was born out of a deep respect for this land and its people, with a belief that local knowledge + inclusive innovation can transform this region sustainably.
Who We Work With
At HillRoots Foundation, we collaborate closely with the people at the heart of Gajapati’s hill communities. Our work is grounded in partnerships with indigenous and tribal groups, local artisans, farmers, and women-led self-help groups. We actively engage with youth and rural entrepreneurs, nurturing leadership and skill development at the grassroots level. To scale our impact and ensure sustainability, we also work alongside government bodies, academic institutions, and like-minded nonprofit organizations, building a network of support that empowers communities from within.
Our Core Values 📌
- Sustainability – Long-term impact over short-term fixes
- Equity – Inclusion of marginalized voices, especially women and youth
- Integrity – Transparent, accountable, and community-focused operations
- Respect – For people, culture, and the environment
- Collaboration – Working with local, regional, and global partners
A Message from the Strategist
“HillRoots is more than a foundation—it’s a movement to reconnect with the land, restore dignity to communities, and reimagine development through local roots. We believe real change grows from the ground up.”
S RAHIM BARDHAN
Strategist, HillRoots Foundation