Nisarga Grama

A haven for boys

Children from low-income or Below-Poverty-Line (BPL) families often face severe disadvantages. Many drop out of school to support their families by engaging in rag-picking, begging, or labour in garages, hotels, farms, brick kilns, and similar sectors. These vulnerable children are also at heightened risk of developing addictions and becoming involved in juvenile offences.

Boys in particular face serious threats: they frequently experience neglect, abuse, violence, and exploitation - much of which remains hidden and unreported. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s 2007 national study, 53.22% of children across 13 states reported experiencing one or more forms of sexual abuse. Importantly, in 9 of those states, a higher proportion of boys reported abuse than girls; for example, Delhi recorded around 65% of victims as boys. These findings underscore an urgent need to identify and reach out to at-risk children, especially boys, to ensure they receive holistic support and access to education, rehabilitation, and protective services.

Launched in 2016, Nisarga Grama is Sparsha Trust’s flagship residential development centre situated in Hesarghatta, Bengaluru. Designed as a safe, child-friendly nature campus, it currently accommodates over 200 boys within its purpose-built infrastructure.

Comfortable dormitories with separate wings for boys and girls
Dining hall, kitchen, and health-support facilities
Multi-dimensional learning spaces: library, computer lab, science and theatre labs, art and craft centre, vocational training areas
Recreational spaces: playground, open-air auditorium, agricultural activities (kitchen gardens, cattle rearing)
Clean energy and sustainability features: solar panels, biogas systems, rainwater harvesting, recycling systems Every child benefits from an environment that promotes academic and personal growth through quality schooling, skills training, mentoring, career counselling, and holistic development opportunities. The aim is to nurture confident, self-reliant, and socially responsible young individuals.

Identification & Enrolment: Children are enrolled through Sparsha’s outreach projects and vital referrals from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Childline 1098, and other partner organisations. This ensures timely support for children in distress
Health & Nutrition: Every resident receives nutritious meals, access to healthcare, and age-appropriate physical and mental development activities to strengthen overall well-being.
Experiential, Comprehensive Learning: Children engage in rich, hands-on educational programs on the campus, including creative arts, sports, STEM labs, and life skills workshops – all aimed at fostering their growth.
Career Pathways & Higher Education Support: Students benefit from career guidance, exposure trips, access to internship opportunities, and support for pursuing higher education, preparing them for long-term success.

Since its inception, the program has reached a total of 307 children, creating meaningful and lasting change in their lives. The key outcomes include:

As of July 2025, 108 boys living at Nisarga Grama are safeguarded from various forms of neglect, abuse, and exploitation
Ongoing Education & Continuity: These boys remain enrolled in school, benefiting from a stable, consistent learning environment.
Safe, Nurturing Atmosphere: The residential campus provides emotional security and encouragement, helping children build confidence, cultivate a positive attitude, and discover their true potential.
By ensuring protection, education, and mentorship, Nisarga Grama continues to empower children to grow into resilient, responsible individuals.

As part of its wider long-term vision, Nisarga Grama is being developed into a Centre of Excellence - a flagship impact-tourism model designed to be replicable, scalable, and sustainable

In the next five years, we our aim is to:

Expand our capacity to support more children in need.
Build a robust aftercare system for young adults transitioning out of care.
Strengthen partnerships with government bodies and civil society organizations.
Integrate advanced technology into education and therapy.
Scale our model to other regions through strategic collaborations.
Enable children to participate in state- and national-level competitions in culture, sports, art, and science, helping them showcase their talents and expand their horizons.
Facilitate structured internships in government and corporate workplaces, creating pathways to meaningful careers and long-term employment.
Guide children through mentorship programs that foster social responsibility and equip them to address community and societal challenges.
Establish a vibrant Alumni Association to promote continuity, knowledge-sharing, peer support, and sustainable growth.

Child Protection

Health & Nutrition

Experiential Learning

Career Pathways

Testimony

“After losing my mother and leaving school in 2nd grade, Nisarga Grama became the family I needed. Here, I found safety, friends, and teachers who guide me through every difficulty. Today I’m studying well again, with the dream of becoming a doctor.”

MadanGrade 7