KG Umesh is the Director — HR at the Himalaya Wellness Company.
At Himalaya Wellness Company, we believe that true wellness extends far beyond just providing products; it is at the core of our mission. It is about nurturing communities, uplifting lives, and fostering sustainable growth. But what drives a company like ours to go beyond the basics? It all begins with a vision — one deeply rooted in the principles of social responsibility.
The Heart of Himalaya’s Mission: Giving Back to Society
Imagine a world where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. This is not just a dream for us at Himalaya; it is a mission. When we formally established our CSR wing back in 2008, it was driven by a desire to make a real difference in the world. This journey has been guided by the belief that sustainable growth is only possible when communities are empowered and their challenges are addressed.
Our focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability was not chosen by chance. These areas were carefully selected after deeply understanding the needs of the communities we serve. Why these areas? Because they are fundamental to building a foundation where individuals survive and truly thrive.
Care for Life is deeply embedded in our DNA. This reinforces our vision of spreading “Wellness in every Home and Happiness in every Heart”. We are committed to improving health and respecting life in all its forms. Thus, our social initiatives stem from the above ideology and are built on three key principles: Care for Earth, Care for Community, and Care for Health. We are passionate about protecting the Earth, caring for the Community, and improving Health, thus respecting life in all forms. This spirit to enrich and improve lives has shaped and inspired the initiatives we support.
Evolving with the Needs of Communities
Just as an individual understands the world changes with growth, so does our approach to social initiatives. In the early days, efforts were more about providing immediate relief — through donations and basic support. However, as more time was spent on the ground, interacting with local communities, NGOs, and government bodies, it became clear that short-term solutions were not enough. A more strategic approach was needed to bring about lasting change.
This shift was significant, akin to moving from a band-aid solution to a comprehensive treatment plan. We began designing programmes aimed not just at temporary relief but also at empowering communities for generations. The focus expanded to addressing the root causes of social issues, and integrating education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability into our CSR strategy.
Care for Life is deeply embedded in our DNA. This reinforces our vision of spreading “Wellness in every Home and Happiness in every Heart”. We are committed to improving health and respecting life in all its forms. Thus, our social initiatives stem from the above ideology and are built on three key principles: Care for Earth, Care for Community, and Care for Health. We are passionate about protecting the Earth, caring for the Community, and improving Health, thus respecting life in all forms. This spirit to enrich and improve lives has shaped and inspired the initiatives we support.
In places like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where access to healthcare is often limited, Muskan’s impact has been life-changing. Many families did not even know that a cleft lip could be corrected with a simple surgery. The relief they feel upon learning that their child can live a normal life after a 45-minute procedure is immeasurable. Through extensive awareness campaigns, these families have been reached, dispelling myths and educating them about the possibilities modern medicine offers.
Muskaan: Bringing Smiles Back to Life
One of our most heartwarming initiatives is Muskaan, launched in partnership with Smile Train India.
Imagine the joy of a child who, after years of struggling with a cleft lip, can finally smile without feeling self-conscious. This programme, which started in 2015, provides free corrective cleft lip surgeries to underprivileged children.
In places like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where access to healthcare is often limited, Muskan’s impact has been life-changing. Many families did not even know that a cleft lip could be corrected with a simple surgery. The relief they feel upon learning that their child can live a normal life after a 45-minute procedure is immeasurable. Through extensive 
awareness campaigns, these families have been reached, dispelling myths and educating them about the possibilities modern medicine offers.
The transformational journey of a young girl, Munmun, who always dreamt of going to school and enjoying herself with other children, but was forced to lead a hidden life as she was left with an untreated cleft lip, is inspirational. The surgery through Muskaan transformed her life and serves as a testimony of hundreds of such children, who, through this initiative, are now brimming with hope and aspirations. Through Muskaan, we have been able to help children obtain healthier lives and pave the way for them to achieve their dreams. We have positively impacted over 1,800 beneficiaries and raised awareness in over 500 districts across India.
Partnering Towards the Mid-Day Meals Initiative
Since our partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation began in 2016, we have been a dedicated supporter of the Foundation’s mission to provide nutritious mid-day meals to schoolchildren. This has helped us reach out to thousands of government schoolchildren. We have been supporting this initiative through investments in fleet additions, kitchen 
expansions, and providing essential Happiness Kits comprising of stationery and hygiene products for the children.
We have been instrumental in supporting over 10,000 children studying in government schools to amplify the impact of efforts in reaching out to schoolchildren through the mid-day meal 
programme. We have also extended crucial support to refurbish existing kitchens, enhancing efficiency with the inclusion of heavy-duty machinery such as mixers, roasters, and drilling machines at the Bengaluru facility, apart from donating six food distribution vehicles towards the timely and efficient delivery of nutritious meals to government schoolchildren, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the communities.
Project Lakshmi: Empowering Women in Rural India
Project Lakshmi helps women in rural India achieve financial independence through various skill training programmes. These comprehensive programmes include product training, identifying revenue opportunities, improving sales techniques, developing negotiation skills, handling customer complaints, and implementing 
demand generation strategies. In addition to imparting financial skills, Project Lakshmi promotes self-reliance among its participants.
Over 4,000 women across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, 
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Odisha have benefitted from this programme since its inception in 2018.
We train the Project Lakshmi beneficiaries in selling Himalaya Baby Care Products, including Baby Soap, Baby Powder, and Massage Oil, thereby honing their product knowledge and business skills. They have found a new voice and become agents of change, while simultaneously transforming their lives.
Kalavathi Sunil Pawar, a beneficiary from Solapur, Maharashtra, is a testament to the project’s impact. Being a housewife and a tailor, she found it difficult to send her children to school and make ends meet. She also struggled with limited facilities at home and a deteriorating financial condition. After enrolling in Project Lakshmi, her earning opportunities improved, which ensured better living standards and education for her children.
Conceived in 2013, KISAN MITRA is dedicated to empowering small and marginalised farmers across Karnataka, Telangana, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh. Kisan Mitra also trains farmers on organic farming techniques and promotes using organic fertilisers to enhance soil health and helping improve crop yields. We provide expert guidance on crop selection and adopting good agricultural and collection practices.
Kisan Mitra: A Friend to Farmers
Farming is the backbone of India’s economy, yet many farmers struggle to make ends meet. Our Kisan Mitra initiative or “Farmer’s Friend” aims to support these unsung heroes. We work to help farmers adopt sustainable practices and achieve economic stability.
Consider the challenges these farmers face—outdated farming methods, lack of access to technology, and financial instability. Through Kisan Mitra, we offer temporary relief but also long-term solutions by training farmers in modern agricultural techniques and financial literacy programmes. With the worldwide growth of knowledge about proven agricultural practices, we have upheld our commitment to responsible agriculture by promoting regenerative practices among our farmers. To date, this initiative has positively impacted over 1,400 farmers, helping them increase their crop yields and secure a better future for their families.
This initiative, conceived in 2013, is dedicated to empowering small and marginalised farmers across Karnataka, Telangana, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh. Kisan Mitra also trains farmers on organic farming techniques and promotes using organic fertilisers to enhance soil health and helping improve crop yields. 
We provide expert guidance on crop selection and adopting good agricultural and collection practices.
These farmers are trained to cultivate medicinal herbs. We also provide them with planting materials, packing materials and logistical support from the farm gate. They are cultivating Tulsi, Alfalfa, Ashwagandha, Vetiver, Neem, Gotukola, Nir Brahmi, Turmeric, Ginger, Bitter Gourd, Kalmegh, Velvet Bean, Garlic, Kapoor Kachari, and Achillea (Yarrow).
We empower women farmers through technical assistance and training in good agricultural practices, sustainable herb collection, and regenerative sustainable and organic farming.
Project Suraksha: Tackling Mental Health Head-On
Mental health is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed. In response to the alarming rates of suicide, particularly in vulnerable groups, we launched Project Suraksha in collaboration with NIMHANS and the Government of Karnataka. This initiative is not only about raising awareness but also about taking action.
Project Suraksha, which stands for the SURveillance system to trAcK suicide and Self-HArm, is a community-based suicide prevention model. The project aims to create a scalable model that can be replicated across different regions by focusing on early identification and crisis intervention.
The initiative aims to develop and indigenise a pilot model framework for suicide prevention research and surveillance in rural Karnataka. This involves creating a comprehensive community surveillance system, including early identification, crisis intervention, and referral systems for mental health support. The project is currently being implemented across 32 Panchayats in the Channapatna Taluk of Ramanagara district. Since its inception, this project has involved over 15,000 individuals in Channapatna through awareness campaigns and direct interventions. More than 350 ASHA workers have been trained under the Gatekeeper’s programme, strengthening community resilience against suicide.
In the district hospital and PHCs (Primary Health Centres) where cases of suicide are reported, the Project SURAKSHA team provides Brief Intervention for Self-Harm and Suicidality (BISS) training. Over 300 cases have been addressed through BISS, and the team continues to interact with survivors and their families to reduce suicide intent and future attempts. We have implemented school-based mental health awareness interventions to educate youth and children about warning signs and response methodologies. We also have a toll-free service that provides counselling and support to the communities.
Recognising the urgency of preserving these invaluable ecosystems, especially in areas of high ecological significance, we have taken proactive steps to protect and restore forested regions. In alignment with UNESCO recognising the Western Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot in 2012, we pledged to preserve this ecological treasure alongside visionary NGOs and local communities.
Empowering Children Affected with Thalassemia – Bone Marrow Transplantation
We have extended support to Sankalp India Foundation to make treatment accessible to underprivileged children suffering from Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder. Thalassemia mutates the DNA and reduces the number and ability of the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) to carry oxygen. The permanent cure is a bone marrow transplant, which is expensive and inaccessible to the underprivileged. Through our support, which covers bone marrow transplants, over 40 children have benefitted from the treatment. This is a strong testament to our dedication towards ensuring the well-being of the community.
Through this partnership, we are making a positive difference in the lives of children like Shreya and Chidanand, young survivors of this disease, and exemplifying our vision of spreading happiness and wellness by empowering and enabling communities to lead healthier lives.
One Million Trees Across India
Forests are vital for the health of the planet, serving multiple essential functions such as sequestering carbon, regulating temperatures, managing freshwater, and preventing erosion. They host 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity and support around 350 million people with food and resources. However, their degradation is severely threatening these essential ecological functions and the biodiversity they sustain.
Recognising the urgency of preserving these invaluable ecosystems, especially in areas of high ecological significance, we have taken proactive steps to protect and restore forested regions. In alignment with UNESCO recognising the Western Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot in 2012, we pledged to preserve this ecological treasure alongside visionary NGOs and local communities.
We have undertaken an extensive tree planting initiative across the Western Ghats, planting over nine lakh trees to restore and preserve the region’s rich biodiversity. In Maharashtra alone, we have planted over eight lakh trees in regions including Lanja, Sapade, Salpe, Majal, and Gavane in Ratnagiri, extending our efforts to Kolhapur, Solapur, and Pune. In Karnataka, more than one lakh trees have been planted in areas including Dharwad, Belagavi, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru, and Sirsi. Additionally, we have expanded our environmental conservation efforts to Meghalaya, planting over 30,000 indigenous species.
Restoration of Neighbourhood Government Primary School
As a socially conscious company, we strive to improve the neighbouring communities in which we operate. An example is the complete makeover of the Government Primary School in Makali. The school was rebuilt from scratch, and today, it is a ray of hope for hundreds of schoolchildren and their parents. The project entailed the construction of a new building with classrooms, staff rooms, a kitchen, restrooms, and computer labs, which will play a significant role in facilitating education for underprivileged schoolchildren.
In association with SYNJUK, a local NGO, we are helping Mawphlang, Perkseh, and Kyrdemkhla transform into eco-villages. This initiative helps many small and marginalised farmers generate a secondary source of income. We are also working towards improving the financial condition of the local community and helping them become self-sufficient. Three eco-villages nurtured here have empowered over 150 beneficiaries.
Sustainable Communities: The Khasi Tribe’s Journey
Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our work with the Khasi tribe in Mawphlang, Perkseh, and Kyrdemkhla in Meghalaya. These communities have long lived in harmony with nature, and we are helping them build on this legacy with sustainable practices like vermicomposting, beekeeping, and mushroom cultivation.
By providing training and essential tools, we are helping the Khasi tribe become self-sufficient while preserving their natural resources. This initiative is not just about economic gain; it is about ensuring that the unique biodiversity of the region is protected for future generations.
In association with SYNJUK, a local NGO, we are helping Mawphlang, Perkseh, and Kyrdemkhla transform into eco-villages. This initiative helps many small and marginalised farmers generate a secondary source of income. We are also working towards improving the financial condition of the local community and helping them become self-sufficient. Three eco-villages nurtured here have empowered over 150 beneficiaries.
Building a Better Tomorrow, Together
Ultimately, Himalaya’s CSR initiatives are about more than just fulfilling a corporate obligation—they are about building a better tomorrow for everyone. We are committed to making a lasting impact — whether it is in education, healthcare, or environmental stewardship. While the journey is ongoing, the vision remains the same: to create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
So, the next time you think of Himalaya Wellness Company, remember that our work goes beyond the products on the shelves. It is about the lives we touch, the communities we uplift, and the planet we strive to protect. Together, we can make a difference—one step at a time.
