A Day at a Van Dhan Kendra: What I Saw Changed My View on Tribal Livelihoods

         When I first arrived at a Van Dhan Kendra in the tribal region of Nandurbar, I expected to see a typical government-supported workspace. What I didn’t expect was the energy — the sound of women chatting while sorting forest produce, the rhythmic tapping of seeds being cleaned, and the warm smiles that greeted me as if I was a part of their own community. Within minutes, I realised this place was much more than a centre — it was a movement.

A Van Dhan Kendra is designed to help tribal communities process, store, and market forest produce. But witnessing it in action opened my eyes to its real impact. The first group I met was working with Mahua seeds. Women sat together in a circle, cleaning and separating seeds with practiced precision. One of them told me, “Earlier we sold everything raw. Now we learn how to make value-added products. We earn more and waste less.”Her confidence made me smile. She spoke like an entrepreneur, not just a labourer.

 I walked further inside and found another group working on honey filtration. The process was simple yet deeply rooted in tradition — natural filtering, careful handling, and complete attention to purity.The women explained how training from the Kendra helped them understand hygiene, quality, and packaging. “We never knew our products could reach cities,” one woman said. “Now customersknow our honey by name.”

What struck me the most was the sense of teamwork. The Kendra wasn’t a place where people simply worked; it was a space of learning, support, and shared progress. Women who once hesitated to speak in public now managed inventory, kept records, and discussed pricing strategies with ease.Young girls watched them proudly, knowing that opportunities existed within their own village.

I also noticed something important — the strong connection between the Kendra and the forest. Every activity depended on responsibly collecting forest produce. The women explained how they now follow sustainable practices taught during training. “The forest gives us everything,” one woman said. “We have to protect it so it protects us.”This simple statement carried wisdom that many modern industries often forget.
The economic impact was clear as well. With proper processing and fair prices, families now had stable income throughout the year. Many women shared how their earnings helped them buy household essentials, pay school fees, and even save small amounts for emergencies. For them, dignity came not just from earning, but from being recognised as skilled contributors to their community. By the time I stepped out of the Kendra, my perspective on tribal livelihoods had completely changed. What I had once imagined as a small rural initiative was actually a powerful engine of empowerment — one that blends tradition, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

At Shabari Naturals, we feel proud to support the work that begins in these Kendras. Every product— whether Mahua oil, honey, or herbal powders — carries the essence of these spaces, where skill meets opportunity and culture meets progress.

A Van Dhan Kendra is not just a centre.It is a place where confidence grows, where knowledge is shared, and where tribal communities discover their potential.