Manthan Research & Development Society
Manthan Research & Development Society works alongside 16 villages across agriculture, agro-based livelihoods and community-led tourism.
Our work begins with local needs, existing knowledge and the everyday realities of village life. We work with communities to shape practical opportunities that can strengthen livelihoods without disconnecting people from their homes, land and identity.
Bangar Valley Collective is Manthan’s community-led tourism project. It brings together local participation, homestays, village experiences, food, culture and responsible visitor engagement.
Manthan is also collaborating with Volunteer Yatra to connect volunteers and skilled individuals with meaningful project needs, community work and locally rooted initiatives.
Our Focus
Agriculture and community-led tourism may look different, but both can help strengthen local livelihoods when communities are involved in shaping the work.
Agriculture & Agro-based Livelihoods
Manthan works with communities to understand local needs, recognise existing skills and explore practical agro-based opportunities shaped by the people involved.
Community-led Tourism
Through Bangar Valley Collective, Manthan supports tourism that keeps local people, livelihoods, culture and community participation at the centre.
Why This Work Matters
Across rural Uttarakhand, many people leave their villages in search of income and employment.
They move to cities to support their families, while homes, fields, local knowledge and older family members are often left behind.
Over time, this can weaken everyday village life and reduce the opportunities available to future generations.
Reverse Migration
Through agriculture, agro-based livelihoods and community-led tourism, Manthan is working to create conditions that can make staying, returning and building a future in the village more possible.
How We Work
Our role is to understand local priorities, work alongside communities and support practical action that can continue locally.
Understand local needs, existing strengths, challenges and the everyday realities of the community.
Shape relevant ideas with community members, local institutions, volunteers and project partners.
Support skills, livelihood opportunities and practical systems that communities can continue to strengthen.
Work With Manthan
We welcome conversations with communities, organisations, institutions and partners interested in agriculture, community-led tourism and stronger local livelihoods.