Swasti

Twenty years ago, a group of committed professionals gathered around a simple yet powerful belief: that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of their place in society. From this conviction, Swasti was born in 2002, taking its name from the Sanskrit word meaning 'wellbeing'. But in ancient texts, it translates to 'supreme bliss', a reminder that this organisation transcends traditional boundaries.

What started as a health resource centre in Bangalore has evolved into an international catalyst for change, reaching vulnerable communities across 28 countries. Swasti doesn't just talk about serving marginalised populations; it walks alongside them, working with sex workers in Karnataka, factory workers across global supply chains, and communities that mainstream healthcare often fails to reach.

The organisation's approach centres on activating people's own agency rather than creating dependency. Inspired by the Alma Ata and Astana declarations on primary healthcare, they power health workers who enjoy the trust of vulnerable communities whilst orchestrating equity-focused outcomes at policy level. This dual approach, grassroots intervention married to systemic change, sets them apart.

Take their flagship Invest4Wellness programme, which began in 2017 and now covers 56,000+ people across nine locations in India. For every rupee invested, the programme delivers ₹2.32 back into people's hands, proving that good health makes good economic sense. This model has attracted partnerships with major brands like Walmart, Levi's, and GAP, transforming workplace health for over 200,000 women across 250+ factories. When COVID-19 struck India, Swasti's collaborative spirit shone through. They incubated the #COVIDActionCollab, bringing together 359 partners to provide comprehensive support for the most vulnerable. This pan-India network delivered over 25 million service instances, demonstrating how collective action can address crisis at scale.

Led by Chief Catalyst Dr Angela Chaudhuri, Swasti operates with unwavering compassion and a clear mission: to achieve 1 billion 'healthy days' for vulnerable populations by 2030. These aren't just days without illness, but days where individuals can engage in self-care, productivity, and happiness despite health challenges, signifying true resilience and wellbeing. Guided by their L.I.V.E values (Leadership, Innovation, Vitality, and Expertise), Swasti has earned Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC and contributed to global health policy. They have published extensive research whilst maintaining their commitment to community-centred solutions.

What makes Swasti extraordinary isn't just their impressive reach or innovative programmes. It's their understanding that health extends far beyond medicine, encompassing dignity, opportunity, and the fundamental belief that every person deserves their share of supreme bliss.