I am an environmentalist, an educationist, and the co-founder of Anala Outdoors. My journey has been a long one, starting over three decades ago with the Ahmedabad Nature Lovers Association. I’m here to share how we transformed from a non-profit NGO to a profitable entity, and how this shift has allowed us to inspire thousands of youngsters to connect with nature.
The Birth of a Movement
Our story began in 1985 with a group of young, passionate activists, who, like me, were dedicated to preserving nature. We started by protesting a new hotel project that would have destroyed a local green space. After a successful campaign, we realized our potential and founded the Ahmedabad Nature Lovers Association (Anala). For over 15 years, we operated as an activist group and a non-profit organization. We worked on important environmental causes, but we faced a challenge: our best people were leaving for more stable jobs. We realized we couldn’t sustain our mission or retain our talented team without a reliable source of income. This led to a crucial decision: to become a for-profit business.
From Activism to Compassionate Capitalism
Growing up in Kerala, I was taught that making money was wrong and that wealth was created through exploitation. However, living in Gujarat changed my perspective. Here, I learned that creating wealth is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a way to turn your dreams into reality and create opportunities for others. I now believe in a concept I call compassionate capitalism, where you use your wealth to do good.
By charging for our services, we were able to pay our staff well and ensure the sustainability of our organization without relying on external funds. This freedom from financial dependence allows us to pursue our mission with integrity. The ethos of Gujarat taught me that instead of seeking a job, you should create one, a philosophy that has helped us grow and provide employment for many.
The Anala Way: Harvesting Happiness
Today, Anala Outdoors is about more than just trekking and camping. Our programs offer experiential learning that enhances what children learn in the classroom. We take them outdoors not just to see nature but to interact with it. Our camps teach self-reliance, gratitude, and confidence. For me, this is the true essence of our work—it’s about helping young people develop values that will serve them for a lifetime.
My love for nature began in my childhood in Kerala, where I was surrounded by rivers and trees. That connection is something I strive to share with others. In my own home, I have a kitchen garden where I grow my own vegetables. It is a small act, but the feeling of harvesting something you’ve grown yourself is priceless. As I always say, I’m not just harvesting vegetables; I’m harvesting happiness.
Our journey from a small activist group to a successful business has shown me that you don’t have to choose between doing good and creating wealth. You can do both, and in doing so, you can make a lasting, positive impact on the world.
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