Rooted in Varanasi. Working for communities across India.
For three decades, Human Welfare Association has worked alongside women, weavers, artisans, farmers, and children — protecting traditional crafts through Geographical Indications and advancing education, health, and livelihoods from our Varanasi base to states across India.
Registered 1991 · 80G & 12A · FCRA approved
Local roots. Lasting impact.
Human Welfare Association builds long-term change from the ground up — organising self-help groups, safeguarding traditional crafts through GI registration and IPR, running non-formal education for out-of-school children, and advancing organic farming and child rights. Founded in Varanasi, our work — especially on Geographical Indications — now reaches artisan and farming communities across India.
How we work
Our primary focus
Turning India's crafts into protected Geographical Indications.
Led by our founder Dr. Rajani Kant — the “GI Man of India” — HWA documents, registers, and stewards GI tags so the makers of a region keep the recognition, protection, and value their heritage has earned. This work spans more than 150 products across 24+ states and union territories. Explore it on our interactive map of India.
- GI products registered
- 159
- States & UTs
- 29
Three decades of grassroots work
- 1991
- Serving communities since
- 20+
- Villages in the PEARL programme
- 15
- Non-formal education centres
- 4
- National awards & honours
Padma Shri · The "GI Man of India"
Leadership
Dr. Rajani Kant
General Secretary & Director, Human Welfare Association
A PhD in soil and agricultural chemistry who founded Human Welfare Association in 1991, Dr. Rajani Kant has spent three decades protecting India's living heritage. Widely known as the “GI Man of India,” he has secured Geographical Indication tags for more than 150 traditional products across 24 states and union territories — from Banarasi sarees and Bhadohi carpets to crafts of the Northeast — protecting the livelihoods of over two million artisans, weavers, and farmers. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2019 for his contribution to preserving traditional crafts and linking them to sustainable livelihoods.
- Padma Shri
- Conferred by the Government of India, 2019
- 159
- Traditional products awarded GI tags
- 29
- States & union territories supported
Recognised for impact
HWA's work for women, artisans, and children has been honoured nationally.
HT Woman Special Award
Hindustan Times
2012
South Asia mBillionth Award
Vodafone
2012
Best Social Entrepreneur Award
National recognition
2013
Real Hero Award
IBN-7
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Our wider programmes
Alongside our GI work, three decades of grassroots programmes continue across women's empowerment, education, livelihoods, and community development.
Mahila Shakti Project
Varanasi region
Organising women into self-help groups and building economic independence, leadership, and rights for rural and marginalised women.
Read more
PEARL Project
Rajgarh block, Mirzapur
People Empowerment for Accessing Rights and Livelihood — promoting dignified life and stronger livelihoods for dalit and tribal communities across 20 villages.
Read more
PES — Education for Children
Chiraigaon, Cholapur & Kashi Vidyapeeth
Joyful, elementary education for out-of-school children from weaker communities through 15 non-formal education centres across three blocks.
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Integrated Village Development
Sajoi village, Varanasi
Integrated community development in partnership with DS Group under Corporate Social Responsibility, transforming livelihoods in adopted villages.
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Follow our Geographical Indication work, artisan stories, and updates as they happen.
Stand with the families we serve.
Partner with us, support a programme, or volunteer your time — every contribution helps build dignity and opportunity for communities across India.