SETU literally means a bridge, which helps ends meet. The same holds true for “SETU-Society for Empowerment and Trade Upliftment of Artisans” (SETU-Society) which through its path breaking endeavors is helping people from the weaker and marginalized sections of the society to be at par with the mainstream world. Established with the basic aim of serving humanity; love, peace and equality are the words which define SETU. A non-profit charitable organization registered under the Societies registration act of 1860 (India); SETU has come a long way since its inception which is clearly evident from the spectrum of activities undertaken by it.
We strive for the well being of the people & the planet. The target masses for whom we work for, belong to the weaker sections of the society; underprivileged and marginalized artisans, destitute women & children, tribals, the differently-abled and the like. We dream of a world where there is love, peace & equality! Where there is no ignorance, discrimination or exploitation! Where everyone is happy, where every child goes to school, where women are considered equal to men and are no longer the victims of child marriage, prostitution, domestic violence or dowry and where people can get rid of poverty by becoming self-sustainable! And this is not just a dream as we believe that one day we can make this a reality!!
SETU believes that sustainable social development can only be achieved through economic independence, through “Trade instead of Aid”. With this belief, SETU work towards strengthening local economies and trade opportunities for the marginalized communities, putting them on a path of continuous development. SETU focus area is to create economic opportunities for artisan communities through support with product design, capacity building and market readiness training.
SETU is pledged to improve the living standards of people belonging to the underprivileged and weaker sections of the society including rural population, women, tribals, physically & mentally challenged people etc., by making them self sustainable and providing them a chance to live life with dignity. SETU develops and promotes their skills and make them independent so they no more have to spread their hands in front of anyone.
SETU Society aims to work towards improving the social and economic standing of underprivileged, marginalized & other communities in different areas of India. We are also committed to strive for improvement of educational, environmental & health related issues for general well-being of the masses by:
Our vision is to create a world alleviated of poverty & vulnerability, where all humans are respected, empowered and inspired. A global community lacking any form of discrimination or exploitation, a society where trade is practiced fairly and serves its underlying purpose of supporting our people and respecting our environment. We believe, such a dream can be a reality!
SETU-Society reaches out to a large number of people through various projects for sustainable development & activities like health camps, awareness campaigns, workshops, infrastructural development etc. across India with current networks in 16 states viz, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Pondicherry, Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.
Currently we are associated with more than 10,000 artisans, over 40 groups / communities / NGOs in these 16 states. Our partner in development acts, the NGOs & co-operatives are spread widely in different parts of India, indicated with green color in the map of India given below.
Our beneficiaries include underprivileged & marginalized masses, rural masses, poor urban masses, tribals, women, children, physically and mentally challenged, & other weaker sections of society, specially belonging to the artisan communities.