Take Heart India is a youth focused community enabling organisation focusing on educational and environmental projects in India. Take Heart primarily supports a parent organisation called the MSS, the lifetime achievement of the legendary Baba Amte. The awareness of Take Heart has been growing quickly over the years. In 2003 Take Heart became entirely student run. 34 student committee members were established at universities across the UK. Take heart is no longer entirely student run but remains entirely youth focused.
Take Heart is relatively unique in charity circles. We do not have single employee. This means that 100% of proceeds from donations are directed to those in most need.
Take Heart aims to help people regain their sense of dignity and self-worth in life. This is achieved through practical job training and education. The wage generated by their skills in handicrafts result in the people no longer having to resort to begging.
‘Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life’. Nelson Mandela
Indeed, the most important point about Take Heart is that all committee members volunteer their time without payment, which means that 100% of the proceeds go directly to those in most need.
Founded by Count Arthur Tarnowski in 1962 Take Heart is a visionary charity that has provided aid and rehabilitation to the physically handicapped people of rural India.
Himself disabled and wheelchair-bound by Polio in his late twenties, Count Arthur Tarnowski set-up Take Heart after visiting India on a two year expedition to assess the plight of those with disabilities throughout rural Asia for the Readers Digest.
Upon meeting the legendary Baba Amte, who Ghandi dubbed ‘Conqueror of Fear’, Count Tarnowski set up Take Heart in partnership with Anandwan and the Maharogi Sewa Samiti (mss.niya.org); the institution founded by Baba Amte.
Since then Take Heart has run in close partnership with the MSS. In the past all proceeds from Take Heart have been passed on to various projects within the MSS.
In 2003 Count Arthur Tarnowski stepped down as the director of the Take Heart and has handed on his directorship to his sons Lucian and Sebastian.
With a new young and enthusiastic board of directors, as well as a large talented committee, Lucian and Sebastian have regenerated Take Heart into a popular and inspirational UK charity. Take Heart is continually growing and changing dynamically.
Take Heart has developed in a true grass roots fashion. All volunteers are welcome under the condition that their time is volunteered without pay. The youth focus makes Take Heart innovative. Many of the young volunteers behind Take Heart today will become the leaders of tomorrow. For example, Sam Branson, the son of Sir Richard Branson has been one among the many Take Heart committee members.
Rarely do charities focus on a specific segment of society for their support. However, Take Heart has achieved a degree of success by establishing itself among the younger talented generation of the UK.
Take Heart has received sponsorship from a variety of business organizations. Brave NEW Enterprises currently sponsors and supports various aspects of Take Heart.
If you feel you can support Take Heart in whatever way please contact us. Alternatively any donations are welcomed and hugely appreciated. You can make an online very easily by clicking the link below.
