Empowering the Vulnerable Since 2020

Our Origin: Resilience in a Crisis

Founded in 2020 amidst the global pandemic, Shelter Foundation was born from a critical need to protect the most vulnerable. While the world came to a standstill, the tribal communities of Palghar district faced an existential crisis — not only in health, but also in access to basic survival and the education of their children. Shelter Foundation stepped in to bridge this gap, and what began as an emergency relief effort evolved into a permanent mission for sustainable empowerment.

Lockdown Relief Archives – Palghar District

Looking back at these archives from the 2020 lockdown, our team reached deep into the district of Palghar to support underprivileged tribal families who were hit hardest by the pandemic. Our mission focused on providing life-sustaining essentials and restoring dignity during a time of national emergency.

Tribal Empowerment Through Art & Craft

The 2022–2023 period marked a landmark year for Shelter Foundation. Focusing on tribal empowerment through traditional mediums like Bamboo Art and Warli Painting, we blended economic development with cultural preservation. Combining the structural elegance of Bamboo Art with the ancient storytelling of Warli Art created a powerful tribute to Maharashtra’s tribal heritage.

🌿 2022–2023 Impact Report: The Year of Tribal Craft — Shelter Foundation: Weaving Stories, Building Futures

Annual Impact Report 2023–2024

Sustainable Innovation – The Coir Project: Shelter Foundation transitioned from research to development of its Eco-Friendly Construction Initiative using coir (coconut fiber). Research focused on reducing carbon footprints in rural housing, testing thermal insulation properties, and creating scalable models for eco-friendly shelters.

Rural Health & Safety – Palghar: In remote areas such as Vavar Vangani and Jawahar pockets, we distributed school essentials including shoes and socks to protect children from snake bites and toxic insects, along with winter relief providing meals and heavy blankets.

Rehabilitation & Tribal Outreach – Gadchiroli: Conducted workshops on health, hygiene, art, culture, and rights, participated in Naxalite rehabilitation gatherings, provided psychological counseling, and delivered vocational training for long-term reintegration.

A Year of Impact: Global Voice for Paro Communities

Shelter Foundation conducted an extensive door-to-door survey in the Mewat district of Haryana, uncovering the brutal reality of bride slavery within Paro (Molki) communities. Women were trafficked, denied property rights, legal identity, and subjected to forced polyandry.

This research led to the creation of the social impact film “PARO – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery”, produced by actress, producer, and Shelter Foundation founder Trupti Bhoir. The film became a global voice against this ignored social evil.

Awards & Recognition: Tribune International Film Festival Award, Norway Film Festival Award (Ministry of Norway), and a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival.

Tarpa Tribe: Launched globally, including Los Angeles Fashion Week, providing sustainable income to over 5,000 tribal women.

Annual Progress Report – A Remarkable & Progressive Year

Shelter Foundation’s adopted tribal school provided free education to 960 students (Grades 6–12) from 20 villages. We installed a borewell for clean water, improved sanitation, built a temple, celebrated Diwali, conducted rice farming programs, educational tours, sports activities, counseling sessions, and established modern Science and Computer Labs at Shanti Ratan Vidyamandir, Kondgaon Vikramgad.

Global Recognition: PARO received international film festival selections and awards including Bollywood Festival Norway, Hague Film Festival, Chicago South Asian Film Festival, San Diego International Film Festival, and Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival.

Ultimate Milestone: PARO officially entered the Oscar Award Eligibility List — transforming a regional issue into a global movement for justice.