Origin
16 Doddi Trust was born in Ragihalli, a forest-fringe community once disrupted by mining. Those years left behind broken roads, limited access, and lost opportunities — but also resilience. In conversations with women and youth, founder Vishala Padmanabhan, who had made Ragihalli her home, realized they were ready to reclaim their time, their commons, and their future.
The name Doddi carries meaning. In Karnataka, settlements are called by many names — palya, pura, halli, sandra, nagara. A doddi is among the smallest of them, often seen as peripheral and less powerful. By choosing this name, we honor communities that are often overlooked, yet rich in knowledge and resilience. Our work begins here, with those at the margins, to reimagine stronger and more just futures.
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What began as a small not-for-profit is now a platform for grassroots action in agroecology, women’s empowerment, community enterprise, youth leadership, and ecosystem restoration. Our work remains rooted in communities while shaping scalable models for wider impact.
Our Philosophy
We believe lasting change comes from strong communities. Our work strengthens people’s capacities to reclaim land, livelihoods, and voice. Rooted in agroecology and the commons, we build on women’s leadership and youth energy.
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We see food and craft as the anchors of resilience — food connects soil, people, and society, while craft connects people, culture, and land. Together, they sustain communities and shape just, regenerative futures.
Our Process
We work from the ground up. Solutions are co-created with communities, tested in practice, and refined through learning. Local ownership is combined with strong institutional partnerships, ensuring impact that is both rooted and scalable. Our process balances immediate livelihoods with long-term ecological goals
Co-create
Test & Learn
Scale & Sustain
Our Ambition
We envision healthier soils, stronger commons, thriving crafts, and resilient communities shaping fairer futures. Our ambition is to build models that influence policy, inspire replication, and contribute to a healthier planet. Every acre restored, every woman leader trained, every youth engaged, and every craft sustained takes us closer to that future
Alliances
16 Doddi Trust is part of wider movements and networks that strengthen our work. These alliances bring expertise, reach, and solidarity to our grassroots efforts.
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Our alliances include:
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PGS India – Accredited Regional Council
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PGS Organic Council (PGSOC) – Member and contributor
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Quicksand Design Studio – Research and design collaboration
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RV College of Engineering – Technical and institutional partner
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Rang De – Social investing partner
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Abheek Academy – Children and youth Education and training partner
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Buffalo Back Consumer Federation (BBCF) – Consumer action platform and partner
Our Team
Trustees:
Vishalakshi Padmanabhan
Roopa Prabhakar
Sumanth Kuduvalli
Shivamma
Team:
Shiva Kumar
Nikhil Shenoy
Antoniselvi
Laxman
Roman
Latha