Why it exists
The SWAN Foundation for Ayurveda and Yoga Research was established to make the understanding and practice of Yoga and Ayurveda useful beyond the retreat centre, and accessible to people who may have fewer opportunities.
Our work focuses on education, women and girls, skills and self reliance, and making Yoga and traditional Indian knowledge available in communities where they can be of genuine value.
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu
Ma Kashchid Dukha Bhag Bhavet
Om Shanti Shanti Shantih
May all beings be happy.
May all be free from illness.
May all see what is auspicious.
May no one suffer.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
This simple prayer expresses the spirit behind the Foundation and the work we undertake.
Where your support goes
Girl Child Education
Supporting educational opportunities for underprivileged girls.
Skills Development
Supporting practical skills that can lead towards self reliance and financial independence.
Women’s Literacy
Helping women gain access to basic education and greater independence.
Yoga of the Heart
Taking Yoga into communities and organisations that may not otherwise have access to it.
Empowering the Girl Child
In collaboration with the Vidya Mohan Foundation, the SWAN Foundation runs and supports educational initiatives for underprivileged girls.
Education opens possibilities. Our intention is not simply to provide access to schooling, but to support girls and young women with knowledge, confidence and skills that can shape their own lives and contribute to their families and communities.
When a girl receives an education, the benefit can extend far beyond one individual. It can influence families, communities and future generations.
Skills for IndependenceEducation Should Lead to Opportunity
The Foundation supports skill development programmes for underprivileged and economically vulnerable women.
Learning a practical skill can create a path towards self reliance and financial independence. Our aim is to provide opportunities that allow women to develop their abilities and earn with dignity, rather than creating long term dependence on assistance.
Women’s LiteracyLiteracy is one of the simplest and most powerful forms of empowerment
The Foundation supports literacy programmes for underprivileged women, providing access to basic education and knowledge that can make everyday life more independent and confident.
These programmes are offered without charge to those who need them.
Yoga of the HeartYoga is not limited to the Yoga shala
The Foundation takes Yoga into places and communities where people may not otherwise have access to it.
Our programmes have included work with prisoners, police personnel, people living in care homes, schools and organisational workforces.
The intention is simple. To make practical aspects of Yoga available as tools for greater awareness, steadiness, relaxation and wellbeing.
Yoga belongs to everyone, not only to those who can travel to a retreat or attend a studio.
Swastha GoaHealthy Goa, Positive Goa
Swastha Goa, Sakaratmak Goa means Healthy Goa, Positive Goa.
Through this initiative, the Foundation works with government and non government organisations to promote awareness of healthier living and the practical application of Yoga and related knowledge within the community.
The work may take different forms depending on the needs of the people and organisations involved.
Ayurveda in the CommunityAyurveda has always been concerned with everyday life
The Foundation works to make traditional Ayurvedic understanding more accessible through need based community programmes.
This may include awareness around food, daily routine, seasonal living, healthy habits and the principles of Ayurveda that can be applied in ordinary life.
The intention is not to turn Ayurveda into a complicated system, but to help people understand how some of its traditional principles may be relevant to their own lives.
A part of what comes in goes back out
SWAN Yoga Retreat operates as an initiative of the SWAN Foundation. The retreat centre has to meet the costs of running its residential programmes, maintaining the campus, caring for guests and supporting the people who work here. Once these costs are met, a substantial part of the revenue generated through Yoga retreats, Yoga Teacher Training, Ayurveda retreats, Panchakarma and other activities supports the Foundation’s social work.
A part of what comes in goes back out. It goes towards education, women’s literacy, skills development, the education of the girl child, Yoga of the Heart, Swastha Goa and Ayurveda in the community.
In this way, staying at SWAN is connected to something beyond your own retreat experience.
Girl Child Education
Supporting educational opportunities for underprivileged girls.
Women’s Literacy
Helping women gain access to basic education and greater independence.
Skills Development
Supporting practical skills that can lead towards self reliance and financial independence.
Yoga of the Heart
Taking Yoga into communities and organisations that may not otherwise have access to it.
Swastha Goa
Supporting initiatives that encourage healthier and more positive communities in Goa.
Ayurveda in the Community
Making traditional Ayurvedic knowledge more accessible through practical, need based programmes.
There are many ways to support the Foundation
You can make a donation, volunteer your time, offer a professional skill, support one of our programmes or simply help us spread awareness about the work. Whether you contribute money, time, knowledge or practical help, your contribution can become part of something that reaches beyond the SWAN campus.