Who Are We ?
Holistic Child Development India (HCDI) is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to the comprehensive and Holistic development of underprivileged and vulnerable children, their families, and their wider communities in India. Established in September 1994 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, HCDI has since remained at the forefront of child welfare initiatives across India.
With over 30 years of committed service, HCDI has implemented impactful programs across 14 states, serving thousands of children and families through a strategic, rights-based, and community-oriented approach.
HCDI’s Core Program Focus Areas
- Child-Focused Community Development: Working with rural and tribal communities to ensure children’s access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection.
- Specialized Interventions for High-Risk Children: Supporting children in exploitative conditions, including those with disabilities, through targeted rehabilitation and protection programs.
- Early Childhood Education & Nutrition: Running models such as Gali Pre-Schools for rag-picker communities in Delhi-NCR, focusing on early learning and health to prepare children for mainstream education.
- Holistic Child Development through Light to Life Program: Operating across 13 states under programs like Light to Life, supported by Mar Thoma Mission Board. These centres provide remedial education, socio-emotional learning, nutritional support, and life skills to over 5000 children.
- Comprehensive Health Care and Wellbeing: Promoting a healthier future through targeted healthcare interventions for children, women, and marginalized communities in rural areas, including mobile health clinics, regular health camps, nutrition counselling, maternal healthcare, mental health support, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives to build long-term community resilience. HCDI initiates programs to conduct primary health care check-ups for the children of interior villages, identifying malnourished children, pre-natal and post-natal health support for mother and child.
- Climate Change Mitigation & Eco-awareness: Promoting sustainable livelihood practices, natural farming, and water conservation to build resilient communities in rural and tribal regions.
- Emergency Response & Disaster Management: Offering rapid relief and recovery support during floods, pandemics, and other disasters, with a child-focused response strategy.
- Community Empowerment in Remote Areas: In Assam’s Dhekiajuli & Helem Block, HCDI supports marginalized tribal communities through education and child empowerment programs that address high dropout rates, child labor, and poor health.
- Capacity Building of Partners and Stakeholders: Organizing workshops, seminars, and trainings on child protection, gender sensitivity, financial compliance, and program management for staff, local NGOs, and community leaders.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Engagement: Successful CSR projects, such as the one in Thakarwadi Village (Pune), have brought transformative change in areas of health, water access, education, and women’s empowerment among tribal communities.
HCDI & Mar Thoma Mission Board (MMB)
The Light to Life Program
The Light to Life program focuses on several key areas benefiting children, including remedial education, nutrition, health and hygiene, emotional and social well-being, and life skills development. Family engagement through livelihood training (tailoring, candle-making, mushroom cultivation, etc.) promotes self-reliance and creates a supportive environment for children.
Quick Glance on Skill Development Programs
ABACUS TRAINING FOR CHILDREN
As part of its skill development initiatives, Light to Life projects has introduced weekly Abacus training for children. Beyond enhancing mental calculation skills, the program helps children overcome difficulties in mathematics while also promoting mental agility, concentration, and cognitive efficiency
COMPUTER EDUCATION PROGRAM
As part of skill development initiatives, the Light to Life Project, Shivanapura, Bangalore Rural, has introduced a range of training programs to nurture creativity and equip children with practical skills. To build digital literacy, a Computer Training Program is being conducted weekly, focusing on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with typing, file management, and presentation skills. This initiative, supported by the Mar Thoma Mission Board through the purchase of three computers, has enabled children to gain confidence in creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations while sparking an eagerness to learn advanced digital skills.
FOOD FEST
Light To Life project Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh, organize Food Fest at the Main Campus with the children from all three Centres. To encourage teamwork and creativity, the students were divided into four groups, and each group was provided with equal cooking materials like wheat flour, onion, egg, rice, curd, vegetables, oil, etc. The students with great excitement and teamwork prepared a variety of dishes showcasing their creativity. The prepared dishes were evaluated and the best team received prize. Through this event children gained confidence, learned teamwork, and developed basic cooking skills.
CULINARY TRAINING
The Light to Life unit in Mallepura, Karnataka, conducted a culinary training programme for senior children from Class 7 to PUC as part of skill development program. A total of five training sessions were held during July and August, introducing the children to basic cooking skills. Participants enthusiastically prepared dishes such as Kesari Bath, Rice and Rasam, Lemon Rice, Egg Rice, and Upma, and served the food to the children in the project as part of a fellowship during the training days. The initiative not only built confidence and practical skills but also fostered a spirit of responsibility and teamwork among the children.
UMBRELLA AND AGARBATHI MAKING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
The Light to Life unit in Mallepura, Karnataka, conducted a culinary training programme for senior children from Class 7 to PUC as part of skill development program. A total of five training sessions were held during July and August, introducing the children to basic cooking skills. Participants enthusiastically prepared dishes such as Kesari Bath, Rice and Rasam, Lemon Rice, Egg Rice, and Upma, and served the food to the children in the project as part of a fellowship during the training days. The initiative not only built confidence and practical skills but also fostered a spirit of responsibility and teamwork among the children.
Short Look on Value Based Education Program
AQUA CLUB INITIATIVE – STUDENTS’ AQUARIUM
The senior children of the Karuthal Light to Life Project, Aduvally, Thiruvananthapuram, took the initiative to start an Aqua Club, through which they have set up a students’ aquarium featuring a variety of fish species. This initiative provides a hands-on learning experience about aquatic life and ecosystems, allowing students to observe and understand the importance of maintaining a balanced aquatic environment. The Aqua Club not only nurtures curiosity and responsibility among the children but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and the significance of caring for living beings.
ECO-ED SUMMER CAMP
HCDI conceptualized & developed a Special Summer Camp initiative called Eco-Ed 2025.
- As part of this initiative, HCDI developed 8 training models on different topics concerning environment and value based living.
- TOT training for facilitators were conducted and later they organized ECO-ED Summer Camp in their respective Light To Life project units.
The camp aimed to build environmental awareness, encourage sustainable living, and provide interactive learning. Key topics included climate change, pollution, substance use, water conservation, soil health, waste management, plastic use and tree conservation. The children not only gained knowledge but also enjoyed the camp experience thoroughly, making it both educational and fun-filled event
SESSION ON EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At Light to Life, Mallepura unit, Karnataka, a well-known child Psychologist, conducted an engaging session on emotional well-being. The program was held separately for three age groups: Balavadi to Class 4, Classes 5 to 7, and Class 8 and above. Each session was carefully tailored to suit the respective age group, addressing topics such as understanding basic emotions, building friendships, developing confidence, managing stress, and improving communication skills. Designed to be activity-oriented, the sessions encouraged active participation, equipping children with practical tools to support their healthy emotional growth and well-being
FIRST AID PRACTICAL SESSION
A practical session on First Aid was conducted in every Light to Light Project unit. The session was informative and engaging focusing on essential life-saving techniques for children. Participants learned basic first aid skills such as treating cuts, burns, fainting, and handling emergencies. The session helped children build confidence and awareness about health and safety in everyday life.
CHILDREN’S PARLIAMENT TRAINING PROGRAM
The HCDI Light to Life Project’s Child Parliament Training Program engaged students in introducing democratic concepts through interactive sessions focused on leadership, teamwork, decision-making, participation, representation, and responsibility. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants learned about democratic values, leadership skills, teamwork, decision-making, participation, representation, and responsibility.
The Child Parliament election simulated real democracy, involving nominations, campaigns with posters and speeches, and a transparent voting process using a digital EVM machine. All students and staff participated enthusiastically, with teachers explaining leadership responsibilities and ensuring fairness. Elected leaders now hold roles in parliament sessions, discussing project matters while receiving guidance to promote independence and problem-solving. Even non-elected students gained insights into teamwork and participation. This initiative significantly enhanced leadership qualities and civic awareness, with parents praising it for building a foundation for responsible citizenship and future responsibilities. Parents praised it for preparing children for future responsibilities.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND STREET PLAY
The Light to Life, Mallepura project, facilitators and Child Parliament members mobilised resources including provisions, groceries and old clothes locally, senior children from the project including Child Parliament Members and staff visited Karnataka Sneha Jeevi Old Age Home and donated the materials. The children also conducted a 7-minute-long skit on the topic, “Respect for the Elderly”. The skit fostered joy and a sense of fellowship among the residents and also fostered compassion, empathy and respect for elders for the children
Overview on Community Outreach Program
Tailoring Class for Community Women
A practical session on First Aid was conducted in every Light to Light Project unit. The session was informative and engaging focusing on essential life-saving techniques for children. Participants learned basic first aid skills such as treating cuts, burns, fainting, and handling emergencies. The session helped children build confidence and awareness about health and safety in everyday life.
BEAUTICIAN CLASSES
The Light to Life Sankeshwar, Karnataka Unit organized a Beautician Training Program, which conducted every Saturday. The training provided to adolescent girls and women with practical knowledge in basic beauty care, hygiene, and grooming. The program benefited women from seven nearby villages around Sankeshwar, offering them a valuable platform for developing employable skills. The initiative proved especially impactful in rural areas where employment opportunities for women are limited, empowering participants to build confidence and explore income-generating avenues.
Socio – Emotional Learning Programs
DANCE TRAINING
Light to Life, Uppada, organized dance training sessions for children every Saturday. The program provides children with opportunities to perform during special celebrations and participate in school-level arts festivals. Currently, the children are learning Bharatanatyam, developing both their artistic skills and confidence through these regular sessions.
The session encouraged creativity, rhythm, and graceful movement, with children participating enthusiastically. Through engaging activities and step-by-step instruction, the class helped children improve their coordination, confidence, and expression while fostering a deeper interest in dance. The session was lively, energetic, and joyful, leaving the children motivated and eager to continue exploring dance as a form of both art and recreation.
DRAWING COMPETITION
Special Skill Development Sessions focusing on drawing was successfully conducted in all the Light to Life Units. A Drawing Competition was organized to encourage artistic expression among children. All the students participated with enthusiasm and displayed creativity through their drawings. The activity helped to boost imagination, self-confidence, and enjoyment in learning through art. The drawing and painting with water colours and crayons, simple decorative art helped children to improve creativity, concentration and boost their confidence. It gave children a creative platform to express their thoughts and imagination through art. Children were divided into groups by age and given themes – “Nature” and “My School.” Children participated with enthusiasm, expressing their ideas creatively through colours and drawings. The facilitators appreciated their efforts, and the event highlighted the children’s talents, confidence, and creativity. They were encouraged to take part in more such constructive activities in the future.
Children Activities & Competitions
MEHENDI COMPETITION
A Mehndi Competition was held as part of Independence Day celebrations. Girl students eagerly participated, showcasing their creativity through beautiful mehndi designs. The event added a festive spirit to the celebration and created joyful moments for all.
TAEKWONDO TRAINING
Light to Life, Uppada, organizes Taekwondo training for children every Tuesday and Saturday. The program goes beyond physical activity, helping children develop self-confidence and self-defence skills. The program is designed to cultivate a competitive spirit and prepare participants for school-level sports competitions, providing opportunities for children to showcase their skills in a structured and disciplined environment.
Training for Light to Life Facilitators
With the support from Mar Thoma Mission Board, HCDI during the last fiscal year 2024-25, Organized 10 different regionwise Training and Capacity building program for the Light to Life Project facilitators and Unit Administrators. The training program aimed to enhance teaching & facilitation skills, strengthen program implementation and support children’s holistic development.
The program also oriented Unit Administrators and Education Supervisors on resource mobilization, career guidance and financial accountability. HCDI Leaders trained the participant to adapt approaches to children’s evolving needs, with collaboration, continuous learning and innovation for stronger child development outcomes.
Current News
50 Celebrating Glorious years In Child-Care program
Golden Jubilee of Child Ministry (1975 – 2025)
31st Anniversary of HCDI (1944 – 2025)
1975 – 2025 A legacy of Service
This ministry was founded In 1975. Over past five decades, It has flourished, impacting and transforming the lives of more than a million children across the nation.
The Golden Future
As we celebrated 50 extraordinary years of transforming lives, we stand at the threshold of an even more promising future. The golden thread that began in Northern Kerala now weaves through the entire fabric of INDIA, touching lives, building communities and creating hope where none existed.
Our commitment for the next 50 years:
Every child we serve will not just survive, they will thrive. Every community we touch will not just change, they will lead change. Every partnership we will build will not just support, they will multiply impact. From the founding vision 1959 to the digital horizons of 2030, HCDI continues weaving golden threads of transformation, one child, one community, one dream at a time.