The last fortnight has seen some heavy debate on the Kashmir issue. What can the Government do, what should the hardliners do, what should the moderates do, what should anyone and everyone do …. I have not been following this on TV but in the world of social networks – blogs, twitter, FB and the like …. everyone has a view, and on occasion they have two. In all this, I noticed just one thread in common – it is always about what others can do ….

The last time I checked, the valley of Ladakh was a part of the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir – the same state about which there have been furious, and sometimes, angry discussions. Yet, there is nary a flutter of conversation about this picturesque valley which was inundated by floods – caused by a cloud burst – in August. Thousands have been left homeless. And winter sets in by next month end. When I say winter, I mean around minus 20 degrees Celsius.

As part of the Joy of Giving Week, and the India Giving Challenge – I am supporting a NGO called SEEDS that is building homes for Citizens of India, residing in Ladakh.

I had blogged earlier this month about why I was supporting them. This time around,  I will write about what they are doing in Ladakh. SEEDS India (Sustainable Environment & Ecological Development Group) and LEDeG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group) are working together to build housing in Ladakh using environment-friendly and energy efficient materials. The design is based on the traditional Ladakhi house, adding new disaster resistant features for future safety

The houses have large south facing windows to provide solar gain. Additionally the design of the homes have incorporated certain disaster resistant features including:

• Seismic bands – that would ensure that the house will survive an earthquake
• Double wall insulation with saw dust for thermal comfort – so that people inside don’t freeze to death
• Roofing and flooring has a layer of sawdust for insulation – likewise
• Mud bricks with a proportion of 7% cement in soil, which can be procured locally for strength and water resistance – local materials are usually the best to deal with local situations

Given the issues that the rest of the state is facing, there is a severe shortage of labour in Ladakh. Yet, a band of volunteers is making sure that as many people, as possible will be housed by the time winter sets in.

Ajay Prakash Yadav, an architect from Delhi and Dorjee, a local driver  preparing mud blocks from the block making machine. On an average day a Block Making Machine can make 1100 blocks of ‘brick’ that is used in construction of the homes.

SEEDS Finance Manager, Bittu and Abhishek, a volunteer from Bihar helping in block production. One machine requires six people including preparing the mix, block making and stacking. The blocks are stacked and cured for fourteen days before using it for construction.

If you want to help, in any way – money, time, labour – all of the above – talk to SEEDS. There are other NGO’s working in this area – but, this is the only one that I know personally and will vouch for.

you can find a copy of SEEDS LEDeG  strategy note here
If you want to volunteer , Call Saurabh, in SEEDS, at : + 91-9310789198
SEEDS FB group here

If you want to donate :

Give India Page for Seeds India or you can do so directly at the

Seeds India Website

The best way to sort out the Kashmir issue is to make sure that people in that state feel like citizens. And, the best way to do that is to ensure that you are a part of their lives. Ladakh is not just a place to visit for a nice photoshoot or a great holiday – it is a part of this country – and its residents need help.

As my business partner SR put it on a FB appeal – if you ever thought of visiting Leh/Ladakh or have been there – open up your wallets and donate 🙂