Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity.  It is an act of justice.  It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.
                                                                                 ------------Nelson Mandela



Vishal Himalaya Foundation began operations in 2001 with establishment of its first computer center in a school in Akola. Soon, there were many. Small libraries were funded, gardens were created to tranform dusty spaces, programs in music and sports were introduced. In one slum school, a nutrition program was begun (later abandoned due to poor management). After realizing that the greatest need in schools was not for computers, but for teacher training, the Akola Teachers' Club (formerly Center) was created. A van, portable movie equipment and a collection of children's shows were assembled to provide mobile video education. This was later expanded to a 6000 story-book library. The collections continue to grow. A woodworking vocational training center was created to impart job skills to high school graduates.

A severe drought in 2004 involved VHF in building check dams in the parched saline tract villages NE of Akola. Once dams, sanitation and drinking water needs came to the fore. Working with Rotary International, projects were created in sanitation to equip every family in 2 villages with a clean, easy to clean toilet. Dams, toilets, and now RO filtration plants for safe drinking water are beginning to transform a few villages.

Vishal Himalaya Foundation was established in 1999 by founding Directors Eva and Yogi Agrawal of Mercer Island, Washington. VHF is a public Foundation. Donations to the Foundation are tax exempt in the USA. The Foundation is served pro bono by attorney Edwin Sterner of Seattle, Washington.