Project RISHI, The Berkeley Chapter
Community Service/Nonprofit·Environmental/Sustainability·Pre-Health·Research·Education·South Asian
Project RISHI (Rural India Social & Health Improvement) is a student-run nonprofit focused on sustainable development in Bharog Baneri, a village of 1,400 people in Himachal Pradesh, India. Members join one of four project teams: Education, Water & Sanitation, Women's Empowerment, or Health. On campus, teams research and fundraise; in the field, they implement projects like rainwater harvesting systems, health camps, and career panels for village students. The club recruits each fall and spring semester.
ApplicationsTBD
2008
Year Berkeley chapter founded
1,400
Village population served
4
Active project teams
Events They Host
Design-A-Thon (Rainwater Harvesting System)
Campus event organized by the Water & Sanitation team, most recently in 2026, with a sustainable development speaker panel also held in Fall 2021. Sponsored by TGIF.
Career Panel at Bharog Baneri Secondary School
Annual panel for grades 11-12 with speakers from IIM Sirmaur and Central University of Himachal Pradesh on higher education and career pathways.
Dental Camp
4-day dental camp at Bharog Baneri PHC and a mobile clinic across all wards in partnership with NGO Saathi Cares; provided free dental cleanings and extractions to 250+ villagers.
Cancer Education Camp
Partnered with Global Cancer Concern India to bring accessible cancer education and resources to Bharog Baneri.
Ocular Camp
Collaborated with VisionSpring to bring an optometrist to the village for vision screenings and glasses distribution.
Reusable Pad Distribution and Menstrual Health Education Event
Partnered with PINKISHE to distribute 1,000+ reusable pads and host a female gynecologist who taught menstrual hygiene to 200+ women and schoolgirls.
Agricultural Workshops
Workshops for 150+ farmers on natural farming and horticulture in partnership with KVK Institute, Horticulture Development Block, and PARAYAS Society NGO.
Teen Health Awareness Workshops
Workshops for grades 9-12 on puberty, mental health, and relationships, with separate sessions for schoolgirls and schoolboys.
Member Experiences
Annual India Trip
Members travel to Bharog Baneri, Himachal Pradesh to conduct fieldwork including teacher interviews, community focus groups, health camp coordination, and project implementation. Most recently documented as the 2025 India Trip.