About us
It all started with a big vision and small group of enthusiasts, who shared the same intention to make a change for a better society. That’s how Ananda Kalyani was founded, driven by the idea of creating harmonious society, building a project that would be dedicated to service to all human beings in its different aspects. In this page, explore how the project started and evolved into something that contributes to its ongoing vision nowadays.
Our History
Ananda Kalyani was founded in 2010, where the first of what are now approximately 36 hectares of land were purchased, covered in forests and hills in the rural area of Serra da Estrela. Since the modest beginning, the land has been transformed from a lush, abandoned valley into a vibrant, habitable space. The project and its community has grown over the past 15 years from a small group of visionaries to between 35 to 50 members and ‘extended family’ who live nearby and contribute to its mission.
Vision
Humanity thrives in harmony with nature. Guided by wise, spiritually minded leaders, a just society moves towards the well-being of all.
Mission
To set an example of community service, social and economic development, a regenerative relationship with nature, and decentralized regional self-reliance. We expand all possible services in the fields of education, culture, economics and spirituality to uplift the fate and elevate the standard of all people, and all living beings, irrespective of race, religion or nationality.
Our Ecosystem
While the main project area hosts retreats, workshops, the Ananda Festival of Bliss and other events; a berry orchard, vegetables gardens, a tree and seed nursery and agroforestry demonstration plots; an active kitchen that feeds residents, staff, volunteers, visitors and guests; a small and popular beach on the lovely River Caia surrounded by gentle, serene nature; we are part of, collaborate and partner with, a constellation of sister associations and their activities that serve and act to develop the wider community and region in an integral way. These include:
EcoAtivo
Ecoativo’s objective is to improve the relationship between human beings and the environment, to take care of ecosystems and to increase their resilience. Ecoativo website.
Ananda Kalyani
Ananda Kalyani is a project of Ananda Marga dedicated to spirituality, local development and holistic regeneration. We aim to serve as a model and educational hub for sustainable and regenerative living.
ARTivos
ARTivos is a cultural association that organises different cultural activities such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals, workshops and meetings in Portugal. More information about ARTivos.
Pequena Ilha Verde
Based on neohumanistic values, Prequena Ilha Verde provides forest school activities for the youngest inside and beyond our ecosystem. Official website here.
Ananda Café
Vegetarian restaurant founded by one of our family members that serves daily vegetarian food to nearby city and run different activities there. More information here.
Prout Research Institute of Portugal
Prout Research Institute of Portugal (PRIP) was founded in 2013 with the mission of making the socio-economic system PROUT known, in a comprehensive and demonstrative way. PRIP official website here.
AMURT
AMURT is a humanitarian association that works to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable people in society, including those affected by disaster and conflict. More information here.
Ananda Marga
Ananda Marga is a global spiritual and social service organization founded. The mission of Ananda Marga is self-realization and service to humanity: the fulfillment of the physical, mental and spiritual needs of all people. Ananda Marga Portugal website.
Projects that we are involved
Mãos na Terra
Following the devastating wildfires in our region, Mãos na Terra emerged as a community-driven response, joining forces with EcoAtivo to support landowners who were deeply affected by the destruction. Our volunteers are working on the ground to clear burned areas, replant native trees, and build water-retention structures that help the land regenerate and protect it from future floods. Since the beginning of the project, we have already supported more than 7 landowners, helping restore their land and bringing more green, life, and resilience back to our region in the near future
Community Harvests
Every year, we support landowners who don’t have the capacity to care for or harvest from their olive groves or other fruits. We harvest the olives, process them into olive oil, then return a share to the owners and keep the rest for community needs. In this way, the olive trees are cared for and their harvest is not wasted. Other fruits are also harvested and shared in a similarly mutually beneficial way.
AMURT: Cozinha Solidaria
In partnership with AMURT, we support several of their social initiatives. Every week, we provide our space for Cozinha Solidária, a project that prepares meals for people in need. Together with Refood, these meals are distributed to vulnerable residents in the nearby city of Covilhã.
Cova da Beira Cooperative
In collaboration with the Cova da Beira Cooperative, we’re strengthening the local economy through sustainable agriculture and community-led enterprise. By participating actively in the cooperative’s initiatives, we help create meaningful jobs, support food sovereignty and enable the region’s natural resources to be used responsibly — so the land, its people and the community all benefit together.
Learn More about us
Our Philosophy
Ananda Kalyani is a project dedicated to spirituality, local development and holistic regeneration. You are invited to read and know more about who we are, what we do and this place where we so much enjoy to be.
Volunteer with Us
Ananda Kalyani is a project dedicated to spirituality, local development and holistic regeneration. You are invited to read and know more about who we are, what we do and this place where we so much enjoy to be.