In August 2017, Ankit Arora embarked on a transformative journey across India, determined to explore the country's true essence by immersing himself in rural communities. For over 1,500 days, Ankit cycled through 15 states and 8 Union Territories, relying entirely on the hospitality and kindness of the people he met along the way. During his travels, he picked up skills in various traditional crafts, such as Madhubani painting, wood sculpting, and making coconut shell cutlery. His journey gave him a unique perspective on India's rich cultural diversity and the importance of sustainable development & simple living.
In October 2020, Ankit's passion for sustainability culminated in the creation of Innisfree Farm, a self-sustaining community village in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The farm, spread across two acres, is designed to serve as a hub for organic farming, traditional crafts, and natural construction. Using mud, recycled plastic, and other eco-friendly materials, Ankit and his team built homes that provide natural insulation and significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Innisfree Farm also utilizes plastic waste to create bottle bricks and reuses 100% of its waste to power eco-toilets and kitchens.
Beyond sustainability, Innisfree Farm is a space for education and community building. Local villagers and visitors come to learn traditional art forms like Gond and Pichwai painting, organic farming techniques, and eco-friendly construction methods. Ankit is now focused on expanding this model to other regions across India, collaborating with rural communities to promote sustainable practices and self-reliance.
His mission is simple: to build a greener, more sustainable future by connecting people with the knowledge and traditions that are slowly fading, ensuring they remain a vital part of India's cultural fabric.
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