Empowering Social Visionaries
kanthari is a leadership institute based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in the south of India. We offer a 12-month training program for individuals who have overcome adversity and are committed to creating ethical social change.
At kanthari, change makers are given the space to experiment, research, and transform their ideas into practical, sustainable initiatives. Our participants come from across the world and from diverse educational and social backgrounds. Some hold university degrees, while others have had little or no formal education. Some live with disabilities, while others do not. What is important is a sense of ownership, motivation, creativity, talent, and passion to create a positive social impact in their communities and have the strength to be forces of good rather than victims of circumstance.
Our training equips participants with the practical tools needed to start and lead an NGO, organization, or social venture. Core learning areas include project planning, accounting, fundraising, policy development, curriculum development, research, venture profiling, public speaking, and branding. These hands-on workshops are led by an international network of experts we call catalysts.
kanthari is the flagship program of Braille Without Borders Charitable Trust, a registered charitable trust based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Institutional Recognition
kanthari is a recognized Training Partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Training Partner ID: 342626
Training Centre ID: 346591
kanthari is also recognized within the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) framework through the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), where it serves as an Industry cum Implementation Partner.
Braille Without Borders – Charitable Trust (kanthari Leadership Training Centre), Kerala, is affiliated with MEPSC for the job role: Entrepreneur (MEP/Q5103).
On the Study in India platform (SII), Braille Without Borders is listed under Institute ID: MHA-5657-11,
offering the course: Diploma in Entrepreneurship Skills Development.
Legal Registration & Compliance Details
Parent Organization: Braille Without Borders Charitable Trust
Registration Date: 25 January 2005
Registration Number: 45/05/05
Registered Address: Vivekananda Nagar, Mukaloormoola, Ookode, Nemom P.O, Trivandrum 695020, Kerala, India
Tax & Compliance Information:
- 80G Certificate Number: Currently, renewal under process
- 12A Certificate Number: ITBA/EXM/F/EXM44/2026-27/1089150044(1)
- NGO Darpan ID: KL/2025/0736169
Why kanthari?
A kanthari is a plant that grows wild in every backyard of Kerala, a small but very spicy chili with numerous medicinal values. A kanthari is also a symbol for those who have the guts to challenge harmful traditions and the status quo, who have fire in their belly and a lot of innovative ideas to make a positive difference. For us, a kanthari will become the symbol of a new type of leader – a leader from the margins of society. The “kanthari” chilli comes in five colors, each one is dedicated to a different type of social change maker: kanthari Colors
Organisations that are started by kanthari graduates address, amongst many others, the following topics:
Protection of the Environment
– Water shedding
– Food security
– Agriculture
– Waste management
– Animal husbandry/beekeeping– Forestation
– Seed banks of indigenous plants
– Lake and river protection
– Slum development
Social causes
– Domestic Violence
- Gender Based Violence (GBV)
– Sexual harassment
– Peace and conflict management
– Tribal conflict
– Intercultural Dialogue
– Female circumcision
– Discrimination
– Discrimination against people with Albinism
– HIV and Survivors of Epidemic Diseases– Migrant workers
– Good Governance
– Street children
– Sex workers
– Empowerment of women, widows, and single mothers
– Empowerment of prisoners
– LGBTQ rights
– Human rights / Child rights
– Superstition
– Investigative Journalism
Education
– Alternative education
– Tribal education
– Empowerment of youth through Art, Entrepreneurship training, and Advocacy
Disability
– Empowerment of the blind
– Integration
– Mental health and addiction
– Equality in the workplace
"The kanthari training is a goldmine! There is no better place to learn how to become a Social Entrepreneur. When I got to kanthari in 2012, my project was scattered here and there, but through the transformation concepts and many other sessions, I was able to transform my project and ideas into a Social Enterprise that would make a meaningful impact. I realized my potential during the course, learned about the importance of collaborating with your beneficiaries, and creatively solved problems. The experience gave me wings to fly with my dream, and today, kanthari made me an agent of change all the time, everywhere!"
- Lawrence Afere (Nigeria) kanthari graduate 2012, founder of springboard