Documentaries produced for the Karuna Trust
Since 1980 the Karuna Trust has worked with some of India's most disadvantaged people. Most come from the communities which, under the caste system, used to be called 'untouchables'. Traditionally they were considered so inherently inferior that the merest contact with them would pollute those of higher caste. Forced to live apart from other communities, they were allowed to do only the filthiest and most menial jobs and for thousands of years were denied access to culture and education.
Today, more than 150 million of India's population come from these extremely poor communities and the vast majority still lack proper housing, medical care, education and employment prospects. Karuna funds projects such as slum kindergartens, educational hostels and adult literacy classes that are making lasting improvements to thousands of people's lives.
Karuna was established and is administered by Western Buddhists. We aim to promote dignity, self-confidence, and the breaking down of caste and religious barriers. Our projects are open to anyone in need regardless of their background.
A Peaceful Revolution
This video explores how the Karuna Trust is working with new Buddhists in India to bring about a brighter future for the former 'untouchable' peoples. (40 mins)
Bahujan Hitay
In this entertaining documentary we see how the combined efforts of The Karuna Trust and the Indian charity Bahujan Hitay (which means 'for the welfare of the many') have provided a powerful means of help for the ex-untouchable community in the form of boys' and girls' hostels. This programme explains why they are so important, what they offer children and how the children spend their time. (30 mins)
Among the Snow Lions of Tibet
In the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas is found the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Cultural Institute School - the first school for Tibetan refugees in India. This 22-minute programme visits the school's past and present. It includes interviews with the schools founder Dhardo Rimpoche, and joins children as they prepare to celebrate their Tibetan culture with colourful dances and songs.
For more information on this charity or if you would like to help them financially, see their website at Karuna