About Us

Nectar is located in rural Tamil Nadu just outside the spiritual pilgrimage town of Thiruvannamalai (Arunachala).

It is a Support Home for children from very poor families and also for children from difficult family situations. The children are mostly from the surrounding villages..

Nectar's origin began in 1996 when Arun Gopal, an alumnus of the Narayana Gurukula, inherited some land in the region and received donations from several friends and former colleagues in order to put it at good use..

The idea of a home for children formed quickly, as children from the surrounding areas kept visiting the new neighbour's premises revealing their problems and also several reasons for not attending school, and in 2007 a Charitable Trust was formed.

At Nectar, children are provided food and shelter, and they regularly attend school. Where possible children are encouraged to continue living at home while Nectar supports their school education meeting the cost for their food, shelter, simple clothing, education material and school fees. Those interested are being encouraged to study up to graduation..

Living at Nectar with vocationally trained staff and being exposed to people from different backgrounds (visiting friends and sponsors from India and abroad, volunteers etc.) they develop many skills and interests..

English is taught at the premises on a regular basis by either volunteers or the members of the staff. Also Nectar organizes regular music classes and art and craft workshops for the children with professional teachers. The children from the surrounding villages are welcome to join these classes..

Another of Nectar's objectives is to keep the children connected with nature. They learn about plants and their medicinal and nutritional value and about environment protection and sustainable waste management. Rice and seasonal vegetables are grown at the premises, and a few cows provide milk..

Nectar has also been open for destitute old people that are in need for a place to stay. Small cottages are provided to them for shelter, and they are given meals..

The staff at Nectar comprises the administrator, Ashok Gopal, who lives at the premises on a permanent basis, a cook and gardener from the surrounding villages and two other members who are qualified in alternative educational methods who also live at the premises..

The organization runs solely by donations from friends.

Many sponsors have visited the premises and keep visiting regularly.

Nectar always welcomes potential supporters and friends to drop in and see for themselves how this Charitable Trust is run.