Mithraniketan

Mithraniketan. Mithraniketan. Mithraniketan. This word took me a full two weeks and much practice to say. However, this education facility, or place of learning and human interaction, has been in existence for a much longer period of time. Since 1956, Dr. Reghu and the center at Mithraniketan has been providing an education to those in lower castes or in rural areas, who would otherwise have little access to education or livelihood development. Currently there are 320 students at the center, 80% from tribal or lower caste backgrounds. All are from Kerala, largely due to the fact that Kerala speaks a unique language from India’s other states, the language of Malayalam. [Yes this is a palindrome.] There are some visitors from around the world who come to Mithraniketan to take or teach supplementary courses in yoga, coconut tree climbing, and more. Some visitors come to share their own talents, assisting in the building of lavatories or other needed services. When this 65-acre campus began, Laurie Baker resided here and designed the science center and several other buildings including the home the director now resides in. The majority of the facilities are centered about education, with a people’s college and a science and technology program. There are also additional community outreach components, such as an agricultural union for small farmers.

Dr. Reghu and Jerry

Kissing Goats

Learning to Sari

Laurie Baker at Mithraniketan