The Slow Grind Revolution: GJKS Expands Traditional Hand-Chakki Production to Sattu, Besan, and Millets

When we launched our Traditional Stone Hand Chakki unit for wheat, the response was overwhelming. People realized that the “convenience” of modern mills had cost them the “nutrition” of traditional food.

Encouraged by this success and the growing demand for absolute purity, GJKS is expanding the Hand Chakki operations.

We are proud to announce that our “Cold Pressed” grinding method is now being used for our premium range of Bhatti Sattu, Pure Besan (Gram Flour), and Millets.

Why Hand-Grinding Matters for Sattu and Besan

While wheat benefits from stone grinding, Sattu and Besan are transformed by it.

1. The Sattu Secret: Keeping it Cool
Sattu is known as a natural coolant for the body. However, when roasted gram is ground in high-speed electric machines, the friction generates intense heat. This heat kills the natural “cooling” property of the Sattu before it even reaches your glass.

  • The GJKS Way: Our women grind the roasted gram slowly by hand. Since no heat is generated, the Sattu retains its natural cooling properties, distinct aroma, and earthy flavor. This is Sattu as it was meant to be tasted.

2. Besan: The Texture of Taste
Commercial Besan is often a fine, powdery dust that turns into a sticky paste.

  • The GJKS Way: Our Hand-Ground Besan has a slightly coarse, “Danedar” texture. This texture allows for better aeration when cooking, resulting in fluffier Pakoras, lighter Dhoklas, and melt-in-the-mouth Ladoos.

3. Millets: Respecting the Grain
Millets are delicate superfoods. High-speed processing can denature their proteins.

  • The GJKS Way: By cold-pressing Kodo, Ragi, and Jowar, we ensure that the complex carbohydrates and fiber content remain 100% intact, offering you the full health benefit of the grain.

The “Clean-Before-Grind” Promise

Just like our wheat, we uphold the strictest hygiene standards for these new products:

  • Chana (Gram): Washed and sun-dried before roasting and grinding.

  • Millets: Manually cleaned to remove any grit or husk.

This ensures that our Besan and Sattu are free from the dust and stones often found in loose market products.

Scaling Up Employment

Expanding the Hand Chakki line was a conscious decision to create more jobs.
Grinding hard Chana (Gram) and tough Millets requires strength, patience, and time. By expanding this difficult manual process, we have employed more women who would otherwise be displaced by machines.

When you hold a packet of our Hand-Ground Sattu, you are holding the result of hours of physical labor, done with pride.

Taste the Purity

Slow food is better food. It tastes better, it digests better, and it feels better. We invite you to experience the difference of Cold Pressed Sattu, Besan, and Millets.

Now stocking at the Hamaragaon Smart Store.

Cold-Pressed & Hand-Ground: Experience the Taste of Real Wheat and Multigrain Atta

In the race for speed and mass production, the world forgot the taste of real bread. Modern high-speed electric mills generate immense heat during grinding, which burns away the essential nutrients, natural oils, and sweetness of the grain.

GJKS is turning back the clock to bring you the purest form of nutrition.

We are proud to announce the start of our Traditional Stone Hand Chakki Unit. Our SHG women are now producing Fresh Wheat Atta and Mixed Grain Atta using the age-old method of manual stone grinding.

The “Cold Pressed” Advantage

Just as cold-pressed oil is superior to refined oil, Hand-Ground Atta is superior to mill flour.
Because the stone chakki is turned by hand, the process is slow and generates almost no heat.

  • Nutrient Retention: The vital vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that are usually destroyed by the heat of electric mills remain intact.

  • Natural Taste: The flour retains the natural aroma and sweetness of the wheat, making your rotis softer and tastier.

Unmatched Hygiene: Washed, Dried, Ground

Most commercial flour brands skip the cleaning process. The wheat goes straight from the sack to the grinder, often carrying dust and impurities.

At GJKS, we follow the strict domestic hygiene standards of a village home:

  1. Triple Cleansing: Every grain of wheat is manually cleaned to remove stones and husk.

  2. Washing: The grains are thoroughly washed with clean water.

  3. Sun Drying: They are naturally sun-dried to perfection before being brought to the chakki.

This level of care ensures that the flour you get is 100% pure and safe.

Turning Manpower into Livelihood

The most beautiful aspect of this initiative is its impact on employment.
A modern electric machine can grind tons of flour with just one operator, leaving others jobless. A Stone Hand Chakki, however, requires immense physical effort and manpower.

By choosing this traditional method, we are effectively creating jobs.
What might seem like “labor-intensive” work to the world is a source of dignified livelihood for many women in our village. Every packet of flour you buy directly pays for the hard work of the woman who ground it by hand.

A Healthy Mix

We are currently offering:

  • Classic Wheat Atta: For soft, fluffy chapatis.

  • Mixed Grain Atta: A powerful blend of grains for those seeking a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet.

Taste the Difference

We invite you to try our Hand-Ground Atta. It is good for your gut, good for your health, and great for the livelihoods of rural women.

Experience the tradition. Buy Hand-Ground Atta at the Hamaragaon Smart Store.

No More Power Cuts, Only Progress: GJKS Opens Round-the-Clock Library; Seats 100% Full Instantly

For a student preparing for a life-changing exam, two things are non-negotiable: Silence and Light. Unfortunately, in rural households, both are often hard to find due to domestic distractions and frequent power outages.

GJKS has stepped in to change this narrative.

We are delighted to announce the opening of our 24×7 Community Library, a dedicated sanctuary for students ranging from Class 9 to those preparing for competitive government exams.

The Problem: Darkness and Distraction

We realized that many talented students in our villages fail not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack the environment to focus.

  • Power Cuts: Studying at night is often impossible due to load shedding.

  • Lack of Space: Small homes often lack a quiet corner for deep concentration.

The Solution: Uninterrupted Learning

Our new library is designed to address these specific challenges.

  • 24×7 Access: Whether a student is an early riser or a night owl, the doors are always open.

  • Inverter Backup: We have installed a robust power backup system to ensure that even when the village goes dark, the lights in the library never flicker. This ensures 24 hours of electricity, allowing students to study without interruption.

An Overwhelming Response: 100% Full on Day 1

The hunger for education in Ballia is undeniable.
We opened our doors today, and the response was instantaneous. within hours, we enrolled 30 students, filling 100% of the available seats.

To see every chair occupied on the very first day is a moment of great pride for us, but it also highlights the massive demand for such facilities.

Promoting a Culture of Excellence

This library is more than just a room with tables; it is a competitive hub. By bringing serious aspirants together under one roof, we are fostering a peer-learning environment similar to what is found in major education hubs like Kota or Mukherjee Nagar.

Future Expansion

With the seats fully booked and inquiries still pouring in, it is clear that we need to grow.
Based on this immediate success, GJKS has already begun planning the expansion of the library to accommodate more students. We are committed to ensuring that no determined student is turned away due to a lack of space.

The lights are on, the seats are full, and the future of Ballia is bright.

The Return of ‘Shree Anna’: SHG Women Revive Traditional Millets to Power a Healthy Ballia

For decades, the world chased refined wheat and white rice, forgetting the golden grains that kept our ancestors strong. Today, the world is waking up to the power of Millets, now recognized globally as “Shree Anna” (Divine Grains).

GJKS is proud to announce that we are bringing these superfoods back to your dining table.

Our Self-Help Groups have officially started the processing and packaging of a comprehensive range of Millet Flours and Grains. We are not just selling flour; we are selling health, heritage, and resilience.

A Platter of Nutrition

Leveraging our advanced grinding machinery, our women entrepreneurs are now producing:

  • Kodo Millet (Rice & Flour): Known as a miracle grain for diabetics, Kodo is high in fiber and low in sugar. We offer it in both rice form and flour form.

  • Finger Millet / Madua Flour: A calcium powerhouse. Essential for growing children and elderly bone health.

  • Sorghum (Jowar) Flour: A cooling grain, perfect for digestion and heart health.

  • Corn Flour (Makka): Freshly ground, yellow maize flour, perfect for winter rotis.

  • Mixed Millet Flour: A balanced blend for the perfect multigrain bread.

Why the Shift to Millets?

Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are on the rise, even in rural areas. The root cause is often our diet.
Our SHG women realized that to build a healthy community, we must change what is on the plate.

  • Gluten-Free: Great for those with wheat intolerance.

  • Low Glycemic Index: Helps manage blood sugar levels naturally.

  • Chemical-Free: These hearty crops require fewer pesticides to grow, making them naturally cleaner than conventional wheat or rice.

Farm to Flour: The Processing Advantage

The market is full of packet flours that have been sitting on shelves for months.
At GJKS, we follow a “Just-in-Time” processing model.

  1. Sourcing: We procure raw grains directly from local farmers who practice sustainable agriculture.

  2. Cleaning: The grains are hand-cleaned and sun-dried by our SHG members.

  3. Grinding: They are slow-ground in our community machines to ensure the nutrients are not lost due to excess heat.

Reviving the Local Economy

By creating a market for Kodo, Madua, and Jowar, we are encouraging local farmers to grow these drought-resistant crops again. This saves water (as millets need very little water) and boosts the farmer’s income.

Join the Millet Revolution.
Switching to these grains is a small change in your kitchen, but a giant leap for your health.

Fresh, pure Millet Flours and Kodo Rice are now available at the Hamaragaon Smart Store.

Chemistry in the Village: Women Entrepreneurs Formulate Skin-Friendly Soaps using Aloe and Tulsi

Innovation is not confined to high-tech laboratories in big cities. Sometimes, the most meaningful innovation happens in a village courtyard with a few simple ingredients and a lot of determination.

GJKS is excited to share the latest venture of our Self-Help Groups: The production of Herbal Soaps and Handwash.

Moving beyond food processing and textiles, our women are now stepping into the Personal Care sector. They have successfully begun experimental production of hygiene products using two of India’s most powerful medicinal plants: Aloe Vera and Tulsi (Holy Basil).

Why Aloe Vera and Tulsi?

The market is flooded with chemical-laden soaps that often dry out the skin or cause allergies. Our SHG women decided to look to nature for a better solution.

  • Aloe Vera: Sourced locally, it is known as a natural moisturizer. It soothes the skin and ensures that frequent hand washing doesn’t lead to dryness.

  • Tulsi: Known in Ayurveda as a powerful disinfectant, Tulsi provides natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making the soap an effective shield against germs.

By combining these two, we are creating a product that is tough on germs but gentle on hands.

The Spirit of Experimentation

What makes this initiative special is the scientific approach the women are taking. This is not just about mixing ingredients; it is about formulation.

The group is currently in the experimental phase, testing different ratios of Aloe gel and Tulsi extract to find the perfect balance of lather, fragrance, and cleaning power. They are learning about saponification, pH balance, and essential oils—skills that are turning them into rural chemists.

Promoting Hygiene and Health

This initiative serves a dual purpose:

  1. Livelihood: Personal care products have a high market value and are used daily in every household, promising good profit margins.

  2. Community Health: By producing affordable, high-quality handwash locally, we are encouraging better hygiene practices within the village, which is crucial for preventing diseases.

Coming Soon to a Sink Near You

The initial batches have shown promising results, receiving positive feedback for their natural fragrance and skin-friendly feel. Once the formula is perfected and certified, we plan to launch these herbal soaps and handwashes at our Hamaragaon Smart Store.

GJKS: Where nature meets innovation.

Breaking Boundaries: GJKS SHG Products Graduate from Village Lanes to District Markets

For a rural entrepreneur, the village boundary is often the hardest line to cross. Many initiatives succeed locally but fail to reach the wider market due to logistics, quality standards, or competition.

Today, GJKS is proud to declare that our women have crossed that line.

Our range of SHG products—including our famous Bhatti Sattu, Pickles, Ghee, and Spices—has officially reached the District Level. What started as a small initiative in a remote village is now a recognized brand making its presence felt in the district headquarters and major town centers of Ballia.

Competing with the Giants

Reaching the district market is not just about transportation; it is a testament to quality.
In the village, sales are often driven by community relationships. In the district markets, our products sit on shelves alongside established commercial brands.

The fact that customers in the district are choosing our Handmade Pickles and Pure Ghee over factory-made alternatives proves one thing: Purity sells. The urban and semi-urban customers are realizing that the authentic taste provided by our SHG women is unmatched by industrial competitors.

Strengthening the Supply Chain

This expansion represents a massive leap in our logistical capabilities.

  • Better Packaging: To compete at the district level, we have upgraded our packaging to be durable, attractive, and hygienic.

  • Reliable Logistics: We have established a supply chain that ensures fresh produce moves from the village manufacturing units to district retail points efficiently.

More Sales = More Livelihoods

Why does this milestone matter?
A village market has a limited number of customers. By unlocking the district market, we have opened the floodgates of demand.

  • Increased Production: To meet district demand, our grinding machines and pickle units are now running at full capacity.

  • Job Security: Higher sales volume guarantees a steady, year-round income for our women, rather than just seasonal earnings.

The “Hamaragaon” Brand

Our brand is no longer just a village secret; it is becoming a district identity. We are proving that “Made in Rural India” stands for quality, trust, and health.

As we see our delivery vehicles heading towards the district headquarters, we carry with them not just cartons of goods, but the aspirations of every woman who worked to produce them.

From the village to the district—today. Tomorrow, the state.

Bridging the Digital Divide: How GJKS is Transforming Rural Ballia One Click at a Time

In the 21st century, computer literacy is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, for many young people in rural India, the digital world remains a distant dream, separated by barriers of cost, infrastructure, and access.

In the district of Ballia, the NGO GJKS (Gramin Jan Kalyan Sansthan) is tearing down those barriers.

Recognizing that talent is distributed equally but opportunity is not, GJKS launched an ambitious initiative: Free Computer Education for Rural Youth. Today, we are proud to announce a major milestone in this journey. We have successfully educated and certified over 500 youth across the villages of Ballia.

The Mission: Skills for Livelihood

The program was born out of a simple observation. While rural youth in Ballia possess immense potential and ambition, the lack of technical skills often excludes them from the modern job market.

GJKS set up community computer centers designed to be accessible to the most vulnerable sections of society. The curriculum goes beyond basic typing; it covers essential software, internet navigation, digital communication, and data management—skills that are highly sought after in today’s economy.

Empowering Her: A Focus on the Girl Child

One of the proudest achievements of the GJKS initiative is the high enrollment and success rate of young women. In many rural settings, boys are often given priority when it comes to technical education. GJKS has worked tirelessly to reverse this trend.

By providing a safe, supportive, and free learning environment, we have encouraged hundreds of girls to step out of their homes and into the classroom.

For these young women, computer literacy is more than just a skill; it is a tool for empowerment. It provides them with a voice, access to information, and most importantly, the ability to secure independent livelihoods.

Real Impact: From Learning to Earning

The true measure of our success is not just in the number of certificates distributed, but in the lives changed.

“Before joining the GJKS center, I had never touched a computer,” says one of our recent graduates. “Now, I am working as a data entry operator in the city. I can support my family and stand on my own feet.”

This sentiment is echoed by many of the 500+ alumni of the program. By bridging the skills gap, GJKS is helping rural youth transition from unemployment to meaningful careers. They are finding roles in local businesses, government service centers, and administrative offices—jobs that were previously out of reach.

Looking Ahead

Reaching 500 students is just the beginning. The demand for digital literacy in Ballia is growing, and GJKS is committed to expanding its reach. Our goal is to ensure that no child in Ballia is left behind due to a lack of resources.

As we look toward the future, we invite the community, donors, and volunteers to join us. Together, we are not just teaching computers; we are programming a brighter, more self-reliant future for rural India.


How You Can Help

  • Donate: Support the purchase of new computers and software.

  • Volunteer: Share your technical skills with our students.

  • Spread the Word: Share this story and help us reach more youth in need.

The Sweet Taste of Success: SHG Women Begin Production of Chemical-Free Jaggery (Gur) and Vinegar (Sirka)

In the agricultural belt of Ballia, sugarcane is a common crop. However, for years, small farmers and laborers saw little profit from it, often selling raw cane to mills at low rates or facing delayed payments.

GJKS decided to change this narrative. We are excited to announce that our Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have moved into Sugarcane Processing, launching the production of pure, additive-free Gur (Jaggery) and natural Sirka (Vinegar).

Returning to Roots: Chemical-Free Jaggery

Market shelves are full of bright yellow jaggery, which often looks appealing but is loaded with chemicals like hydros and artificial colors.

Our SHG women have taken a pledge of purity.

  • The Process: They use traditional iron woks to boil fresh sugarcane juice, using natural clarifiers (like wild okra stems) instead of harsh chemicals.

  • The Result: The Gur produced is dark, mineral-rich, and packed with iron. It is the perfect healthy alternative to refined white sugar, offering immunity benefits during the winter months.

The Natural Healer: Sugarcane Vinegar (Sirka)

Alongside Jaggery, we have revived the art of making traditional Ganne ka Sirka (Sugarcane Vinegar).
Fermented naturally over months in earthen pots, this vinegar is distinct from the synthetic, acetic acid-based vinegars found in supermarkets.

  • Digestive Gold: Traditional Sirka is known for its probiotic properties and ability to aid digestion.

  • A Perfect Pair: This vinegar isn’t just a product for sale; it also supports our Pickle Unit, ensuring that the pickles we produce are preserved using our own high-quality, natural vinegar.

From Farm Laborers to Manufacturers

This initiative is a classic example of Value Addition.
By processing the cane themselves, the women earn significantly more than they would by selling the raw crop. They control the quality, they control the price, and they reap the rewards.

Taste the Tradition

With winter approaching, there is no better time to switch to healthy sweeteners.
Our pure Desi Gur and natural Sirka are now available for purchase. When you buy these products, you are not just sweetening your tea or seasoning your salad—you are adding sweetness to the lives of the women who made them.

Available now at the Hamaragaon Smart Store.

A Vote of Confidence from the Grassroots: Over 40 Sarpanchs Pledge Support to GJKS Mission

Real change happens when the community takes ownership of it. At GJKS, we have always believed in working with the village, not just in the village.

Today, that belief was validated in the most powerful way possible.

In a landmark gathering, between 40 to 50 Sarpanchs (Village Heads) from across the region came together to formally appreciate the work of GJKS and pledge their unwavering support for our future initiatives.

The Ultimate Validation

The Sarpanch is the pulse of the village. They know every family, every struggle, and every need of their constituency. For such a large number of elected representatives to stand up and endorse an NGO is rare.

It serves as the ultimate “Quality Check” for our work. It confirms that our initiatives—from the SHG livelihood centers and 24×7 Library —are making a visible, tangible difference in the lives of the people.

Moving from Appreciation to Action

This gathering was not just about speeches; it was about strategy.
The Sarpanchs have pledged to support GJKS by:

  1. Providing Infrastructure: Helping identify land or vacant community buildings for new libraries and training centers.

  2. Mobilization: Encouraging more women and youth in their respective villages to join our skill development programs.

  3. Conflict Resolution: Acting as mediators to ensure our programs run smoothly without local hurdles.

“We Have Seen the Change”

The sentiment of the gathering was best summarized by one of the senior Sarpanchs present:
“We have seen NGOs come and go. But GJKS has stayed. We see our daughters working on computers, our women running businesses, and our children studying in the library. This is the development we voted for, and we will support it with full force.”

A Stronger Alliance for the Future

With the backing of the local administration, the path ahead for GJKS is clearer and smoother. This alliance between Civil Society (GJKS) and Local Governance (Sarpanchs) creates a powerful engine for development.

We are deeply humbled by this trust. It fuels our determination to reach not just 50, but 500 villages in the years to come.

Together with the leaders of the soil, we build a better Ballia.

Spicing Up Livelihoods: From ‘Amra’ to ‘Aam’, Our SHGs Master the Art of Pickle Making

In India, a meal is considered incomplete without the tangy, spicy kick of Achar (pickle). It is more than just a condiment; it is a tradition passed down through generations of mothers and grandmothers.

GJKS is proud to announce that our Self-Help Group (SHG) women are turning this age-old domestic skill into a thriving commercial enterprise. We have officially launched our Handmade Pickle Production Unit.

A Jar for Every Taste

We wanted to ensure that there is a flavor for every palate. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, our women are now producing a diverse range of pickles:

  • The Classics: Traditional Mango and Lemon pickles, sun-dried and spiced to perfection.

  • The Spicy: Fiery Green Chilli and robust Mixed Vegetable pickles to add heat to your plate.

  • The Healthy: Vitamin C-rich Amla (Gooseberry) pickle, blending health with taste.

  • The Special: The unique and tangy Indian Hog Plum (Amra) pickle—a regional delicacy that brings a nostalgic burst of flavor.

“Dadima’s Recipe,” Market Standards

What sets these pickles apart from mass-produced factory brands? The Human Touch.

Our production process strictly follows traditional methods combined with modern hygiene standards:

  1. Selection: Only the freshest, unblemished fruits and vegetables are handpicked.

  2. Spicing: We use hand-ground spices and pure mustard oil to ensure the authentic “homemade” aroma.

  3. Preservation: No artificial colors or harmful chemical preservatives are used. We rely on the traditional science of sun-drying, salt, and oil to preserve the freshness naturally.

Turning Seasons into Sustenance

In rural areas, seasonal fruits like mangoes, amla, and hog plums often go to waste if they aren’t sold immediately. By converting them into pickles, our SHG women are practicing Value Addition.

They are extending the shelf life of these perishable items from a few days to over a year. This ensures that the income from the summer mango harvest or the winter amla harvest sustains their families all year round.

Taste the Purity

These jars of happiness are now ready for your dining table. By purchasing these pickles, you are not just buying a side dish; you are keeping a culinary tradition alive and supporting the financial independence of a rural woman.

Available now at the Hamaragaon Smart Store.