Welcome to Shivanjali Creative Arts and Crafts, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering underprivileged women and strengthening community wellbeing since our founding in 1997. Established to support the families of patients at the Siva Shantha Mother and Child Health Center (SSMCHC), Shivanjali was born from a vision of compassionate care that extends beyond healthcare into economic empowerment. We recognized that sustainable livelihoods could transform lives, and we committed ourselves to providing women with the skills and opportunities needed to build a brighter future.


Our products showcase the vibrant beauty of Indian craftsmanship, bringing traditional artistry to a global audience. Each piece created by our artisans is more than a product; it is a symbol of their resilience, creativity, and journey toward economic independence. Shivanjali Creative Arts and Crafts stands as a bridge between cultural heritage and social impact, where every purchase supports the welfare and livelihoods of the talented women artisans at the heart of our enterprise. Through this work, we proudly contribute to both individual empowerment and the greater wellbeing of our community.

Our Inspiration: Our Guru: His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi

Our work at Shivanjali is deeply inspired by our guru, His Holiness Swami Shantanand Saraswathi (Swamiji), a disciple of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. Swamiji’s teachings, grounded in the universal principles of Serve, Love, Give, encourage us to bring compassion and purpose to everything we do. His message of Manava Seva is Madhava Seva—“Service to humanity is service to God”—is a guiding force in our commitment to support and empower women, families, and communities through our initiatives.

Temple of Service: Siva Shantha Mother and Child Health Center (SSMCHC)

Established in 1986, SSMCHC, affectionately called our “Temple of Service,” is a three-story, fully equipped healthcare facility dedicated to the health and well-being of women and children. Following a compassionate "Pay What You Can" model, SSMCHC ensures that financial limitations do not prevent anyone from receiving care. The center provides a comprehensive spectrum of promotive, preventive, and curative health services tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Special Services at SSMCHC:

 1. 3 Months to 3 Years Care: This unique program supports the health and development of a child from three months of conception through to three years of age, encompassing critical stages of growth.

 2. Holistic Health Care: SSMCHC integrates modern medicine with complementary treatments, including Ayurveda, naturopathy, acupuncture, yoga, counseling, and prayer. This holistic approach offers patients an encompassing path to wellness, treating not just the physical symptoms but addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

 At SSMCHC, we honor Swamiji's vision by creating a sanctuary where healthcare and compassion meet, fostering a healthy, vibrant community through every stage of life.

OUR FOUNDER

Dr. Uma Deavi

Dr. Uma Deavi, an Indian native who grew up in Malaysia, is the visionary founder of Shivanjali Crafts and the creator of the iconic Kannamma doll. Her journey began in 1995, while practicing medicine in a small clinic in Coimbatore. Dr. Uma observed that poverty was a major factor in the illnesses and malnutrition afflicting women in the community. Determined to bring change, she envisioned a way to uplift these women through sustainable livelihoods that offered not only income but also dignity and pride.

Driven by a mission to empower women trapped in the cycle of poverty, Dr. Uma sought a simple, easy-to-teach craft that would provide immediate employment. She along with her friend, Ms. Hema, established the Shivanjali Crafts stitching unit, beginning with only a few sewing machines and basic stitching skills. In an era without online tutorials or DIY resources, Dr. Uma and her team taught themselves the art of doll-making from books and passed that knowledge on to the women who came to them seeking work. Through trial, error, and dedication, they refined their skills and developed a close-knit community that felt more like family than coworkers.

What started with just four women and a single Kannamma doll design in a 200-square-foot space has now, 27 years later, blossomed into a thriving enterprise with a diverse range of dolls, crafts, and initiatives. Under Dr. Uma’s leadership, Shivanjali Crafts continues to create economic opportunities for women and celebrate Indian heritage, leaving a legacy of compassion, resilience, and empowerment.

Social Impact

At the heart of Shivanjali Crafts is a dedication to social impact. We work closely with underprivileged women, offering them skill-building opportunities in areas like tailoring, embroidery, craft-making, and culinary arts. This initiative provides steady income and valuable skills that foster financial independence, allowing these women to support themselves and their families. Our “pay what you can” model at SSMCHC is supported by Shivanjali Crafts, creating a sustainable network where the proceeds from each purchase directly contribute to the welfare of our communities. Each item sold not only represents skilled craftsmanship but also a step towards a more empowered future for the women who create them.

Our Other Initiatives

  • Doll and Craft Making Unit

    This manufacturing unit produces paper crafts, custom bags, and our signature Kannamma dolls, all meticulously handcrafted.

  • Little Indians Tailoring Unit

    Specializing in ethnic and casual children’s clothing, the Little Indians tailoring unit combines traditional styles with modern comfort. This initiative not only brings unique apparel to market but also empowers women by providing skills and sustainable income.

  • Shivanjali Cafe

    This multi-cuisine vegetarian café is renowned for its authentic Malaysian cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience for patrons. Beyond serving great food, the café provides local women with employment opportunities, contributing to community welfares.

  • Canteen

    The canteen is a hub for nutritious meals and fresh refreshments, providing affordable and delicious options. It serves as a support system for the Siva Shantha Mother and Child Health Center, ensuring access to quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors.

  • Shivanjali Sweets and Spices Outlet

    Dedicated to preserving the flavors of India, our sweets and spices outlet produces an array of traditional treats, savory snacks, pickles, and spice powders. This venture offers women training in culinary skills and gives customers a taste of authentic Indian delicacies.

  • Shivanjali Craft Store

    Our Craft Store showcases a diverse range of traditional Indian handicrafts, supporting artisans by offering them a platform to share their talent. Each product is carefully curated, bringing a piece of India’s artistic heritage into every home.

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Shivanjali is more than just a marketplace — it’s a movement towards sustainable impact. With each purchase, you join us in uplifting lives, promoting traditional artistry, and celebrating India’s incredible diversity.