The Center for Experiencing Socio-Cultural Interaction (CESCI) is a non-profit organization located near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It provides training for social activists and offers an environment for reflection and recharge from the demands of grassroots work.
CESCI embodies direct solidarity with social organizations and activists advocating for the rights of the landless, women, and marginalized communities. Its success is largely due to the efforts of individuals following Gandhian philosophy who strive for social change. For over three decades, thousands of activists have worked on awareness-building, social rights, and self-help groups, often coming from the same communities that they serve, allowing them to understand and address local issues effectively.
Our Vision
“To empower communities through education, nonviolence, and collective action for a just, peaceful, and sustainable society.”
Our Mission
CESCI Madurai envisiges a society rooted in justice, peace, and sustainability, where marginalized communities can live with dignity and contribute to social change. Guided by nonviolence, inclusiveness, and solidarity, CESCI empowers youth, grassroots organizations, and communities to become agents of transformation. The Centre serves as a platform for intercultural dialogue, learning, and collaboration, bringing together local and global civil society actors to pursue equality and ecological well-being. CESCI aims to foster human relationships based on compassion, cooperation, and respect for diversity.
Our Objectives
- Support people in the social change process, reduce oppression, and promote social justice.
- Organize training, education, awareness, and communication programs for social activists, NGOs, and not-for-profit institutions to facilitate social change.
- Enhance development projects by equipping personnel with knowledge, motivation, and practical skills.
- Initiate development-oriented dialogue among individuals from diverse cultures, religions, and disciplines in and outside India.
- Network with like-minded institutions and individuals to create synergies and common action programs.
- Provide a platform for interaction and idea exchange, promoting nonviolence and social transformation based on Gandhian principles.
The CESCI Support Association
At the CESCI Support Association, we are committed to promoting socio-cultural interaction, social development, and sustainable living, with a strong focus on empowering children, youth, and women. Our vision is rooted in building stronger communities through education, leadership training, and eco-friendly practices, leading to a more just, inclusive, and peaceful society.
Gandhian Philosophy at the Core
Our work is deeply inspired by the Gandhian values of nonviolence, self-reliance, and Swadeshi (local self-sufficiency). We believe in promoting ethical living, cooperative community models, and the principle of trusteeship, where resources are used for the benefit of all. This approach guides us toward the vision of Sarvodaya—universal upliftment.