The Vision Behind Deepyogini (Tewa Centre)

During Tewa’s leadership transition, and in response to a significant drop in bank interest rates due to Nepal’s armed conflict, the Tewa Executive Board made a strategic decision. With the Founder’s suggestion and leadership, it was agreed to invest the endowment fund of NPR 17.02 million into the Tewa Land & Building Development Project (TL&BDP). Over 11 years, this project expanded, generating funds and leading to the development of key infrastructures, including:

Upahaar – an arcade of shops
Tewa – the Tewa office building
Santoshi – the cafeteria
Rangamanch – the open-air theatre
Jamghat – the covered hall
Aadhar – the office block

Despite these developments, Tewa faced challenges in generating income from the invested endowment fund. Recognising this, in 2011, the Founder returned to lead the Sampanna (Fulfilling) Campaign (SC)—a bold initiative aimed at completing Tewa’s vision of a self-sustaining women’s fund.

The Sampanna Campaign (2011–2014)

With the agreement of the Tewa Board, the Sampanna Campaign (SC) set out to:

Raise an estimated USD 900,000 to complete the residential facilities and final landscaping.
Construct the remaining infrastructure and essential amenities.
Establish Deepyogini (Tewa Centre) as a model of self-reliance, ecological harmony, and ethical service.
Delink the Centre from Tewa’s management while keeping it under Tewa’s legal and financial oversight.

The campaign was successfully led by Founder Rita Thapa, Board Chair Meera Jyoti, and TL&BDP Co-coordinators, with Louise Davis coordinating efforts in the USA. Supported by the entire Tewa team and the Nava Durgas (a network of supporters—seven from the global North and two from Nepal), the campaign exceeded expectations.

Achievements of the Sampanna Campaign (SC)

USD 996,062.55 raised (exceeding the original target), with USD 113,142.62 donated by Nepali supporters.
100+ Tewa grantee groups became donors to the SC.
Nearly all Tewa staff and members contributed to SC.
Construction of Aanandi and Aanandi 2, two major residential buildings, completed within a year each.
Additional infrastructure completed, including kitchen annexes, a grotto, a Saraswoti shrine, and improved landscaping.
The project was made possible through AM Construction Company, their skilled workers, and dedicated site supervisors Lahasim Prem Maharjan and Deepak (Sainla) Tamang.

Honouring Contributions

Tewa expresses deep gratitude to every individual and organization that contributed to this remarkable achievement, including:

The Nava Durgas
Tewa’s grantee donors
Nepali and international donors
Organizations and foundations globally
Tewa’s volunteers, members, and staff
The dedicated SC leaders and their team

SC Monument

A 54-foot-long, 14-foot-high hand-sculpted stone monument now stands in front of Aanandi 2, honouring the Sampanna Campaign’s donors and showcasing exquisite Nepali stone-carving craftsmanship.

The 25 April 2015 Earthquake

Deepyogini (Tewa Centre) was fortunate to escape structural damage during the devastating 7.8 M earthquake in 2015. However, the Aadhar building required reconstruction of its three lower floors out of five. By September 2015, Aadhar was fully operational once again.

The Purpose of Deepyogini (Tewa Centre)

Deepyogini (Tewa Centre) was established as an income-generating initiative to ensure Tewa’s long-term self-reliance. However, its impact extends far beyond financial sustainability. The Centre serves as:

A model of organic, mindful living, fostering harmony with nature, ecology, and the earth.
A space that promotes a culture of care and sustainability in daily living and consumption.
A haven for rest and reflection, open to those seeking peace and purpose, including national, regional, and international networks associated with Tewa and Nagarik Aawaz (which shares the space).

The Philosophy & Values of Deepyogini (Tewa Centre)

Aligned with Tewa’s core principles, Deepyogini operates with transparency, accountability, respect, diversity, and frugality. As a service-oriented space, it is driven by love, generosity, and ethical responsibility. While income-generating, its purpose is not merely profit—it seeks to sustain:

Dignity and self-sufficiency
Abundance, sharing, and gifting
Ongoing empowerment and self-reliance

Why Visit or Stay at Deepyogini (Tewa Centre)?

For a unique and meaningful stay in Kathmandu, Deepyogini offers an experience unlike any other:

A testament to women’s leadership – Built and managed by Nepali women for over 20 years.
A not-for-profit initiative – Every rupee generated directly supports Tewa and its work for women across Nepal.
An eco-conscious sanctuary – Designed to be in harmony with nature, fostering an atmosphere of peace and sustainability.

A direct impact on women’s empowerment – Your stay contributes to strengthening grassroots women’s groups throughout Nepal.