The Sanskrit word sattva means the energy of goodness, purity, truth, harmony and happiness. Development focused on maximizing the quality of sattva is both truly sustainable and most capable of enhancing all round well-being.

The Sattva Alliance for Sustainable Development has been established to promote this principle both through advocacy and direct action.

History

The Sattva Alliance was begun in 2003 by a group of development professionals inspired by the spiritual teaching of India's ancient Vaishnava culture as presented by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (ISKCON) ,

Having been actively leading the development of NGOs (Non Government Organizations) working for sustainable development in village India they sought to find ways to combine their experience and interests in furthering people-centered development

The goal was to combine effective strategies like micro-finance, village participation, village health and sustainable agriculture with a non-sectarian approach to the development of people's inner life or spirituality.

In other words, while pursuing immediate objectives like reducing poverty, ill health and other obstacles to well-being, to achieve long term development with both equity and spiritual growth.

The Sattva Alliance for Sustainable Development was thus established to foster mutual support, professional development, exchange of ideas, funding and joint programs amongst partner NGOs that share a dedication to sustainable development that is truly holistic.