Karmasthan: Our BTM Layout Volunteering Hub
We built this space in BTM Layout so anyone can walk in, learn, and contribute to the movement. From sign language classes to book circles, this is where our weekend plans come to life.
The name changed, but the heart is still 100% Smileys. Karmasthan is the next chapter in our journey, a dedicated space for volunteering, inclusion, and community events.
An intimate classical music performance marked the opening of Karmasthan. Here, a performer in a wheelchair shares his talent, embodying the spirit of inclusion that our space stands for.
The audience enjoys a soulful performance by talented musicians on the Karmasthan stage. We host these intimate gatherings to celebrate art and build our core community.
A wider view of the performance stage at Karmasthan. The space is equipped with professional lighting and sound to provide a great experience for both performers and the audience.
From the audience's perspective, a beautiful shot of a veena and tabla performance at Karmasthan. Our space is designed to create a close connection between artists and listeners.
A schedule of our first weekend activities at Karmasthan. We kicked things off with a Deaf Bookwave event and an eco-friendly Rakhi making workshop, setting the tone for our inclusive programming.
We were so excited to host Deaf Bookwave at Karmasthan, an event exclusively for the Deaf community. It's our commitment to being a Deaf ally and ensuring our space is for everyone.
We host events like the Book Circle at Karmasthan to build new communities around shared passions. It's a great way to disconnect from devices and connect with fellow book lovers.
The happy faces from our very first Book Circle at Karmasthan. What was planned as a two hour meetup turned into three hours of passionate conversation about our favorite books.
An invitation to our eco-friendly Rakhi making workshop at Karmasthan. We provide all the materials and guidance for volunteers to learn a new skill while contributing to a good cause.
About Karmasthan: Our BTM Layout Volunteering Hub
When you step into Karmasthan, don’t expect a sterile office. It’s a 6x6 to 8x8 ft setup designed for connection, where we clear the floor for everything from eco-friendly workshops to live acoustic music. It’s not just about the event—it’s about using this BTM Layout hub as a launchpad for the weekend volunteering shifts we run at over 25 special schools across the city.
Our Home Base
Back in 2011, we were just friends painting and laughing on Sundays. As 'Smileys' grew into 'The Inclusion Movement,' we needed a place to call our own. That’s how Karmasthan was born—India’s first physical space dedicated entirely to volunteering and inclusion.
What Happens Here
Karmasthan is not just a room; it is a community accelerator. We keep the schedule packed with:
- Inclusive Workshops: Whether it’s eco-friendly Rakhi making with the Indian Roots Foundation or craft sessions, we focus on hands-on learning that brings people together.
- Deaf Allyship: We are committed to bridging communication gaps. We host events like 'Deaf Bookwave' and regular Indian Sign Language (ISL) workshops to ensure the Deaf community has a space that is truly accessible.
- Community Circles: Our 'Book Circle' meetups turn into 3-hour conversations about our favorite reads, proving that when you get the right people in a room, the conversation flows naturally.
- Creative Showcases: The stage at Karmasthan sees everything from soulful classical music performances by differently-abled artists to open mic poetry sessions.
Why We Do It
We believe in the power of 'us.' Whether you are here to learn sign language, help prep for our Tandav festival, or just want to spend a Sunday afternoon doing something meaningful, you belong here. This space was built for volunteers, by volunteers. If you are in BTM Layout or just looking for a way to give back in Bangalore, drop by. Let’s create something real together. Josh, high?
Smileys
We started as a group of friends wanting to give back on Sundays, and we never planned on growing this big. We built Karmasthan to keep that early, raw energy alive—a place where you can drop in for a workshop, help us prep for a festival, or just hang out with our community.
Find your next community event
Explore our upcoming inclusive workshops and gatherings in Bangalore.
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