Vision
A world in which happiness, prosperity, trust and ecological balance are realised through responsible human participation.
Our Story
The Journey Towards Coexistence
SHAPE Foundation grew from a continuing inquiry into happiness, prosperity, relationships, social order and balance with nature. That inquiry led to Madhyasth Darshan and, eventually, to the establishment of SHAPE Foundation in 2020.
What is the basis of lasting happiness, trust in relationships, and harmony with nature?
SHAPE at a glance
A practical direction for a happy and prosperous society.
Mission
To support people, institutions and initiatives that contribute to holistic human development and mutually enriching relationships among individuals, society and nature.
Long-Term Goal
To strengthen a growing network of capable institutions and communities working towards a Sustainable, Happy and Prosperous Earth.
Inquiry
Questions that began the journey
The story begins with a simple discomfort: material progress was rising, but fulfilment, trust and balance were still fragile.
Human beings continue to make extraordinary material and technological progress. Yet dissatisfaction, conflict, insecurity and ecological imbalance remain widespread.
For Ummed Nahata, these questions became central to his personal and professional journey. They created a search that moved beyond temporary solutions towards a more comprehensive understanding of human life and coexistence.
Founder Story
The journey of Ummed Nahata
Born and raised in Sardarshahar, Rajasthan, Ummed Nahata grew up observing traditional community life, family dynamics, and the close relationship between people and their local environment.
As his professional work took him to various parts of the country, from Assam to Mumbai, he gained extensive exposure to modern business practices, urban development, and different social strata. This dual exposure between close-knit rural roots and high-growth commercial environments highlighted a deep disparity: despite increasing material comfort and technological advancement, genuine fulfilment and societal harmony remained elusive.
This led to years of questioning the conventional definitions of development, progress, and success. In 2013, he was introduced to Madhyasth Darshan. The comprehensive framework of coexistence answered many of his queries, offering a clear structure to connect consciousness, human aspirations, relationships, and nature.
After several years of study, dialogue, and personal reflection, he established SHAPE Foundation in 2020 to provide institutional shape and support to initiatives translating these co-existential principles into practical life.
Timeline
Milestones of the journey
A continuing inquiry that moved from personal questions to an institution supporting work across India.
Early Inquiry
Questions around happiness, human relationships and social development begin shaping the journey.
2013
Introduction to Madhyasth Darshan opens a more comprehensive direction of study and reflection.
2020
SHAPE Foundation is established to support meaningful institutional and social work.
Present
SHAPE collaborates with a growing network of initiatives across five interconnected domains.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
SHAPE Foundation was established in 2020 to support people and institutions working towards humane education, responsible healthcare, sustainable production, justice and fair systems of exchange.
SHAPE Foundation was founded by Ummed Nahata following a long personal journey of inquiry, study and engagement with Madhyasth Darshan.
A. Nagraj (1920–2016) was the propounder of Madhyasth Darshan. His sustained inquiry into human life and existence led to the articulation of this comprehensive philosophy of coexistence.
Madhyasth Darshan is a comprehensive philosophy that presents existence as coexistence. It explores human aspirations, relationships, society, and nature as interconnected dimensions of mutual fulfilment.
Jeevan Vidya–Sah-Astitva is a practical process of study, dialogue, reflection and verification in living, based on the proposals of Madhyasth Darshan.