At the heart of Shekhwal Farms, where the wind carries the scent of earth and the rhythm of rural life beats gently, something simple yet meaningful has been unfolding,a soap-making initiative that brings the community together through tradition, sustainability, and care.
What began as a small idea, to create natural, handmade soaps using ingredients grown or sourced locally, has blossomed into a source of pride for the people of Shekhwal. More than just a cleansing bar, each soap tells a story of land, hands, and heritage.
Why Soap? Why Here?
In a world full of commercial products, the people of Shekhwal wanted something pure something that reflects their values. With abundant coconut, olive, and herbal plants, the idea of turning these into something useful and wholesome made perfect sense. Soap, after all, is a daily essential and making it ourselves means knowing exactly what touches our skin.
The initiative also created an opportunity for skill-sharing, especially among women and young adults who are eager to learn something new yet deeply rooted in tradition.
The Process: From Farm to Foam
The process is simple, but it carries the richness of knowledge passed down generations. Using cold-pressed olive oil and virgin coconut oil as a base, the soap is blended with lye (safely and carefully), stirred by hand, and poured into molds. Additives like neem, aloe vera, turmeric, goat milk, or even dried rose petals can be included to create different varieties, each with unique benefits. The possibilities are endless.
Natural drying under the village sun takes several weeks, during which the soap matures and becomes gentle for skin use. The final product is wrapped in biodegradable paper, turning something useful into something beautiful.
Community Impact
This project would do more than just make soap. It will creat jobs, build confidence, and foster a sense of collective achievement. Many of us involve had never considered themselves artisans, but now proudly speak of “their” soap. learning chemistry in a way textbooks never taught. Even others with stories of traditional remedies, find their wisdom valued once more.
Looking Ahead
What started at Shekhwal Farms is now inspiring everyone . Plans are underway to offer workshops and build a small training center so more people can learn the craft. With each bar of soap, the message is clear: sustainability is not a luxury, it’s a tradition, and one worth preserving.