History of DIYA Foundation 

Based in Bangalore, Diya Foundation is primarily concerned with adult individuals with a mental disablility. The idea and concept of a Vocational Training Center that offered training in work skills and work options was generated when the founder, Mrs. Maria Santamaria was touched and moved by the helplessness and hopelessness of the mother of one of her students who was ready to leave the school program at the age of 18 with little or no life skills to deal with the challenges of the world outside. From this hopelessness a seed of hope grew, and a dream for a place where adult differently abled individuals could learn a trade and earn and face the challenges of life head-on was born.

Diya Foundation started, by Gerard and Maria Santamaria, was the first step of translating a dream and vision to reality. DIYA - which means a light to the future was registered as a Trust in March 1999. We started by offering pre-vocational training and then went on to introduce new vocational activities one at a time beginning with paper mache. Mr. Paul Dass of Pro-Vision India has been our mentor and guide through all our vocational activities and training.

Today, Diya Foundation manufactures and produces exclusive quality products which are on par with other products in the market.  These products are made at Diya by our differently abled staff and trainees who are mentally challenged. Some of the activities done at Diya at present are: beautiful resin fridge magnets, towel hooks, a range of pen stands, paper-mache bowls in different finishes and designs, beautifully designed diyas, handmade paper gift tags, gift bags, corporate folders, use-n-throw paper pens, citronella and lemon-based phenyl, ginger-garlic paste and dosa mix. For the future, we are looking at making designer candles and exquisite chocolates.  We also take on custom-made orders.