The organization also offers conferences, videos and other content on the topics of altruism in action and compassion, two states of mind that considered as essential to solving current societal, economic and environmental problems. Thus, according to Matthieu Ricard: "Altruism is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is also the most pragmatic way to meet the challenges of the 21st century". 2015 Earthquakes in Nepal The organisation was particularly active following the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal. Karuna-Shechen provided help to over 200,000 people living in 620 remote villages, including 14,445 tarps, more than 850 tons of food, and more than 70,000 hygiene and medical products. The Shechen monastery linked to the organization became a centre for urgent medical care for injured people. More than million was raised for these operations. References External links Karuna-Shechen's Official website McManus, Matthieu Ricard's new humanitarian site: Karuna-Shechen, 27 June 2008, TED Foreign charities operating in India Foreign charities operating in Nepal Foreign charities operating in Tibet Development charities based in France Humanitarian aid organizations Poverty-related organizations