Dishantar

Dishantar is an NGO that believes in empowering citizens, especially the marginalized, to participate in governance and hold the state accountable. Ba Read moresed in Maharashtra, Dishantar works at the grassroots level to empower underprivileged communities for freedom and development. It has successfully implemented a tribal development programme, establishing a model tribal hamlet in Ratnagiri district. Through initiatives like providing access to modern amenities such as water purifiers and solar lights, Dishantar has uplifted communities from medieval conditions to embracing hi-tech tools for development. The organisation also supports the primitive shepherd community, striving to mainstream them by improving access to education, careers, and a better standard of living. Recognizing the crucial role of women, Dishantar promotes their economic and social empowerment, including livelihood activities for sustainable development. Furthermore, Dishantar is actively involved in education, providing support through Course Book Banks and scholarships for underprivileged college students, particularly orphans and those from single-parent families. It also focuses on capacity building for adolescents, aligning with Indian values to guide them towards a better future. Health initiatives, especially for women and children in rural areas, are prioritized, with health camps and ongoing support for medical treatments. Dishantar collaborates with charity trusts across Maharashtra to ensure continued assistance for community members in need of surgeries or costly treatments beyond the scope of one-day health camps.