“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. Our volunteers are one such example of inspiration with their selflessness in making a difference across 112 Aspirational Districts.

The Aspirational Districts Program leveraged the power of volunteers for 3 Mega campaigns. The volunteers were the key levers to address the needs of the most in need.

Surakshit Dada Dadi, Nana Nani Abhiyaan : A campaign that leveraged the immeasurable power of over 1.43 Lakh volunteers to ensure the well-being of the most-at-risk – the senior citizens, in 112 Aspirational Districts. 71 Years old ‘Abu Israr Ji was in extreme pain due to a severe medical problem. During lockdown his treatment was difficult. Volunteer, ‘Apna Saathi’ Pooja escalated this issue to the Social Welfare Officer. They supported Israr ji to get necessary treatment and surgery.

Saksham Bitiya Abhiyaan : A campaign that has introduced innovative learning to young girls during Covid-19 through young women volunteers, to bring back equitable education for all. Motivated by the messaging on building back equal education, Volunteer Savita Kumari stitched masks for girl students in her class to ensure their safety and continuity in the classes. She built trust among parents through her actions.

Here are a few more inspiration stories straight from our selfless and bravehearts.

“In the class young girls are learning Socio, Emotional and Ethical skills through poetry and various activities. Girls are enthused over these activities and join my classes with new energy every day. I am proud I am doing my bit for society, said Sumitraben Vasava, a volunteer from Narmada, Gujarat for Saksham Bitiya Abhiyaan.

On the other hand, Apna Saathi Sakshi from Begusarai, Bihar said, “Senior citizens are most vulnerable to Covid 19. The Surakshit Dada-Dadi, Nana-Nani Campaign gave me an opportunity to extend my support to the elderly in remote districts. I feel immense satisfaction receiving their blessings.”

Nandurbar district- one of the smallest aspirational districts of Maharashtra, is witnessing a significant shift in its governance at grassroots level with the onset of the District Magistrate Fellowship. The DM Fellowship has emerged as a beacon of hope for accelerating development in the tribal-conflict district bringing in synergy among the departments to implement government schemes.

Anchored by District Magistrate’s Office, Nandurbar, with support from Piramal Foundation, Nandurbar district today is Ranked #5 in Champions of Change ranking (Dec’2020). The DM Fellowship has fostered convergence among 12 departments to ensure 100% Welfare Scheme Fund Utilization in the district. It started with 50 young change makers (fellows) in 2020, who have helped Nandurbar evolve remarkably by collaborating with District Officials across different sectors, through regular interventions, community mobilization and partnership with diverse agencies and NGOs to fast track development through implementation of Government Welfare Policies, through enabling effectiveness with Government Officials and Panchayat stake holders in the district.

DM Fellows continue to play a vital role in being the key players and catalysed change in areas of Education, Health & Livelihood, leading to transformation in 27 development indicators across the three sectors in the district.

‘We aim to transform governance from the grassroots and focus on the micro planning of each sector to achieve the indicators laid down by the NITI Aayog for the Aspirational Districts Program. Such focused intervention at the rural level will positively impact and improve the quality of living of individuals, and help to achieve our goals and contribute to nation building in the future’- Dr. Rajendra Bharud (IAS), District Collector and District Magistrate, Nandurbar, Maharashtra, shares his long-term vision of the DM Fellowship, Nandurbar.

“I didn't get rations at all during lockdown phase because my ration card was burnt. I am alone. My wife expired and I don't have any children. You people are God for me”- Birender Rai, Raniganj Village, Araria, Bihar

The pandemic left the entire country at a toss. Amid this crisis, it was the elderly who had been highly impacted physiological changes associated with ageing, decreased immune function and multiple morbidities. With our collaborative efforts with NITI Aayog, the Surakshit Dada-Dadi, Nana-Nani Abhiyaan could create a successful shield over 2.9 million Senior Citizens ensuring their well –being, safety, security, and dignity across 25 Aspirational Districts.

Over 151 NGOs across 27 states, and 250 colleges, 336 Panchayat Samitis and 2413 SHGs across 112 Aspirational Districts have joined hands in driving behaviour change through family members, PRIs, Teachers, and other Community members.

The success of our campaign to safeguard our elderly was balanced on the three-pronged approach of prevention, access and detect. The campaign has sparked a movement of hope, of care, and compassion, as more and more people were seen joining it to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our senior citizens.