Our Story
Founded in 2007 by Bahrath Lal Meena, Apna Desh Association is dedicated to uplifting communities through women empowerment, rural development, and poverty alleviation. We’ve made strides in decreasing poverty, empowering women, and providing critical facilities during disasters. Join us in our mission to create lasting impact and build a brighter future for all.
ABOUT US
Apnadesh Association (ADA) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in India that is deeply rooted in the belief that individuals possess an inner urge to contribute to the welfare of others, according to their capacity, without seeking personal recognition. Founded in 1991 by Bharat Lal Meena, a young IAS officer in Belgaum District, Karnataka, ADA was established with the vision of involving communities more actively in the implementation of government schemes and programs. As the CEO of the Zilla Parishad, Meena realized that for government initiatives to have a meaningful impact, community participation was essential. The results of this approach were remarkable, leading to more effective implementation and positive outcomes.
ADA operates with the primary aim of eliciting community involvement in various government schemes and fostering support from the community at large. The organization emphasizes activities that do not require financial contributions but instead rely on active participation. These activities include creating alcohol-free areas, promoting savings habits, organizing tree plantation drives, facilitating informal teaching, donating old books and clothes to the needy, and protecting community assets. ADA seeks to instil a collective mindset among individuals, encouraging them to prioritize the welfare of the community over personal interests.
The objectives of ADA are centered on promoting selfless service and fostering a culture of community engagement. By creating alcohol-free zones, encouraging savings habits, supporting environmental conservation, and protecting community assets, ADA aims to build stronger, more resilient communities. The organization also emphasizes the importance of informal teaching and resource donation, ensuring that knowledge and materials are shared with those in need. Through these initiatives, ADA continues to inspire individuals to contribute to the collective well-being, demonstrating that meaningful change can be achieved through participation and a commitment to others.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
Aims of Apnadesh Association (ADA)
- Elicit Community Involvement: Encourage active participation in government schemes and programs, ensuring that every individual contributes to community development and welfare.
- Promote Selfless Service: Instill the value of selfless service in individuals, motivating them to act for the greater good without seeking personal gain or recognition.
- Foster a Collective Mindset: Cultivate a sense of community where individuals prioritize collective well-being over personal interests, promoting the idea of “We” rather than “I.”
- Encourage Non-Monetary Contributions: Focus on activities that require participation rather than financial contributions, leveraging the inner urge of individuals to help others according to their capacity.
Objectives of Apnadesh Association (ADA)
- Create Alcohol-Free Areas: Work with communities to establish zones free of alcohol, reducing its negative impact on society and fostering healthier living environments.
- Promote Savings Habits: Educate and encourage communities to develop savings habits, building financial resilience and security without relying on external support.
- Support Environmental Conservation: Organize and promote tree plantation drives, contributing to a greener environment and instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature.
- Facilitate Informal Teaching: Encourage community members to share their knowledge and skills with others, promoting continuous learning and development within the community.
- Organize Donation Drives: Collect and distribute old books and clothes to the needy, ensuring resources are reused and reach those who need them most.
- Protect Community Assets: Mobilize communities to protect and maintain local assets, ensuring their preservation and continued benefit to all members.
- Promote Selfless Community Engagement: Foster a culture of selfless service, encouraging individuals to put others first and actively contribute to community initiatives.
Core Values of Apnadesh Association (ADA)
- Community Involvement: Encouraging active participation in societal development.
- Selfless Service: Promoting contributions for the greater good without personal gain.
- Collective Responsibility: Prioritizing the welfare of the community over individual interests.
Core Values of Apnadesh Association (ADA)
VISION & MISSION
To empower communities by fostering active and sustained participation in government schemes and programs, ensuring every individual contributes to the collective well-being and progress of society.
- Community Mobilization: Facilitate widespread community engagement in government initiatives by raising awareness, providing necessary information, and encouraging collaborative efforts that require collective participation rather than financial resources.
- Inclusive Growth: Work towards inclusive development by ensuring that all members of the community, especially those from marginalized sections, are involved in decision-making processes and implementation of government schemes.
- Capacity Building: Organize workshops, training sessions, and awareness drives to build the capacity of communities, enabling them to actively participate in local governance and development activities.
- Volunteer Network: Develop and strengthen a robust network of volunteers across Karnataka to support and lead initiatives that promote non-monetary contributions to community development.
- Advocacy and Outreach: Advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of government programs, ensuring that communities are informed and empowered to voice their needs and concerns.
- Sustainable Development: Promote sustainable practices and community-driven initiatives that align with government schemes, ensuring long-term benefits for the community without financial burdens.
OUR TEAM
Dr. Rupa Vasudevan
President
Bharat Lal Meena
Founder & President
Ruby Schrute
Caregiver
Sophie Turner
Professional Caregiver
William Bill
Caregiver
