NORTHEAST ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EMPOWERMENT
MEET THE 1st COHORT of CSOs
Ajagar Social Circle
Established in 2001, Ajagar Social Circle (ASC) is dedicated to uplifting northeastern communities through various initiatives focused on livelihood promotion and education. The organization has garnered recognition from esteemed donors such as NABARD, the World Bank, and Tata Trust, and operates primarily in Goalpara, Dhubri, and Chirang districts. ASC prioritizes its efforts towards vulnerable populations, including ST (Rabha), ST (Bodo), and SC (Sutradhar) communities, particularly in remote regions, aiming to enhance socio- economic development. With a bold vision to impact 75,000 underserved individuals by 2026, ASC aspires to emerge as a leading organization in the region. Through its multifaceted community services, ASC endeavors to enhance access to institutional and financial resources for sustainable development.
Aman Foundation
Established in April 2021, AMAN Foundation is dedicated to serving society primarily through its flagship initiative, the AMAN Education Program. With a core mission to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable livelihoods, AMAN focuses its efforts on empowering rural communities in Assam, specifically in the riverine areas of Barpeta district. Through a combination of educational interventions, training sessions, and awareness programs, AMAN aims to empower youth and marginalized groups, including daily wage earners, farmers, and children. The foundation envisions sustainable livelihoods with dignity, particularly in flood- prone regions, as a means to foster development. By actively engaging communities and promoting local cultural heritage, AMAN strives to cultivate resilience and cultivate an environment of peace and contentment in rural areas.
AsHA
Based in Kachukata village, Kokrajhar district, AsHA is dedicated to fostering socio-economic development through its livelihood and education initiatives. Founded by local youths, AsHA’s overarching goal is to establish a just society. The organization operates across 1 district, 5 blocks, and 40 villages, implementing various activities aimed at community upliftment. These activities encompass supporting 50 Self Help Groups (SHGs), establishing 6 Village Organizations, and extending assistance to 2500 households. AsHA’s target beneficiaries include SHGs, BPL families, migrant laborers, and tribal communities. With a vision to create a peaceful society and a mission centered on empowering rural communities through education and sustainable livelihoods, AsHA is committed to making a meaningful impact in the region.
Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust
Established in 2015 under the Trust Act by the Government of India, Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust is dedicated to providing sustainable livelihoods to underprivileged youth. The trust focuses on skill development, offering training and placement assistance to ensure candidates are well-equipped to meet industry requirements. Its objectives extend to promoting high-quality education and empowering smallholder farmers through the adoption of sustainable agriculture technology. With a mission to facilitate youth training through exceptional management and learner-centered academic programs, Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust envisions developing high-quality manpower resources to enhance livelihoods and build futures.
Diya Foundation
Diya Foundation is dedicated to fostering a just society by serving the deprived and underprivileged, regardless of caste, religion, or creed. With a vision to cultivate a self-reliant, sustainable, and dignified society, its mission revolves around enhancing community capacities and promoting sustainable resource utilization. The foundation’s focus areas encompass small and marginal households, tribal communities, and tea tribes, with a particular emphasis on women’s empowerment and institution building. Operating across Assam (in Kamrup and Goalpara Districts) and Meghalaya (in Ri-Bhoi District), Diya Foundation’s interventions span 11 Development Blocks in Assam and 1 in Meghalaya. Renowned for innovative livelihood models such as homestead land productivity enhancement and decentralized renewable energy initiatives, its approaches have garnered widespread recognition and endorsement for their effectiveness, leading to replication across Assam by numerous organizations.
MOSONiE Socio- Economic Foundation
Founded in 2016 under the Companies Act, MOSONiE is committed to fostering shared responsibility and contributing to resource rejuvenation. With a vision to create a SMART North East India – Sustainably Managed and Rejuvenated Transformation (SMART), its mission is to uplift marginalized communities in the region by developing resources and promoting socio-economic growth. Guided by core values of inclusivity, honesty, and hard work, irrespective of race or affiliation, MOSONiE undertakes key initiatives such as establishing the MOSONiE NCPE School with 84 students, organizing 7 health camps benefiting over 1000 individuals, providing livelihood training to households, and engaging in environmental conservation efforts such as planting 10,000 fruit trees and installing 226 Solar Home Lighting systems.
People's Endeavour for Social Changes
Established in 1997, PESCH is a non-profit organization headquartered in Tamenglong, Manipur, with a primary focus on Education, Water, Gender, and Energy & Environment. Guided by a mission to foster a harmonious society through justice, peace, equality, and sustainable development, PESCH has achieved significant milestones. Notably, it has successfully implemented Slope Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) farming, benefiting 7111 farmers, and planting a total of 50,000 orchard crops. Among its initiatives, PESCH has played a pivotal role in establishing three rural markets, providing a platform for 300 vendors, and supporting 200 beneficiaries in livestock rearing. Registered in March 1997, PESCH remains steadfast in its commitment to driving social change and empowering communities in Manipur.
People's Resource Development Association
Originally founded as a youth group to aid flood-affected communities during the construction of the Ithai Dam in Manipur, PRDA has evolved its focus towards livelihood promotion, women and child rights, access to entitlements, and natural resource management for marginalized sections in the state. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, PRDA demonstrated its commitment by providing relief to 7000 individuals and supplying 163 oxygen concentrators through ActionAid Association of India. The organization has further established counseling centers catering to 200 youths, facilitated over 100 blood donations, supported 51 looms, assisted 80 women with livelihood opportunities, and contributed to environmental conservation efforts by planting over 5000 saplings in the Bishnupur district.
Rural Aid Service
The Rural Aid Service (RAS) is a non-profit, non-political, and secular organization established in Manipur in 1995 under the Societies Registration Act of 1989. With a vision to foster self-sustaining, self-reliant, and dignified communities, RAS is committed to inspiring and empowering people to utilize resources sustainably and access essential social services. Its direct beneficiaries include landless farmers, women, and youth, while indirect beneficiaries benefit from training and awareness programs. RAS ensures that direct groups actively participate in decision-making processes, needs assessment, and knowledge dissemination, particularly focusing on agriculture and livestock management.
Rongmei Baptist Association
The Rongmei Baptist Association (RBA) envisions a just, integrated, and equitable society, fostering justice, peace, and communal harmony. Their mission entails collaborating with communities to promote development, gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on empowering marginalized rural poor. Notable achievements include introducing pineapple cultivation in Mhainamtsi Village and pioneering Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Peren District. Through initiatives such as GPS mapping, they advocate for land rights and facilitate infrastructure development, notably improving road connectivity in neglected border areas. RBA’s impactful efforts resonate through enhanced socio- economic well-being and empowered communities.
Realm of Nature Based Action
Established in 1985, the Realm of Nature Based Action (RNBA) is a grassroots NGO committed to socio-economic development across Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam. RNBA’s core focus lies in promoting indigenous eco-cultures, enhancing income generation opportunities, fostering peace processes, and building grassroots capacities. With a vision of a self-reliant society where individuals recognize their responsibility towards humankind and nature, RNBA’s mission revolves around ensuring sustainable ecosystems, partnering with the impoverished, striving for peace and justice, and promoting equitable livelihoods. Noteworthy are RNBA’s interventions that have directly impacted 148 villages, benefitting 93,113 families and 1,51,693 individuals, with an estimated 6,06,772 indirect beneficiaries.
SANJOG
SANJOG, a prominent livelihood promotion organization in Assam, operates extensively across four lower Assam districts, providing vital interventions and emergency relief during crises such as COVID-19 and floods. The organization has successfully piloted initiatives such as mushroom and climate-resilient vegetable cultivation, significantly impacting marginalized households. SANJOG also champions the promotion of bio-digestors and sustainable farming practices, forging partnerships with organizations like Fair Climate Fund and KOSHER climate for large-scale projects. Committed to achieving lasting impact, SANJOG prioritizes disaster risk reduction, livelihood restoration, and WASH initiatives, collaborating closely with DISPECS for support. With a strong focus on renewable energy, SANJOG collaborates with the SELCO Foundation to promote micro- enterprises and expand outreach, thereby advancing sustainable community development.
Sanathan Unnayan Sangstha
SANATAN UNNAYAN SANGSTHA, established in 2007, dedicates itself to serving rural and vulnerable populations in Assam’s Barak Valley, with a particular focus on Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts. Guided by the motto “Serve among the weaker sections of society,” their vision is to create a happy society where everyone lives with self-respect, dignity, and pride. Their mission encompasses providing cost-effective, sustainable health and education services, generating employment opportunities in agriculture, and addressing disaster-related needs. Grounded in values of truth, honesty, and humility, they have made significant strides in improving mental health, reducing domestic violence, empowering Self Help Group members, enhancing education outcomes, and providing crucial support during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and floods. Additionally, they prioritize initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, ensuring that families live in healthier hygienic conditions.