Beautiful Chiplun

Dishantar firmly believe that “Democracy works when citizens and the most marginalized people have the capability to ask questions, seek accountability from the state and participate in the process of governance.  Democracy becomes meaningful when people can shape the state and the state, in turn, creates enabling social, political, economic and legal conditions wherein, people can exercise their rights and realize the freedom from fear and want”.

Dishantar is a grassroots NGO presently working in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.  The organization’s goal is to empower the underprivileged community in their drive for freedom and development. The organization has brought forward model Adivasi hamlet i.e. Nirbade Khindwadi in Chiplun block of Ratnagiri district.  Dishantar has supported the Nirbade Khindwadi’s efforts for getting mainstreamed.  Before 14 years, this hamlet was living in medieval ages and today they are taking privileges of hi-tech development tools e.g. water purifiers, solar lights, POS banking service and so on.  Few other hamlets in the district are trying to follow this model with Dishantar’s hand-holding support.

Dishantar is also working with the primitive shepherd (Dhangar) community which is far away in terms of distance and far behind in terms of development.  They do not have access to basic public amenities even after 67 years of India’s Independence. Dishantar is trying to mainstream them in development by increasing their access to education, careers and enhanced standard of living.