MUMBAI, 27 FEBRUARY, 2022 (GPN): NGOs are proving to be more of a necessity than just a luxury in the 21st century. Founded in 1955, a non-governmental organization is either an independent group with little or no governmental influence. It is neither a part of a government nor a conventional  business. An NGO in India can be non-governmental, quasi or semi-governmental, voluntary or non-voluntary usually set up by ordinary citizens. Handled by the citizens, it is funded by governments, foundations, businesses, or private persons. It functions in order to provide ample opportunity and facilities for the voiceless voices. 

On February 27, several countries around the world celebrate World NGO Day, which honors those who have gone above and beyond to make a better world. Social work is essential for boosting the development of individuals in any field.

Since Independence, India has seen growth in sectors like education, healthcare, technology etc. however there are certain areas like issues relating to women, or marginalized communities, farmer suicide which are left untouched. A social voluntary organization or social activists plays one of the most important roles in these scenarios, to facilitate people with their rights and to help needy people in all possible ways. India has over three million NGO, and it can be seen that the effort is being made to help needy people.

Driven to extend a helping hand to those who are underserved by the society, Shrikant Pandey, The Executive Director at Shri Jyoti Foundation an organization with a vision to create a sustainable, educated, and empowered society, has been extending its helping hand towards the different sections of society since its establishment. Today, in sync with the same vision, they have joined forces with the “Mission Education programme for Underprivileged Children & Female Education for a Better Tomorrow 2022-2023”. They have created a one-year plan to help underprivileged women and children throughout the year.

The foundation with the ideology of “by the people, for the people”, has become a ray of hope for around 4 lakh people inclusive of women and children who are living under the poverty line and deprived of the opportunities to move upwards. With “Education is the key to unlock empowerment.” as their mantra, the foundation has been creating awareness through different platforms. But today, under this programme, they have focused on educating poor children of all age groups.

Teaching has always been significantly important to the visionaries at the foundation. Hence, along with the underprivileged children, they will be assisting children with disabilities, disaster struck children, and children from slum and rural India, along with women to help them become value-adding citizens.

Driven by the strong values, they are focused on protecting and supporting India through small missions such as development, using innovation in India, environment protection, empowerment of women across the country.

Standing up for those who fight for the rights of others

I praise the dedication and commitment of the participating organisation towards serving humanity, say PM Narendra Modi.

As the Prime Minister pointed out, these organizations have three distinct specialties: humane approaches, vast reach and connections with people, and service mind-set, which accounts for their implicit trust. His suggestion was that the organizations can play a huge role in ensuring that the poor have access to basic needs, as well as providing medical facilities and volunteers to care for the sick and needy. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the need for short-term measures and a long-term vision to overcome them.

We now live in the aftermath of a pandemic. COVID-19 uncovered significant disparities, particularly in the healthcare sector. As NGOs went out of their way to supply everything to the impoverished, their role expanded in importance. The importance of selfless service to make the world a better place is underlined on World NGO Day. In the face of natural disasters and pandemics, NGOs continue to provide continual assistance and care.Ends