Three Decades of
Community-Led Change.
Disha Vihar was established in 1995 and formally registered in 2002 to ensure that the most marginalized communities — families of stone breakers, mica pickers, Dalit families, women, and children — gain access to their rights, opportunities, and essential services across five states of India.
From a Vision of Justice
to 30 Years of Impact
Disha Vihar is a national-level organization established in 1995 and formally registered in 2002–2003 as a Non-Governmental, Non-Profit Organization under the Societies Registration Act 1860. It holds 12A, FCRA, and 80G certifications.
The organization possesses specialized experience in working with families of stone breakers, mica pickers, and the most marginalized sections of society. Its efforts aim to integrate their children into mainstream education, facilitate access to government schemes, and help increase family income.
Today, Disha Vihar operates across Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh — building a just society free from exploitation and social discrimination.
Disha Vihar was founded in 1995, beginning its grassroots work with families of stone breakers, mica pickers, and the most marginalized sections of society in Bihar.
Formally registered under Societies Registration Act 1860, with 12A, FCRA, and 80G registration. The organization expanded its work towards backward, excluded, and Dalit communities.
Started community-level programs in Munger and Jamui districts focusing on child rights, sustainable livelihoods, and advocacy for marginalized families.
Partnered with NABARD to form farmer clubs and micro-enterprises. Launched bamboo craft design units for tribal women in Jharkhand and Bihar.
Scaled up model classroom renovation, bridge literacy programs, and established district-level Child Advisory Committees across 4 districts.
A national-level organization operating in Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh — running smart classrooms, child protection forums, healthcare camps, and SHG bank linkages across 80+ villages.
Message from Our Leadership
Mr. Abhay Kumar Akela
Secretary
“True development can only happen when the most marginalized communities are empowered to lead their own transformation.”
Friends,
Jai Jagat.
"Disha Vihar" is a social and cultural organization established on March 30, 1995. Its objective was to play a pivotal role in rebuilding an egalitarian society by embracing the ideologies of Gandhi, Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, and Ambedkar. It was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, on July 17, 2002.
In collaboration with CRY (Child Rights and You), the organization began working in January 2005, focusing on children's education, health, participation, and protection. Its operational scope extended to 80 villages across the Munger, Lakhisarai, and Banka districts. Under this project, initiatives were launched to raise awareness about child rights and the common school system, study the status of children, and foster cooperation between the community and the government to address issues such as child marriage, child labour, and child mortality, while also promoting girls' education.
Campaigns were conducted regarding child rights, the common school system (equitable education), and the Right to Education (RTE) Act; to facilitate awareness and organizational activities, the "Bihar Bal Awaaz Manch" (Bihar Children's Voice Forum) was established and operated across 28 districts of Bihar.
In partnership with TDH (Terre des Hommes) Germany, a project was launched in January 2016 in the Munger and Jamui districts. The aim of this initiative was to integrate children involved in mica mining and children of labourers living in hilly areas into the educational mainstream, strengthen their families' economic status, and facilitate access to government welfare schemes.
Since 2003, the organization has been working with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) in various areas, such as forming and empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for women, farmers, and workers in the unorganized sector, and providing training for employment generation. ...and the establishment and strengthening of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Disha Vihar has also achieved significant milestones through collaborations with organizations such as Oxfam India, CASA, and Pathfinder. This is evident in our annual reports and website, as well as in our areas of operation.
Miss Punam Kumari
President
“When women lead, communities thrive. Every woman empowered is a family transformed.”
Miss Punam Kumari has been associated with the literacy campaign and various movements on women's rights, women empowerment, and advocacy and networking at different levels for the effective implementation of government schemes.
She has actively worked to prevent domestic violence in Munger district and championed the cause of women's self-reliance across rural communities.
Executive Committee Members
Our governing body comprises experienced grassroots leaders, social workers, and community representatives dedicated to Disha Vihar's mission.
| # | Name | Father / Husband | Designation | Official Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punam Kumari | Madan Mohan Thakur | President | At Gorganwa, P.O+P.S-Tarapur, Dist-Munger, Pin-813221 |
| 2 | Manisha Kumara | Ramrup Baidh | Member | At+P.O-Asarganj, P.S-Asarganj, Dist-Munger, Pin-813201 |
| 3 | Abhay Kumar Akela | Karelal Sah | Secretary | Asarganj, P.O+P.S-Asarganj, Dist-Munger, Pin-813201 |
| 4 | Lalita Kumari | Churaman Pandit | Joint Secretary | Lalu Pokhar, Kasimbazar, Munger, Bihar-811201 |
| 5 | Shubham Kumar | Birendra Chowdhary | Joint Secretary | At-Gorgama, P.O-Tarapur, P.S-Tarapur, Dist-Munger, Pin-813321 |
| 6 | Poonam Sharma | Surendra Sharma | Member | At-Karshop, P.O+P.S-Shambhuganj, Dist-Banka, PIN-813211 |
| 7 | Mrs. Prita Bharti | Rajeev Kamal | Member | At+P.O+P.S-Bariarpur, Dist-Munger, PIN-811211 |
| 8 | Mrs. Nutan Devi | Chakradhar Jha | Member | At+P.O-Rajpur, P.S-Belhar, Dist-Asarganj, Dist-Munger, Pin-813201 |
| 9 | Nagina | Vidyanand | Member | At-Dhuria, P.O-Makwa, P.S-Asarganj, Dist-Munger, Pin-813201 |
| 10 | Soni Devi | Mukesh Thakur | Treasurer | At-Ghositola, P.S-Kasim Bazar, P.O-Munger, Dist-Munger, Pin-811201 |
| 11 | Mrs. Punam Sharma | Late. Surendra Sharma | Member | At-Karshop, P.O+P.S-Shambhuganj, Dist-Banka, PIN-813211 |
Our Core Beliefs & Principles
Freedom of expression, movement and choice by men and women alike.
Equal opportunity, Human Rights and social Justice for men and women in society irrespective of class, age, ethnic, culture or religion.
The poor and rural people with their potential power to participate actively in development initiatives within community.
Freedom for Occupation, education and development.
Social harmony free from communal bias.
Our Interventions
Four interconnected pillars of community development designed to create lasting, holistic change for the most marginalized families.
Libraries, Computer Classes & Online Learning
- Community libraries and reading rooms for children
- Computer classes for youth and adolescents
- Periodic online education in English, Hindi grammar, and story writing
- Bridge literacy programs and model classroom improvements
Rights, Leadership & Legal Support
- Regular activities on domestic violence, harassment, and property rights
- Legal assistance and guidance for women-related matters
- Preparing adolescent girls and women for leadership roles
- Awareness campaigns on women's entitlements and government schemes
Self-Help Groups & Income Generation
- Formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women's livelihood organizations
- Training and support for bank linkages and marketing
- Jute bag manufacturing with NABARD support
- Incense stick making training in collaboration with ITC
Vaccination, Nutrition & Referral Services
- Vaccination for children, adolescent girls, and women
- Addressing malnutrition and access to Anganwadi services
- Healthcare, nutrition, and referral services for pregnant and lactating women
- Eye check-up camps in partnership with National Society for Prevention of Blindness
Key Campaigns & Milestones
A legacy of action — from social audits to national partnerships, each campaign has strengthened communities and expanded rights.
Right to Food Campaign
Conducted mass awareness campaigns on communities' entitlement to the Right to Food across working districts.
Panchayati Raj Awareness
Mobilized grassroots communities on their rights and participation in Panchayati Raj governance structures.
NABARD Jute Bag Training
In collaboration with NABARD, provided training to women on manufacturing and marketing jute bags, along with periodic tailoring, embroidery, and computer skills.
NABARD Social Audit — Munger District
Entrusted by NABARD to conduct a social audit of government schemes implemented for farmers' development in Munger district (2009–2015).
MGNREGA Social Audit
Disha Vihar conducted a thorough social audit of MGNREGA implementation in Munger district alongside its field team.
ITC Agarbatti Income Programme
In collaboration with ITC, boosted women's income by providing training in incense stick (agarbatti) making as a sustainable livelihood.
Eye Check-Up Camps
Organized eye check-up camps in Shambhuganj and Belhar (Banka district) in partnership with the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness.
Child Rights & Safety Initiatives
Incorporated child participation and safety into all initiatives related to children's rights, building child-led advocacy forums.
ASER Education Quality Survey
In collaboration with Pratham organization, assessed the quality of school education for 15 years under the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) programme.
Cultural Activities
& Training Programs
Cultural activities and training programs are consistently organized for children and youth, nurturing their creativity, discipline, self-confidence, and physical well-being.
These activities help build well-rounded individuals who are not only educated but also culturally grounded and physically active — forming the next generation of community leaders.
Governance & Credibility
All certificates and registrations that establish Disha Vihar's legal compliance and credibility.
Organization Registration
Registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 in 2002–2003.
12A Certified
Income Tax exemption certified under Section 12/A, IT Act 1961.
FCRA Compliant
Authorized by Government of India to receive foreign contributions.
80G Certified
Donors eligible for income tax deduction on all contributions.
PAN Registered
Permanent Account Number registered with the Income Tax Department.
TAN Registered
Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number duly registered.
CSR Registration
Registered for Corporate Social Responsibility projects as per MCA guidelines.
Deed & By Laws
Governing documents registered and duly certified with authorities.
Niti Aayog Listed
Registered with the Government of India's policy think tank, Niti Aayog.
Credibility Alliance
Certified by Credibility Alliance for transparency and governance.
Organizational Policies
Disha Vihar operates with a comprehensive set of policies that ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all stakeholders.
Child Safeguarding Policy
Comprehensive policy to protect every child from harm, abuse, and exploitation in all our programs and activities.
Gender Policy
Framework ensuring gender equity, sensitivity, and inclusion across all organizational operations and programs.
HR Policy
Human resources guidelines governing recruitment, conduct, development, and welfare of all Disha Vihar staff.
Finance Policy
Transparent financial management guidelines ensuring accountability, integrity, and proper stewardship of all funds.
POSH Policy
Prevention of Sexual Harassment policy establishing a safe, respectful, and dignified workplace for all.
Performance Evaluation Policy
Structured framework for fair, objective, and growth-oriented evaluation of all team members.
Be a Part of
the Change
Whether you donate, volunteer, or partner with us — every contribution helps us empower more lives across rural Bihar and Jharkhand.