A dedicated group of former students from DAV Hehal in Ranchi is making significant strides in community service, channeling their efforts through a registered social society known as the Manav Foundation. This alumni collective has committed itself to addressing pressing social issues, with a special focus on supporting senior citizens and marginalized communities across the city and its surrounding regions.
From Elderly Care to Holistic Community Support
The foundation's work is multifaceted. Members regularly organize visits to old age homes, where they do more than just distribute essential daily-use items. They dedicate quality time to interact with the elderly, offering crucial emotional support and companionship. However, their vision extends far beyond elderly care. The group actively identifies need-based problems throughout Ranchi and designs small, targeted interventions to provide effective solutions.
Their mission is guided by the motto “Ek Kadam Manavata Ki Aur” (A Step Towards Humanity). This philosophy translates into a broad spectrum of activities aimed at improving lives. The foundation's initiatives span key areas including health, education, environmental cleanliness, plantation drives, women empowerment, animal welfare, and organizing blood donation camps. All this is achieved through voluntary participation and leveraging community support.
Grassroots Problem-Solving in Action
Pallavi Pandey, the Founder and President of the initiative, explained their operational model. "Our core group comprises alumni from DAV Hehal, though we also have a few like-minded individuals from outside the alumni network associated with us," she said. The foundation adopts a practical, bottom-up approach. For every new project, they first pinpoint a genuine issue, which could be a seasonal hardship or a lack of basic resources.
Pandey shared a concrete example of their responsive action. "During the monsoon season, we observed the severe difficulties faced by rickshaw pullers and street vendors working in the rain. We recognized that many couldn't work effectively without protection. We calculated the cost of raincoats, determined how many individuals we could assist, and then shared the plan within our group. Members contributed funds voluntarily, and we executed the project successfully," she recounted. The group has also extended its support to vendors experiencing extreme poverty, providing tailored aid to help them sustain their livelihoods.
A Vision for People, Animals, and the Environment
According to its members, the Manav Foundation operates with a comprehensive vision that benefits people, animals, and the environment. A significant part of their focus is directed towards underserved rural areas, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it the most. By collectively deciding on budgets and target beneficiaries for each initiative, the alumni ensure transparency and maximum impact from their charitable efforts.
The story of the DAV Hehal alumni showcases how localized, collective action driven by shared values can create tangible positive change. Their work stands as a testament to the power of community-driven social work in addressing urban and rural challenges in Jharkhand.
