Devi Ahilyabai Smarak Samiti

Devi Ahilaya Mandir Dhantoli

Maharastra 444012

From Sabrang/FOIL’s Appendix H of The Foreign Exchange of Hate Report:

 

What is Devi Ahilyabai Smarak Samiti, and what do they do?

An organization of women volunteers who help women of the indigenous tribes in rural Maharashtra From Indolink.com, [[i] ]:

 “Focuses on the integrated development of the tribal women. Provides non-formal education and runs girls hostel, library, homeopathic clinic and family programs. Managed by women volunteers.”

 

From [ [ii]]:

 

“ AREA OF ACTIVITIES
1. Cultural Activities -1.
2. Education - 2.
3. Health - 1.
4. Water and Sanitation - 2.

Parent Organisation:			Rashtra Sevika Samiti.
Contact Person			Smt. Sumantai Sarnaik.
Address:
At:			Devi Ahilaya Mandir,
P.O.:			Dhantoli,
Dist.:			Nagpur,
State+Pin:			Maharashtra-444012.
Telephone:			0712 542097
Fax:	523852			E- [email protected] mail:

Other Comments on the organization

Ahilya Mandir itself is a temple, cited by many businesses in that area as the landmark for their location.

Concluding Remarks

This appears to be yet another example of the people in an Indian town or village getting together and setting up a project which benefits their least affluent and least-educated neighbors, building hostels for students, helping with water and sanitation projects, conducting cultural activities for the people to participate, and otherwise building up those elements needed to enhance the dignity and self-esteem of the local people.

These are not PhDs in South Asia Studies. They are simply people, with their own system of values to motivate them to do good for others rather than just sit around complaining. Yes, they clearly do dare to believe in the Almighty, through whatever means makes sense to them.