Who We Are
History
Our History
Felt the need to do public welfare and women empowerment! While working at the grassroots, decided to raise voice against exploitation, violence, and unemployment, interacted with like-minded youths! Together we decided to register an organization. Basically, backward but leadership-oriented youth founded Ankur Voluntary Organization on 19th September 2005 to fight against exploitation and to do social work.
When the organization had to be named, three names came forward at that time. Out of them, we named it Ankur Voluntary Organization. Survival takes a new turn in its life and sprouts a new turn in its life, i.e. Survival creates a new life, with this thought, Ankur was founded.
Anita Kamble
Anita is a resilient single mother, child bride, and entrepreneur who has fought tirelessly for her education and financial independence. Married at just 13, while still in Grade 7, she faced the daunting challenge of balancing her studies with her marital responsibilities. She was warned that if she struggled academically, she would be forced to abandon her education. Undeterred, Anita persevered, ultimately earning a Master’s degree in Social Work, all while raising two children and navigating the uncertainty of becoming a widow after her husband’s untimely death.
As a widow, Anita began earning a living by selling clothes and working with the Yuvagram organization. From 2001 to 2009, she held various roles, including project coordinator for sex workers, Dalit rights advocate, savings group organizer, and office manager. She also worked with organizations like Save Our Sister Pride India, Mumbai, and Coro India.
As part of her mission to support the marginalized, Anita manages Ankur along with working as a nutrition counselor for supporting HIV/AIDS treatment at an ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) center in a medical college. Through her determination and courage, Anita has built a path of empowerment for herself and others.
Laxman
Laxman was born into a Dalit laborer family and faced numerous struggles throughout his life. With no interest in a regular government job, he aspired to do something different. He continued working in fields until he joined the organisation Yuvagram Vikas Mandal, where he met Anita Ji, whose inspiring speech motivated him to pursue similar work.
Laxman gained significant experience working in various community programs. He worked with the tribal Pardhi community and participated in gender-related training under the “Samajdar Jodi” project. He also worked with children in a child care home and later connected with Coro through Ankur, where he became a fellow working on the Domestic Violence Act. He later transitioned to mentoring others.
His work caught the attention of UNICEF and Coro, leading to his role as coordinator for the “Meena Raju Manch” project, which focused on gender in 20 villages. He worked on child rights, training children, youth, women, and Gram Panchayat members. Today, Laxman is invited to provide training on topics like gender, violence, child rights, POCSO, and more. From a grassroots worker, he has risen to become the Secretary of Ankur Voluntary Organization.
Vilas Landge
Vilas Landge holds a B.A. and MSW from IGNOU and began his social work career at the age of 16 through the Education Support Program under the Prerna organization in Mumbai. This project focused on Potential Women and Children Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking and children, addressing their education, health, rights, counseling, career guidance, nutrition, and life skills.
Over the past 15 years, he has worked extensively in the red-light district. Through his efforts, nearly 1,500 children who once lived in the red-light area have been able to stand on their own, now living with their families in safer communities in Mumbai. Many of these children have gone on to become doctors, engineers, social workers, teachers, and some even work in corporate companies or live abroad, demonstrating the success of the program.
Vilas also worked for seven years with the Snehalay organization, running a special children’s home project for children and parents affected by HIV/AIDS. In this program, he provided education, health services, safe housing, balanced nutrition, and recreational activities to children deprived of their rights. For his dedicated work, he received the “Late Vijayatai Lawate State-Level Ideal Worker Award” in 2009. His hobbies include spending time with children, playing with them, and listening to old songs.
Our Partners
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Coro India
Parity Lab
Legal compliance
Ankur Swayamsevi Sanstha is incorporated in India and has maintained all necessary legal certificate including 80G , provision 12A and CSR1.