About Disha

DISHA stands as an exemplary not-for-profit organization rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Gram Swarajya' that merits recognition for its outstanding contribution to socio-economic development and community empowerment. Founded in 1992, DISHA has transformed lives across urban slums of New Delhi and rural communities in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra through its comprehensive, integrated approach to development. The organization's remarkable impact is evidenced by its work with over 22,805 direct beneficiaries, including 13,440 children who received improved education quality in Municipal Corporation Primary Schools, 9,365 children enrolled in alternative educational programs with 4,305 successfully mainstreamed into government schools, and 8,150 women organized into 675 Self-Help Groups.

Additionally, DISHA established 20 Panchayat-level 'Mahila Shanti Dal' groups with 3,155 members working towards empowerment and Swarajya, while training 7,880 frontline health workers and creating 380 community health outreach groups using innovative methods like puppetry, street plays, and theatre for health communication.

DISHA's holistic methodology is based on Gandhi's "Nai Talim" education philosophy, emphasizing practical skill development alongside character building. The organization has imparted vocational training to 5,660 women and youth across multiple states, constructed 462 rainwater harvesting structures for environmental conservation, and worked extensively with marginalized communities including commercial sex workers and IV drug users for HIV/AIDS awareness. In peace education, DISHA has achieved global reach by facilitating 267 lectures across 134 countries during Gandhi's 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations and conducting twelve online certificate courses for 1,380 international participants across 109 Indian Missions.

What distinguishes DISHA is its unwavering commitment to Gandhi's principles of self-reliance, non-violence, and inclusive growth, particularly evident in its current work in Sevagram—Gandhi's abode—where it continues his legacy through skill development, women's empowerment, and youth leadership programs. The organization's comprehensive approach to sustainable development, combining grassroots democracy with modern techniques while maintaining human-centered values, makes it deserving of recognition as a model organization that has successfully translated Gandhian ideals into tangible, measurable social transformation, impacting tens of thousands of lives across multiple states and extending its influence globally.

DISHA was founded in 1992 and since then, these initiatives have helped people on the path of self-reliance and empowerment.