5 NGOs influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi

MAHATMA Gandhi is more than a famous individual, freedom fighter, philosopher or political leader. Mahatma Gandhi’s name is synonymous with peace, compassion, understanding and service to the poor. His teachings have influenced people such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others who were inspired by his philosophies of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience which were replicated in South Africa, the United States and countless other places. It proved to be a successful and humane ideology that earned the praise of renowned individuals such as Albert Einstein, Ho Chi Minh and the Dalai Lama among others. But Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on the world goes beyond the political sphere.

Mahatma Gandhi emphasized service to the less fortunate and sought to uplift and empower the downtrodden across India. In his own words, Gandhi explained that “poverty is the worst form of violence” and in seeking to rid the world of violence, he started with those around him living in suffering and desperation on the Indian subcontinent. But his teachings went beyond mere words and he used his life as an example by living amongst the poor and empowering them through education and access to their rights. Decades after his death, Mahatma Gandhi still serves as an example to people and NGOs across the world as a standard bearer for equality and compassion. 

Here are 5 NGOs influenced by the teachings and principles of Mahatma Gandhi:

Mahan Trust

In the forests of Melghat in Maharashtra, tribal communities make their lives and livelihoods in the forests. But when health complications arise, there are no doctors or hospitals. The people are forced to turn to medicine men in the forests whose “treatment” often worsens their health. When Dr. Ashish Satav read The Story Of My Experiments With Truth by Mahatma Gandhi, he felt compelled to help people in desperate need of medical care. He founded Mahan Trust and, along with his wife Dr. Kavita and their young son, permanently moved to Melghat to live amongst the tribal communities to provide medical care, medicines, treatments and surgeries. The doctors started their service in a small hut in 1997 and have now served more than 1,25,000 people, built the multispeciality Mahatma Gandhi Tribal Hospital and brought down the malnutrition and child mortality rates among the tribals in Melghat, transforming their lives for good. To support Mahan Trust:

Support Mahan Trust

Gandhibhavan International Trust

On the banks of the Kallada River in Kerala is a large home where more than 1,200 destitute people have made their home in a safe and loving environment. The people who live in Gandhibhavan International Trust have been abandoned by their families because they are orphans, paraplegic, disabled, mentally-challenged and people suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other diseases. Gandhibhavan International Trust’s vision is to follow the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and work toward the development of India by uplifting the downtrodden and empowering the disadvantaged. The home that Gandhibhavan created in 2005 is remarkable and within its walls, its people have created a world where equality and compassion guide them in their interactions with one another, even causing President APJ Abdul Kalam to remark that “Gandhibhavan is indeed a mini India”. To support Gandhibhavan International Trust:

Support Gandhibhavan International Trust

Gandhigram Trust

One of the core areas of Mahatma Gandhi’s initiatives to improve the lives of Indians was in rural development. Founded in 1947 by two followers of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhigram Trust works in the areas of education, healthcare, rehabilitation and community development. The organization has founded schools to enable marginalized children to get an education while training teachers and other education providers. The NGO also offers affordable, high-quality and specialized medical care to help people suffering without being able to afford or access medical care. Gandhigram Trust also focuses on rehabilitation for the differently-abled through education and skills training for people, especially the young, to enable them to participate in society and excel. Its community development initiatives include self-employment to empower people to live with dignity and self-reliance. To support Gandhigram Trust:

Support Gandhigram Trust

Non-Violence Foundation

This organization was founded on the 100th commemoration of the Indigo Revolt led by Mahatma Gandhi to fight for the rights of farmers and promote social justice through non violence. Since 2017, Non-Violence Foundation has been working with local communities and implementing programs on rehabilitation for differently-abled children, senior citizen care, livelihood and entrepreneurship training, disaster aid, active citizenship and other programs to empower the disadvantaged. The organization also works with individuals and organizations around the world to promote the values of non violence as a means to achieve peace, reflecting Mahatma Gandhi’s views. Non-Violence Foundation also provides scholarships and educational opportunities to students who will continue to further Gandhian values and make it the norm within human interactions worldwide . To support Non-Violence Foundation:

Support Non-Violence Foundation

SEWA Bharat

In the early 1970s, a movement began to support women workers called the Self Employed Women’s Association or SEWA. Its leader was a woman named Ela Bhatt who was influenced by Gandhian ideals and recognized not just the important role played by women in the economy but the fact that they lacked support. Forming organizations to support these women, SEWA Bharat came into being and continues to this day across India with more than 2.1 million members who are women workers. The NGO focuses on supporting and empowering women working in the informal economy and believes in making its members self-sufficient and self-reliant. SEWA Bharat’s mission is to strengthen women through establishing a common identity as informal workers, prioritize the rights and needs of women workers, empower women as leaders of their own programs and practice non-violent methods of demonstration. To support SEWA Bharat:

 Support SEWA Bharat

Support these NGOs this Gandhi Jayanti

Mahatma Gandhi continues to inspire, influence and encourage people and organizations around the world with his timeless teachings, philosophies and example that he set for future generations to follow. Each October 2nd, India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti to celebrate the birth of the Father of the Nation and is an opportune time to support hard-working organizations that follow his vision to create an India with dignity and without poverty. 

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