01 Jan 2023

Right to life is the most fundamental human right, which entitles individuals to be free from arbitrary deprivation of life. Right to food security with dignity to ensure livelihood is enshrined

10 October 2022

Despite 76 years of independence, 89 percent of the urban poor, homeless and unorganized domestic workers have contributed in developing and beautifying the city, yet they are deprived of basic facilities like food, water, housing, education, health, social security and livelihood, in Smart City It is necessary to connect these classes with the mainstream.

10 July 2022

The right to life is the most fundamental human right, entitling individuals to be free from arbitrary deprivation of life.

Apr 17, 2022

Livelihood promotion has been one of the areas for facilitating economic strengthening of the marginalized groups for the organization. The organization has been facilitator in Promoting micro livelihood...

Genesis Of The Organization Mr. Dharmendra Kumar the founder executive director of DVAS comes from marginalized scheduled caste family from Fatuha block of Patna district in Bihar. He grew up in the agrarian feudal society where the subjugation of scheduled caste community was so severe that their villages was known by the name of the caste as ‘Parsa chamartoli’ (Chamar is the caste name for the community who were earlier engaged in the work of taking out and tanning of hides). He, his family and his community were treated as untouchables as they came from lowest in the caste ladder. The community was by and large working as daily waged labourers and share croppers for the landlords. In those days women traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) would support and conduct the deliveries at homes as health infrastructures were poor and it was treated as most undignified Jobs in the community. In his college days he was shocked by a incidence that a TBA from his village was called to give her services for conducting delivery by a landlord from the neighbouring village and after the delivery she was molested and gangraped by a group of youths of higher caste. The incidences had a deep impact on Mr. Dharmendra Kumar and he decided to work for the dignity and development of the dalit and marginalized communities. Soon he cam in contact with several social workers and started mobilizing dalit community to raise their voice against injustice and discrimination. Afterwards he associated himself with several social organisations and worked on several development projects for dalit community. Then in due course of time he along with several like minded associates founded Dalit Vikas Abhiyan samiti in 1993 and has been continuously striving and working towards restoring dignity and promoting holistic development of marginalized sections of society: women, children’s youths with focus on Scheduled caste communities. The organization believes in its developmental model attenuated for increased participation of marginalized communities through various enabling strategies and programs such towards ensuring socio- economic transformation and dignity through access to quality education, health services and livelihood options. The organization believes in organic and inorganic growth of an individual and the community through increased exposure and development of core competency thereby leading to the development of intrinsic skill and managerial capabilities.

12-01-2023

I am Neeta Devi, husband Shri Kam, Kameshwar Ram, village Anandpur Morwa, Samastipur, Bihar from a marginalized family. I grew up in an uneducated environment, so my mother did not allow us to go out of the house in my childhood. The parents were always worried that their daughter's life would be ruined if she fell into high and low status and due to the fear of being defamed in the society, they did not allow her to go to school, they used to take help in their daily work. I had a strong desire to study, but instead of sending me to school, I was married to a migrant laborer boy at an early age. We did not even know the religion of marriage. I was ignorant about which I used to hear a lot of taunts. In our village, a community based organization “Ambedkar Gram Samiti” was established by Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti, in which an education center was run for children against acts of violence against women, for equality, justice and to connect everyone with education and the organization also helped women. A program was started to make us functionally literate, in which we started learning to read and write. In the beginning, people used to make fun of us, but the family members supported us. After that, we, as an active women cadre, elected me as the President of the organization. After that, we included the organization in the examination conducted by the National Board of Open Schooling under the Mukhyamantri Akshar Aanchal Yojana and we gave the examination and got the certificate of passing 8th. Letter received. Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti trained the School Education Committee members regarding their functioning, responsibilities and rights. They told us that it is the responsibility of the School Education Committee to enroll the children who have not been enrolled. Make children and community aware, pay attention to cleanliness. Participate in the development work of the school, pay attention to the quality of the mid-day meal provided to the children. Now we go to every meeting regularly. Let's talk to the teacher himself. They are told to establish harmony with the children and teach them through games. Toilets in the school should be kept operational during regular class hours and maintained clean. If the fan in the school is not working then they are asked to get it repaired. I ask for dialogue between the community and the teachers so that the community has confidence in education, in the organization meetings I tell all the women and children and their parents about sending them to school regularly and not doing child marriage. Changes have started taking place in our village primary school. Earlier there were 62 children enrolled in the school, out of which only 34 children came to school regularly, occasionally. I personally met the children, met their parents. In the regular meetings of the organization, he was motivated to send children to school every day and got the children who were not enrolled in school enrolled. I took the responsibility that no child from the deprived community should be deprived of education. Today there are total 167 children in this school. Today, no one stops me from fulfilling my responsibilities. Even sometimes children find it difficult to go to school due to crossing the road, so the organization cadres take the children to school by crossing the road and help them in bringing them back home. I believe that what I am doing is I am playing a small role, it will have a big impact in building the future of children and they will get inclusive quality education and will enhance the mental development of children along with their potential. I would also like to thank the Headmaster of this school for continuously ensuring the development of the school and the involvement of the community in the educational development of the children. Mrs. Neeta Devi Member, School Education Committee Anandpur, Morwa, Bihar

12-01-2023

Priyanka Kumari Father Mr. Chandan Ram, Mother Mrs. Beby Devi, Age 13 year Village Benua is a resident of Block Morwa, District Samastipur, Bihar. Priyanka Kumari's father was very poor and helpless, due to which she remained unwell due to his inability to provide proper nutrition and was deprived of school education from primary education onwards and was involved in other activities with her family. As she was growing up day by day, her family started worrying about her marriage and were searching for a boy. The activities of community based organization "Ambedkar Gram Samiti" were run in this village by Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti and Nutrition cum Ambedkar Prerna Education Center was run for the children excluded from education. Priyanka Kumari told the organization cadres that she wants to study, she does not want to get married, after that her family members were discussed, after that they started sending her to the center and today, when she passed matriculation, her family members started feeling very proud. Priyanka Kumari's dream is that she wants to study further and become a doctor and serve the poor, this tells us that due to lack of money, proper treatment is not possible, which we will try to overcome. Priyanka Kumari herself freed herself from forced marriage and now remains a role model to save other girls in her villages from child marriage. Priyanka Kumari, along with giving selfless education to other children at Ambedkar Prerna Education Centre, is herself a pioneer for higher education. Sathi is working as the Block Coordinator of Ambedkar Youth Club run by Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti for providing quality education to the youth and child protection and eradication of child marriage. His family members are very proud of this pioneer and express their gratitude to the organization.

28-2-2023

Mrs. Phoolkumari Devi, husband Mr. Shiv Kumar Ram, resident of village Morwa Block Morwa, is a very poor, indigent woman of Mahadalit community of marginalized community. She has 4 children. Due to her husband's mental health not being good, she has to earn a source of income as a domestic worker. She is earning her living due to which she is unable to provide proper nutrition to her children and treat her husband. Many moneylenders and micro finance people actively prey on these people in this area. That her husband's health was very bad and she was running the household by taking a loan from Micro Finance to get food. Mrs. Phool Kumari, after seeing the people of Micro Finance misbehaving with her and mentally torturing her for not depositing the installment on time, got humiliated in public. She took a loan from the moneylenders of the village and started depositing the installments in micro finance, but she came under the grip of debt from both the sides. After Covid, their condition started getting worse. On one side, there was micro finance and on the other side, moneylenders had started wreaking havoc on them regarding repayment of loan. Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti formed a community-based organization named Ambedkar Gram Samiti in this village, in which she emerged as an active member. Savings fund was deposited in the organization so that in time any member should be freed from debt and linked to self-employment. A good amount of funds were deposited in the organization. This year, when the micro finance and moneylenders forced Mrs. Phoolkumari Devi to deposit the installment, the women of the organization "Ambedkar Gram Samiti" protested and gave Rs. 35 thousand from the organization fund to Mrs. Phoolkumari Devi, due to which the micro finance and moneylenders were able to pay the loan amount. Got back and took the breath of living free. While all their children are getting education and nutrition at Ambedkar Prerna Education Centre, Phoolkumari Devi is moving towards economic empowerment by connecting vegetable farming with livelihood. Now the women of CBO collect money and deposit it in the bank and use it in case of any emergency. The reimbursement rate is amazing.

15 July 2024

With the support of Alliance Dalit Forum Bihar and Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti ccfd, Bihar Ambedkar Youth Forum has been formed in 10 blocks of 10 districts as a campaign for behavioral change of marginalized community and social economic, political mental change along with career capacity development of youth in 15 districts of Bihar. Continuous programs are being organized to connect youth with the mainstream of educational development, in which 1000 youth have been added in the first phase. Alliance Dalit Forum Bihar, Convenor Dharmendra Kumar said that on one hand the country is going through Amrit Mahotsav, on the other hand the marginalized community, especially the young generation, is facing economic inequality, is deprived of the concept of educational life and is forced to be imprisoned in factories. According to the census of 2011, the population of youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years is 27.5% and the total youth population is about 45%. The central government has implemented the National Youth Policy 2014 to bring the youth into the mainstream. Despite this, the youth are excluded from the mainstream of society and are aimless and thoughtless, far from inclusive quality education. The ability to think and understand is not being developed in them. He elaborated on the context of Dalit oppression and Dalit concept in Bihar and said that there is no dearth of academicians, researchers in the context of Dalit oppression and connecting them to the mainstream of inclusive development in the country, the only thing that is lacking is willpower. Willpower is sure to bring about a change in social behavior and mental development is sure to bring about an improvement in thinking. He expressed regret over the social conservative evils, especially the caste system, caste-based violence, as a major obstacle in the path of inclusive mental development and education and inspired people to become just and dignified through the thought-provoking words of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. A roadmap was prepared for the next three years regarding the main issues, challenges, possibilities and strategies of Dalits in Bihar. In the roadmap, it was decided to ensure social, economic, political and educational participation of youth through Bihar Ambedkar Youth Forum.

Integrated Implementation Report: Mental Health and Inclusive Development Introduction: The Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti emphasizes that mental health and behavioral issues are critical components of inclusive development. Psychosocial crises often stem from structural oppression, necessitating the identification and addressment of mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, uncertainty, suicidality, and isolation. Open conversations are essential to support individuals facing these challenges. Cyberbullying and Mental Health: Our focus on cyberbullying centers on its impact on youth. We explore the concept of cyberbullying, its significant effects on mental health, and effective prevention strategies. Programs and Initiatives of "Manobal Bihar": "Manobal Bihar" is a collaborative network of voluntary organizations dedicated to mental health advocacy. Through awareness campaigns and counseling programs, we engage youth and adolescents in educational activities that promote mental well-being. We also encourage school dropouts to pursue higher education through the Ambedkar Prerna Study Centre after counseling. Women's Assistance: We have successfully supported women struggling with microfinance debt, helping them regain mental health and reintegrate into society. Many women on the brink of suicide due to physical abuse, discrimination, and dire circumstances have found mental restoration through our initiatives. Mental Health Campaign: In collaboration with "Manobal Bihar" and the Alliance Dalit Forum, we conducted a comprehensive mental health awareness program across eight districts in Bihar, including Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Gaya, Banka, West Champaran, and Muzaffarpur. This initiative successfully reached 7,500 individuals across 25 secondary schools in 10 blocks and 50 villages. We also launched campaigns to prevent mental stress, reconnecting 10 youth who had dropped out of school due to mental health issues back to education through targeted counseling. Target Groups: Our campaign primarily focuses on highlighting mental health issues within Dalit and tribal communities, especially concerning women and children. Domestic violence, discrimination, and social obligations are common adversities that adversely affect women’s mental health. We provide support to women from Dalit and Adivasi groups and adolescents struggling with suicidal thoughts, aimed at facilitating positive behavioral change. Promoting Community Support: The establishment of adolescent champions at the village level has increased access to mental health services, promoting a supportive community environment. Raising mental health awareness through educational and inclusive programs is vital in delivering effective solutions. Outreach and Impact: Last year, the Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti and the "Manobal Bihar" network reached approximately 12,000 individuals in the community, including schools and colleges, addressing mental health issues. A total of 1,685 youth and women received counseling, contributing to their mental health recovery. Conclusion: To raise awareness about mental health issues, the Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti has significantly increased discussions over the past year. By incorporating the unique stresses faced by marginalized communities and considering the influence of specific ideologies, we strive for comprehensive inclusive development.

1jan 2025

Transforming Lives: DVAS’s Commitment to Education and Empowerment Empowering Communities: The Vision for the Next Year by DVAS shorturl.at https://shorturl.at/798jg Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS), founded on June 18, 1992, has been empowering marginalized communities—Dalits, women, children, and economically disadvantaged groups—in Bihar for over 30 years. The organization works to address exclusion, promote inclusive development, and advance the rights of vulnerable populations through programs in education, mental health, livelihood, gender equality, and disaster support. DVAS envisions an inclusive society where disadvantaged groups can live with dignity, self-reliance, and equality. Its mission is to empower these groups, particularly children and women, by promoting access to education, livelihood, and a life of dignity. Over the years, DVAS has built a network of volunteers and community-based organizations, reaching 168,000 families and significantly impacting issues like gender inequality, malnutrition, and educational exclusion. Through its work, DVAS has become a recognized resource agency in Bihar, known for its expertise in inclusive education and socio-economic development. The organization’s approach combines grassroots engagement, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, aiming for sustainable socio-economic transformation. Empowering Communities: The Vision for the Next Year by DVAS As Dalit Vikas Abhiyan Samiti (DVAS) enters its 31st year of work, the organization is preparing for an ambitious set of tasks to further uplift Bihar’s marginalized communities. Building on three decades of advocacy, empowerment, and service, DVAS has outlined its vision for the next year—a year of expanding opportunities, education, and support for thousands of individuals across the state. Youth Empowerment and Career Development DVAS aims to develop 25,000 youth into social and educational leaders, helping them become entrepreneurs, career developers, and change-makers in their communities. This initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering the youth is key to sustainable social transformation. By providing mentorship, training, and resources, DVAS will help these young people unlock their potential, transforming them into catalysts for change. Education and Nutrition for Marginalized Children A core focus of DVAS’s next-year strategy is integrating 20,000 children, who have been deprived of early childhood education and nutrition, into the mainstream educational system. To achieve this, DVAS will establish nutrition-cum-education centers, ensuring that these children receive the foundational learning and health support they need to thrive. Fighting Educational Exclusion DVAS will also focus on enrolling 25,000 children who have been excluded from school or have dropped out. Through its Ambedkar Inspiration Study Centers, the organization will create educational environments that are supportive, inclusive, and conducive to learning, helping these children find their way back to education and academic success. Empowering Women Through Rights Education Another key initiative is the empowerment of 10,000 women by educating them about gender equality, their rights, and the laws that protect them. This will be a pivotal step toward ensuring that women can fully participate in society, free from discrimination, and equipped to claim their rightful place in both their families and communities. Leadership Development for Marginalized Groups DVAS plans to provide leadership training to 35,000 individuals from Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalized communities, equipping them with the skills necessary to advocate for inclusive development. By building local leadership, the organization will foster greater participation in social and economic development, ensuring these communities have a voice in shaping their futures. Mental Health Awareness and Support Mental health remains a major area of focus. DVAS aims to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral changes in 25,000 families, helping them understand the importance of psychological well-being. Furthermore, the organization plans to provide counseling and support to 10,000 individuals, helping them overcome mental health challenges and live with dignity. Maternal Health and Hygiene To address maternal health, DVAS will introduce Pad ATMs in 50 Mahadalit localities. These sanitary pad dispensers will help prevent infections caused by the use of unhygienic materials during menstruation. By providing easy access to sanitary products, DVAS hopes to improve health outcomes and foster better hygiene practices among marginalized women and girls. Ambedkar Inspiration Study Centers In an effort to support Dalit children in their academic journeys, DVAS will establish Ambedkar Inspiration Study Centers in 10 blocks. These centers will prepare 1,000 Dalit children for academic success, competitive exams, and personal growth, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations with confidence. Economic Development for Women DVAS aims to make 1,000 women self-reliant by connecting them with advanced agricultural farming and millet farming initiatives. By promoting these sustainable farming practices, the organization will empower women economically, enabling them to create livelihoods for themselves and their families. Skill Development and Employment In a bid to enhance employability, DVAS will offer skill development and MSME training to 5,000 youths. This program will equip them with the skills required for placement in various industries, thus improving their economic prospects and contributing to the local economy. Strengthening CSOs and Advocacy To strengthen the network of civil society organizations (CSOs) and community leaders, DVAS will advocate for the rights of marginalized communities through partnerships with organizations such as the Bihar Ambedkar Youth Forum and My City Alliance for Urban Poor. This collective advocacy will ensure that the voices of the marginalized are heard and that their rights are defended. Social Security for the Homeless DVAS will also reach out to 1,000 urban poor and homeless individuals, educating them about social security schemes, cleanliness, and their rights. By connecting them with government schemes and offering training, the organization hopes to empower these individuals and improve their living conditions. Welfare for Unorganized Workers Through social audit programs, DVAS plans to raise awareness among 10,000 unorganized workers, domestic female workers, and transgender individuals about their rights and welfare schemes. This initiative will help these vulnerable groups access the benefits they deserve, ensuring they are not left behind in the fight for justice and equality. Community Development at the Grassroots Level Finally, DVAS will establish Ambedkar Village Committees and Ambedkar Girls’ Clubs in 50,000 families, connecting them with social, economic justice, and equality-based programs. These grassroots initiatives will foster community development, enhance local leadership, and provide a platform for marginalized individuals to engage with larger societal issues. With these ambitious goals, DVAS is poised to continue its legacy of empowerment, working toward a more inclusive and equitable Bihar. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, DVAS is committed to breaking the chains of exclusion and building a future where all individuals—regardless of caste, gender, or economic status—can live with dignity and freedom.