Where we work, and why
Maan Desh is the basin of the Maan river, a semi-arid stretch of western Maharashtra where drought is a recurring part of life. With no large industries and too little water for farming, many families migrate each year to the sugar belt for cane-cutting work, and that work is now shrinking too.
Astitva was started by young people from small and marginal farming families who lived through these droughts. Our aim is simple: help people build a secure livelihood at their own doorstep.
Solapur district
Sangola, Mangalwedha and Pandharpur blocks
Sangli district
Jat, Kavathe Mahankal and Atpadi blocks
What we do
Four connected programmes, each designed with the community and carried out by our field team in the villages.
Water and drought mitigation
Check dams, water harvesting, soil conservation and relief when floods or drought strike.
Agriculture and livelihoods
Organic farming, micro-irrigation and farmer producer groups so small farmers earn more from dry land.
Women empowerment
Digital Sakhi training, self-help groups, financial literacy and skills for home-based income.
Health and education
Village health camps, preventive care for women, scholarships and skill training for youth.
Work at the scale of a region
One field team, rooted in the villages for 25 years. When the 2025 floods came, it was already there.
“Over the last 25 years we have developed several models of development that have benefited ordinary families, and women in particular. With your continued support, this work for the Maan river basin will reach further.”Shahaji GadhireFounder and President
From the field
Photographs from our recent programmes. Tap any photo to see it larger.
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Recognised for our work
- Wasundharaa Mitra Award, Kirloskar Foundation, Solapur (2025)
- Mandesh Bhushan Award, Daily Mandoot Express (2025)
- Prabodhan Puraskar, Maharashtra Foundation, USA (2019)
- Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Award, National Foundation for India (2013)
Stand with the families of Maan Desh
A donation, a few days of your time or a CSR partnership all help keep this work going in the villages that need it most.