Astitva Samaj Vikas va Sanshodhan Sanstha (Astitva) is a registered organisation established in 2001. For the past 25 years, Astitva has been working for the development of the Maan Desh region in western Maharashtra.
As Maan Desh is a drought-prone and backward region, we have undertaken work in health, education and livelihood development, along with drought mitigation, natural resource management, water conservation and women's empowerment. Over these years we have developed several models of development that have benefited ordinary families, and women in particular.
Maan Desh includes Sangola, Mangalwedha and parts of Pandharpur talukas in Solapur district; Man and Khatav talukas in Satara district; and the eastern parts of Atpadi, Jat and Kavathe Mahankal talukas in Sangli district. The Maan river flows through this region, and the land within its basin is known as Maan Desh.
The region has always been prone to drought. Because of this, many people migrate to the sugar factory belt in search of work. With mechanisation in the sugar industry, those jobs are declining as well, and unemployment among sugarcane-cutting workers is rising.
There are no large industries here and not enough water for agriculture. Annual rainfall averages only 400 to 500 mm. In these conditions, the livelihood challenges faced by agricultural labourers, workers and marginalised communities, including Dalits, nomadic and de-notified tribes, and families of widowed and single women, have grown increasingly severe. We have worked continuously with these groups for the past 25 years.
The organisation has done significant work in rural health, women's health and public education, and has carried out relief work during natural disasters such as droughts, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
For these efforts we have received valuable guidance and financial and technical support from donor organisations, partner institutions and individuals. The cooperation and active participation of all our office-bearers, members, workers and well-wishers has been equally important.
Going forward, to make sure our work for the sustainable development of the Maan river basin becomes wider and continues without interruption, the support of all our stakeholders will be essential. We are confident that this support will continue.
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.