Director's Message

Astitva Samajvikas va Sanshodhan Sanstha (Astitva) is a registered organization, established in the year 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 impactful work in the areas of health, education, and livelihood development, along with drought mitigation, natural resource management, water conservation, and women's empowerment. Over the last 25 years, we have developed several models of development, which have benefited ordinary families and women in particular.

The Maan Desh region includes Sangola, Mangalwedha, and parts of Pandharpur talukas in Solapur district of Western Maharashtra, as well as 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 area falling within the Maan river basin is known as Maan Desh.

Maan Desh has traditionally been a drought-prone region. Due to this, large-scale migration takes place from this area to sugar factory regions in search of employment. With the introduction of modern technology and mechanization in the sugar industry, employment opportunities in sugar factories have declined, leading to rising unemployment among sugarcane cutting workers as well.

This region lacks large industries and does not have sufficient water for agriculture. Rainfall in this area is very low, with an annual average of only 400 to 500 MM. Under such conditions, the livelihood challenges faced by agricultural labourers, workers, and marginalized communities such as Dalits, nomadic and DE notified tribes, as well as families of widowed and single women, have become increasingly severe. Therefore, we have been continuously working for the development of these vulnerable groups for the past 25 years.

Over the past 25 years, the organization has undertaken significant work in the areas of rural health, women's health, and public education in rural areas. The organization has also carried out noteworthy initiatives during natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

For these efforts, the organization has received valuable guidance and financial and technical support from several donor organizations, partner institutions, and individuals. The cooperation and active participation of all office bearers, members, workers, and well-wishers of the organization have also been highly commendable.

Going forward, to ensure that the organization's work for the sustainable development of the Maan river basin becomes more extensive and continues uninterrupted, the continued support of all stakeholders will be essential. We are confident that this support will be received.