India has a rich heritage and cultural diversity, but it also confronts numerous challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, healthcare issues, and environmental issues. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an important part in addressing these issues by providing assistance and support to those in need.
In India, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are engaged in a variety of activities, including social development, education, healthcare, supporting refugees, disaster relief, environmental conservation, and human rights. These organizations work tirelessly to empower marginalized groups and give them access to necessary services and resources.
Here are the top NGOs in India that are making a significant impact on society:
1. Smile Foundation
A non-profit organization dedicated to educating and caring for underprivileged children and adolescents, the Smile Foundation was founded in 2002. It currently works in 25 Indian states. Over 1.5 million children and their families have benefited from the organization’s access to excellent education, healthcare, and livelihood assistance.
The Smile Foundation also collaborates with business partners, government agencies, and other non-governmental organizations to promote long-term growth and social change.
2. CRY (Child Rights and You)
CRY is an organization that is dedicated to the protection and promotion of child rights in India. The organization was founded in 1979 and has since been working to ensure that children in India receive their basic rights, including education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation and abuse.
CRY works in partnership with grassroots organizations and communities to provide support and resources to children and their families. The organization has impacted the lives of over 7 million children across India.
3. Akshaya Patra Foundation
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supplying students in India with mid-day meals. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has grown to become the world’s biggest NGO-run mid-day meal program.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation presently serves over 1.8 million children in 51 locations across 13 Indian states. Through different initiatives, the organization also supports education and community development.
4. HelpAge India
HelpAge India is an organization that works to promote the rights and welfare of the elderly in India. The organization was founded in 1978 and has since been working to provide healthcare, livelihood, and support services to the elderly in India.
HelpAge India also advocates for policy changes that benefit the elderly and conducts research on issues related to aging. The organization has impacted the lives of over 12 million elderly people in India.
5. Auroveda
The Auroveda Operating Foundation Charitable Trust is a non-profit organization that empowers women, gives free healthcare to the poor, free vocational training to unemployed youth, rehabilitates refugees, and promotes community well-being.
Auroveda believes that no one should be denied basic human rights, regardless of economic status or location. Contribute to their five life-changing causes, which include vocational training and empowering the youth, to help give a better future to those who need it the most. Their operational costs are covered by private donors, ensuring that 100% of your contributions go to your chosen cause.
6. Goonj
Goonj is a non-profit organization that focuses on the collection and distribution of resources to underserved communities across India. The organization was founded in 1999 and has since been working to address the issue of urban waste by using it as a resource to support rural development.
Goonj collects clothes, household items, and other resources from urban areas and distributes them to rural communities in need. The organization also provides disaster relief and rehabilitation services.
7. Teach for India
Teach for India is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing quality education to underprivileged children in India. The organization was founded in 2008 and has since been working to bridge the education gap in India by placing talented graduates and young professionals as teachers in low-income schools across the country.
Teach for India works in partnership with schools and communities to provide support and resources to teachers and students. The organization has impacted the lives of over 38,000 children across India.
8. Pratham
Pratham is an organization in India that promotes literacy and education among underprivileged youth. Since its inception in 1994, the organization has worked to provide quality education to children in remote and underserved regions.
Several organizations work tirelessly in addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by communities in India. No matter which organization you support, it’s all a helping hand toward a better India. You can do this by volunteering in different capacities or making donations to causes you believe in.