35 Slums with 70,000 people also ‘exist’ in Yerawada, the eastern part of Pune Problems like Lack of Education, Financial Instability, Poor Public Health and Sanitation loom over slum dwellers Alcoholism, Unemployment and Superstitions make things worse Some Financial Aid and Some Counseling/Guidance would prove effective in addressing their issues. With this intent, Surajya was born on 1st may to try and make a difference… Background

Mission The objective of this project is to assist the slum-dwellers of Yerwada in overcoming their miseries, in enhancing quality of life and also in strengthening the bonds of social harmony and equality. Holistic development of every individual living in slum areas. Holistic development of every individual living in slum areas. Inculcating National and cultural Pride Inculcating National and cultural Pride Service to man is service to God Service to man is service to God

Activities Activities focus on people of all genders and age Grass-root action items include Planning and facilitating children’s studies, Providing medical facilities to the needy, Cultivating character and moral values among the people, Counseling on woman related issues etc. Specifically, the following are undertaken Abhyasika (Running Study Centre) Abhyasika (Running Study Centre) Samskar Kendra (Inclusion of moral values) Samskar Kendra (Inclusion of moral values) SelfHelp Group (SHG) for women SelfHelp Group (SHG) for women Organising Medical Camps Organising Medical Camps Cultural Programs Cultural Programs Vocational Guidance Vocational Guidance

Abhyasika Abhyasika is the Learning Arm of Surajya, facilitating and motivating the people for Education. "Abhyasika" (Study Centre) operates for the students from standard 1 st to 10 th. It strives towards sending maximum children to schools, instead of labor or other menial tasks, that they may be engaged in. Currently, 875 students are being benefited from this centre. Specialized coaching is made available on English, Mathematics and Science. Every year about students achieve more than 75%. It has been decided that such meritorious students shall be facilitated for higher studies and necessary coachings.

Samskar Kendra Samskar class is conducted once in a week for Abhyasika students. Activities include Prayers, Patriotic Songs, Moral Stories, Team Games Also include Educational Trips, Personality Development programs, Competitions, Free Library The execution is simple but effective in imbibing sense of pride with one’s culture and heritage and strengthening the feeling of unity and integrity

Women' Self-Help Groups Under the auspices of Prakalpa, there are 28 self help groups enrolling 580 women participants Lectures and Counseling are arranged on pertinent subjects such as family planning, woman health problems, bringing up children etc. Also, trips to various industrial centers as well as religious places are arranged. Entrepreneurship is encouraged by guidance and training. Entrepreneurship is encouraged by guidance and training.

Medical Check-up Camps Health-care is another top priority besides Education. With the help of other organizations, SSVP workers arrange medical check-up camps in the Bastis for thorough check - up of children. With the help of other organizations, SSVP workers arrange medical check-up camps in the Bastis for thorough check - up of children. Efforts are on to arrange such camps at least twice in a year. Lectures and slide shows are also arranged to create awareness among the slum people about AIDS.

Cultural Programmes Every year, Prakalpa arranges cultural programs on prominent national days such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Teachers' Day, Guru-poumima and Raksha-Bhandhan and on National Leaders' birthdays. On such occasions Surajya workers undertake 'mass contact program' which results in creating a sense of belonging among the residents of locality.

Vocational Guidance to Women-folk In 2 bastis, vocational guidance is provided to women. Last year, Training was imparted on Stitching cloths, Preparation of Rakhies ( for Raksha- bhandhan) etc. Some of them, by investing between Rs to Rs.6000, did a good business too. The experiment proved very successful and now it has been decided to extend this experiment to all the remaining bastis.

Contact details Shri.Vijay Shivale Shri.Vijay Shivale Addreess: Addreess: Surabhi Complex, gala no. 23/24 Maharatshtra Housing board Yerawada Pune Surabhi Complex, gala no. 23/24 Maharatshtra Housing board Yerawada Pune