What do you do?

Udisha operates at the intersection of multiple social issues, leveraging a holistic and multi-layered approach to address India’s most pressing challenges. By combining efforts in sustainable development, environmental conservation, skill development, education, women and child rights, and legal advocacy, Udisha creates solutions that are not only comprehensive but also innovative in their design and implementation.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

Understanding the Complex Challenges in India

India, with its vast and diverse population, faces a unique set of challenges that are deeply intertwined with its socio-economic and environmental landscape. Addressing these issues requires an understanding of their root causes and the broader context in which they exist.

  1. Poverty and Inequality: Despite significant economic growth, India remains home to one of the largest populations of impoverished people in the world. According to the World Bank, over 22% of India’s population lived below the national poverty line in 2019. Income inequality is stark, with the top 1% of the population holding over 40% of the country's wealth. This economic disparity is more pronounced in rural areas, where access to resources, education, and healthcare is limited.

  2. Environmental Degradation: India ranks among the most polluted countries globally, with 21 of the world’s 30 cities with the worst air quality located in India, as per IQAir’s 2020 report. The country also faces severe water stress, with nearly 600 million people experiencing high to extreme water stress (NITI Aayog). Deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity further exacerbate these environmental issues, impacting agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of millions.

  3. Education and Employment: The Indian education system, while vast, struggles with issues of quality and access. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 revealed that despite near-universal enrollment, foundational literacy and numeracy remain low, especially in rural areas. Additionally, India’s youth unemployment rate remains high, with a significant mismatch between the skills taught in educational institutions and those required by the job market.

  4. Gender Inequality and Child Rights: Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in India. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) indicates that over 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Child labor, trafficking, and abuse are also serious concerns, with UNICEF estimating that India is home to the largest number of child laborers in the world. Despite strong legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak, and cultural norms continue to perpetuate these issues.

  5. Access to Justice: Legal empowerment is a significant challenge, particularly for marginalized communities. The World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index ranks India 79th out of 128 countries, reflecting challenges in access to justice, law enforcement, and corruption. Rural and economically disadvantaged populations often lack the resources to navigate the legal system, leading to a significant gap in legal rights and protections.

OUR APPROACH

1. Integrating Education, Skill Development, and Employment Generation for Economic Empowerment

India’s demographic advantage is a double-edged sword; while it presents enormous potential for economic growth, it also demands the creation of millions of jobs and the provision of quality education and skills training. The mismatch between the skills provided by the education system and the demands of the labor market has contributed to high youth unemployment rates, particularly in rural areas.

Challenges in Education, Employment, and Rural Development

  • Quality of Education: Despite high enrollment rates, the quality of education in India remains inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The ASER 2020 report highlights that a significant proportion of students in the 5th grade cannot read a 2nd-grade text. This foundational gap in education limits future learning and employability.

  • Skill Gap and Unemployment: The rapid pace of technological change has created a significant skills gap in India. The World Economic Forum has identified India as one of the countries most affected by this gap, with an urgent need to reskill and upskill its workforce to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy. In rural areas, where economic opportunities are often limited, this gap is even more pronounced, leading to high levels of underemployment and unemployment.

  • Lack of Industrial Infrastructure: Rural India often lacks the infrastructure needed to support small-scale industries or technical centers. This limits the ability of rural communities to develop local economies that can provide stable employment opportunities. Additionally, the lack of connectivity and access to markets further hampers the growth of rural industries.

2. Addressing Complex Environmental Challenges with Community-Centric Solutions

India’s environmental challenges are severe and multifaceted, deeply intertwined with the nation’s socio-economic fabric. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural expansion have led to significant environmental degradation, with far-reaching impacts on human health, biodiversity, and climate stability.

The Scope of the Problem

Environmental Degradation: India ranks among the most polluted countries globally, with 21 of the world’s 30 cities with the worst air quality located in India, as per IQAir’s 2020 report. The country also faces severe water stress, with nearly 600 million people experiencing high to extreme water stress (NITI Aayog). Deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity further exacerbate these environmental issues, impacting agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of millions.

  • Air Pollution: India is home to some of the world’s most polluted cities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 90% of the population breathes air that exceeds safe limits, contributing to millions of premature deaths annually. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels are critically high, driven by vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and biomass burning.

  • Water Stress: Nearly 600 million people in India face high to extreme water stress, as per NITI Aayog. The depletion of groundwater resources, contamination of water bodies, and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change exacerbate the water crisis, threatening agriculture, livelihoods, and drinking water supply.

  • Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: India has seen significant deforestation due to logging, mining, and land conversion for agriculture and infrastructure projects. This deforestation not only contributes to carbon emissions but also leads to the loss of biodiversity, affecting ecosystem services that millions rely on for their survival.

  • Climate Change: India is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, shifting monsoon patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts. These changes pose severe risks to agriculture, water resources, and coastal communities.

  • Waste Management: The generation of solid waste in India has outpaced its management capabilities, leading to widespread dumping and pollution. With urban areas generating over 62 million tons of waste annually, and with waste management systems in many cities and towns being inadequate, this poses a significant public health and environmental challenge.

Critical Issues

Gender Inequality and Child Rights: Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in India. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) indicates that over 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Child labor, trafficking, and abuse are also serious concerns, with UNICEF estimating that India is home to the largest number of child laborers in the world. Despite strong legal frameworks, enforcement remains weak, and cultural norms continue to perpetuate these issues.

  • Domestic Violence: The NFHS-5 survey found that 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have faced sexual violence at least once in their lives. These figures are likely underreported due to the stigma and fear associated with speaking out.

  • Child Labor and Trafficking: Despite laws prohibiting child labor, millions of children in India are still engaged in work, often in hazardous conditions. Child trafficking is also a significant issue, with children being trafficked for labor, prostitution, and illegal adoptions.

  • Gender-Based Discrimination: Women and girls in India continue to face discrimination in various forms, from access to education and healthcare to participation in the workforce. This discrimination is often exacerbated by intersecting factors such as caste, class, and religion.

Udisha's Integrated Approach to Education, Skill Development, and Employment

Udisha’s Saksharta Abhiyaan and employment generation initiatives are designed to bridge these gaps by offering a blend of formal education, vocational training, and support for small-scale industry development. This holistic approach is particularly focused on rural areas, where the need for such programs is most acute.

  • Skill Development Centers: Udisha establishes skill development centers in rural areas that provide training in a variety of trades, including tailoring, carpentry, electrical work, and digital skills. These centers are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to ensure that trainees receive hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

  • Small-Scale Industry Support: Recognizing the potential of rural entrepreneurship, Udisha supports the development of small-scale industries by providing training in product development, quality control, and business management. This includes helping communities set up cooperatives or micro-enterprises that produce goods using locally available resources, such as agricultural by-products or handicrafts. For example, Udisha has helped women’s groups in rural areas establish businesses that produce and sell handmade textiles, which are marketed both locally and online.

  • Technical Education Hubs: In addition to vocational training, Udisha is committed to advancing technical education in rural areas. By setting up technical education hubs, Udisha provides training in emerging fields like renewable energy, IT, and sustainable agriculture. These hubs serve as centers of innovation where rural youth can learn new technologies and develop skills that are in high demand in both local and global markets.

  • Linking Training with Employment: Udisha’s approach goes beyond training by creating linkages between education, skill development, and employment opportunities. Through partnerships with local businesses, industries, and government initiatives like Skill India and Digital India, Udisha ensures that its graduates have access to job opportunities that match their skills. This model not only addresses unemployment but also supports local economic development by providing skilled labor to growing industries.

This approach is particularly innovative in its focus on creating sustainable, self-sufficient communities. By integrating education and skill development with support for small-scale industry and technical centers, Udisha is helping to transform rural economies. This model aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), contributing to broader efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Udisha's Community-Centric Approach

Udisha’s Paryavaran Project directly addresses these environmental challenges by empowering local communities to take ownership of their environment. This approach is grounded in the belief that sustainable change can only be achieved when communities are not just participants but leaders in the conservation efforts.

  • Localized Interventions: In drought-prone areas, Udisha implements rainwater harvesting systems and educates farmers on water-efficient agricultural practices. In areas affected by deforestation, the project focuses on afforestation and the sustainable management of forest resources.

  • Behavioral Change: Udisha's programs emphasize the importance of behavioral change at the grassroots level. By involving schools, local leaders, and families in environmental education initiatives, Udisha fosters a culture of sustainability that permeates daily life. This is crucial in a country where environmental awareness and sustainable practices are still emerging concepts in many rural areas.

  • Technology Integration: Udisha also integrates low-cost, sustainable technologies into its environmental programs. For example, the use of solar energy in off-grid areas not only reduces dependency on fossil fuels but also provides reliable electricity to communities, improving quality of life while mitigating environmental impact.

This model is innovative because it adapts global best practices to local contexts, ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and sustainable over the long term. By aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), Udisha ensures that its environmental efforts are part of a broader global movement towards sustainability.

3. Holistic Approach to Women and Child Rights

Despite progress in legal frameworks, gender inequality and child rights abuses remain deeply entrenched in many parts of India. Issues such as domestic violence, child marriage, and human trafficking continue to affect millions, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.

Barriers to Justice

  • Geographic and Economic Barriers: Rural areas often lack the necessary legal infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to access legal services. Additionally, the cost of legal representation is prohibitive for many, particularly in marginalized communities.

  • Lack of Legal Awareness: Many people in India are unaware of their legal rights or the procedures to enforce them. This is especially true for women, children, and economically disadvantaged individuals, who may not have the education or resources to seek legal redress.

  • Systemic Issues: The Indian legal system is overburdened, with millions of cases pending in courts across the country. This delays justice and often discourages people from pursuing legal action. Corruption and inefficiency further exacerbate these issues, particularly in cases involving marginalized groups.

Comprehensive Response

Udisha’s approach to protecting and empowering women and children is comprehensive, addressing both immediate needs and long-term systemic issues.

  • Legal Advocacy and Support: Udisha provides legal aid to survivors of domestic violence and child abuse, helping them navigate the legal system and secure justice. This is complemented by community-based initiatives that educate people about their rights and the legal protections available to them.

  • Preventive Education: Through workshops, school programs, and community outreach, Udisha educates children, parents, and community leaders about child rights, gender equality, and the dangers of trafficking. This preventive approach aims to create a safer environment for women and children by changing attitudes and behaviors at the community level.

  • Economic Empowerment: Recognizing the link between economic dependence and vulnerability to abuse, Udisha’s programs include vocational training and entrepreneurship support for women. By helping women achieve financial independence, Udisha reduces their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

  • This holistic approach is in line with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and child rights abuses, Udisha’s programs contribute to creating safer, more equitable communities.

    • Community Engagement for Long-Term Change: One of the unique aspects of Udisha’s approach is the deep engagement with community stakeholders. By involving local leaders, educators, and religious figures, Udisha fosters a community-wide commitment to protecting women and children. This approach ensures that the changes made are sustainable and deeply rooted in the cultural context of the community.

    • Monitoring and Evaluation: To ensure the effectiveness of its initiatives, Udisha employs a rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework. This allows the organization to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and adapt strategies in real-time. By using data-driven insights, Udisha ensures that its programs are not only impactful but also scalable and replicable in other regions facing similar challenges.

4. Legal Advocacy as a Pillar of Social Justice

Access to justice is a cornerstone of democracy, yet in India, many marginalized communities are effectively excluded from the legal system due to a lack of resources, awareness, and legal infrastructure.

Udisha's Legal Empowerment Model

  • Udisha’s legal advocacy programs are designed to overcome these barriers by providing accessible, community-based legal services. What makes Udisha’s approach innovative is its integration of legal services with other social development programs.

    • Community-Based Legal Aid: Udisha sets up legal aid clinics in rural and underserved areas, offering free legal services to those in need. These clinics are staffed by trained paralegals and volunteer lawyers who provide legal advice, representation, and support for navigating the justice system.

    • Legal Literacy Campaigns: Recognizing that awareness is the first step toward empowerment, Udisha runs extensive legal literacy campaigns. These campaigns are designed to educate communities about their rights and the legal remedies available to them. By demystifying the legal process, Udisha empowers individuals to assert their rights and seek justice.

    • Strategic Litigation and Policy Advocacy: Beyond individual cases, Udisha engages in strategic litigation to address systemic injustices that affect large groups of people. This includes filing public interest litigations (PILs) to challenge unfair laws and policies, as well as advocating for legal reforms that promote greater access to justice for marginalized communities. Udisha’s advocacy efforts are aimed at both local and national levels, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard in the corridors of power.

    This focus on legal empowerment aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which emphasizes the need for inclusive societies and accessible justice systems. By combining legal advocacy with education, economic empowerment, and community engagement, Udisha helps to build stronger, more resilient communities that are capable of advocating for their own rights and interests.

Project Naari Siksha

Project Gyaan Vaatika is a prominent program of Udisha. Under the project more than 500 young women have been imparted  training  in employable skills like Beautician, Dress Designing, Cutting and Tailoring and Security Guards. Assistance in placement is provided on completion of training.

Project Gyaan Vatika

Project Gyaan Vaatika is a prominent program of Udisha. Under the project more than 500 young women have been imparted  training  in employable skills like Beautician, Dress Designing, Cutting and Tailoring and Security Guards. Assistance in placement is provided on completion of training.

Our Areas of Work

Women Empowerment

Udisha has adopted multi pronged approach for women empowerment. We have organized skill development programs for women, awareness campaigns, rallies, seminars and conferences have been organized, on burning topics related to women: like domestic violence, acid attack, sexual abuse and cyber crime.

Sustainable Development

Udisha Paryavaran Project is an Environment Protection and Energy Conservation Program. The focus of the Project is on inclusion Environmental Education in Secondary Schools.
We have participated in National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) organized of Ministry of Forest & Climate Change.

Education

Udisha Literacy Program has been specially designed for school drop outs from the downtrodden sections of the society. Young people are given training  in Computer Programming, Tally- Accounting Software, etc., so that they are employment ready and continue their formal education through open schooling format.

Social Development

Udisha has been participating at various UN forums with respect to Social Development in terms of presentation, seminar and contributing articles with respect  to "Promotion and Protection of all human rights, civil, economic, political, social and cultural rights, including the right to development."

Child Rights

Children are the future of any nation. Udisha has taken many initiatives for all round development of children. We have organised many events for child safety, protection of child rights and prevention of child abuse. Also have been working to sensitize them and help them with self defense.

Legal Aid

Udisha over the years have been conducting and participating at various legal forums with respect to safety, security and rights of women, youth and children. Seminars, presentations and various activities during International Labour Day and similar events with Government bodies and Legal forums are conducted.