Welcome to Rugna Seva Prakalp (RSP). For more than thirty years, we have been a dedicated force for positive change in the heart of Maharashtra. What began as the passionate effort of a few young volunteers has grown into a multi-faceted organization committed to building a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable society. Our journey is one of evolution—from providing immediate relief to addressing the root causes of distress. We believe in an integrated approach, understanding that true well-being is a tapestry woven from threads of health, education, empowerment, and environmental consciousness.
Our mission is to empower the most vulnerable sections of society—women, children, and youth—by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to build self-reliant and dignified lives. Explore our story, our work, and discover how you can join us in this vital mission.
Our Story: From a Spark of Service to a Flame of Change
“Why We Started”
The seeds of Rugna Seva Prakalp were sown long before our formal registration. In the early days, we were an informal group of young, dedicated volunteers, driven by a simple yet powerful desire to serve. Our initial focus was on philanthropic and health-oriented activities, primarily organizing free health check-up and treatment camps for communities in need.
These camps were met with immense gratitude and received widespread acknowledgement. However, they also opened our eyes to a deeper, more troubling reality. We saw firsthand the aggregating effects of illiteracy and the profound lack of education on basic healthcare. The recurring health issues were not isolated incidents; they were symptoms of systemic problems. We realized that simply treating illness was not enough. To create lasting change, we had to address the underlying causes.
The effects of poor education, inadequate sanitation, and a general lack of awareness were producing devastating consequences, creating a cycle of poverty and poor health. Shockingly, we observed that these factors disproportionately impacted the weakest sections of society: women, children, and youth. This revelation was a turning point. It ignited our resolve to go beyond healthcare and enter into activities designed to protect, care for, and, most importantly, empower these vulnerable groups.
Our vision expanded. We understood that an integrated approach towards the well-being of society was incomplete without also addressing the environment that sustains us and the social structures that govern us. And so, RSP ventured into these fields as well, embracing environmental conservation and broad-based social development as essential pillars of our work. This holistic philosophy continues to guide us today, ensuring that our efforts create comprehensive and sustainable change.
Our Core Pillars: An Integrated Approach to Community Upliftment
Our work is organized around five interconnected pillars, each addressing a critical aspect of community well-being. This integrated model ensures that our interventions reinforce one another, creating a powerful multiplier effect that transforms entire communities.
1. Health & Wellness: The Foundation of a Thriving Society
Health is where our journey began, and it remains a cornerstone of our work. We believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right.
- Community Health Camps & Awareness: We continue our tradition of organizing free medical check-up and treatment camps in both urban and rural areas, thanks to the tireless support of the medical and paramedical fraternity. These camps are often paired with health awareness lecture series across the Sangli district, where topics of public health, hygiene, and preventative care are discussed at length.
- The Ankur Project (Home-Based Neonatal Care): From 2001 to 2005, RSP was a chief associate in the landmark Home-Based Neonatal Care (HBNC) Programme. Guided by the renowned social worker Dr. Abhay Bang of SEARCH, Gadchiroli, this project tackled the critical issue of neonatal and child mortality. Our work in providing preventive care and life-saving interventions directly in the homes of newborns had a profound impact, as evidenced by our detailed Child Death Study in Maharashtra (1998-2000).
- Combating HIV/AIDS: In 2007, we partnered with the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative through PCI to implement a project focused on Children Living with HIV & AIDS, providing crucial support and care to some of the most vulnerable young lives.
- Voluntary Blood Donation: RSP is a passionate advocate for voluntary blood donation. We regularly organize blood donation camps and maintain a comprehensive blood donor’s directory, which has proven to be a life-saving resource for countless patients in critical need.
2. Women’s Empowerment: Unleashing the Power of Half the Population
We firmly believe that empowering women is the single most effective catalyst for social and economic transformation. When a woman is empowered, her family and her entire community flourish.
- USHA Silai School Programme: In partnership with Usha International Ltd., we have established 10 “Silai Schools” (sewing schools) across 10 villages since 2012. After an intensive seven-day training program on stitching and machine maintenance, these women are now entrepreneurs. They are earning a sustainable livelihood by stitching, sewing, and teaching others, breaking cycles of poverty and gaining financial independence.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): RSP has motivated the formation of numerous Women’s Self-Help Groups. These groups are thriving, engaging in income-generating activities such as animal husbandry, poultry farming, and goatry. They provide a platform for mutual support, savings, and collective enterprise.
- Awareness and Development Programmes: Through multiple projects supported by the Central Social Welfare Board and IGSSS, New Delhi, we have conducted extensive Awareness Generation Programmes for rural and poor women. Our two-year Women Development Programme in 21 Villages in Miraj Taluka (2001-2003) and subsequent capacity-building initiatives have equipped thousands of women with knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills.
- SOS Network (Prevention of Trafficking): We are actively involved in the fight against the trafficking of women and children. The adjacent Karnataka border is a known vulnerable area for trafficking and a high-prevalence HIV zone. Our SOS Network activities are a critical line of defense, protecting the innocent and raising awareness to prevent this heinous crime.
3. Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Livelihoods: Nurturing Nature, Nurturing People
A healthy environment is intrinsically linked to the health and prosperity of a community. Our environmental initiatives focus on conservation, resource management, and creating green livelihoods.
- Kisan Nursery Project: In collaboration with the Social Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra, we implemented the Kisan Nursery Project for three consecutive years (1997-1999). This project promoted social forestry and provided a source of income for local farmers.
- Water Resource Management: Water is life, especially in the drought-prone regions of Maharashtra. We have implemented major water projects, including the Jalswaraj Project in 9 villages of Sangli District and the CASTROL Water Resource Development Programme. These initiatives focus on watershed management, water harvesting, and ensuring sustainable access to water for drinking and agriculture.
- Medicinal Plant Cultivation: We encourage the plantation of herbs with medicinal values, supporting women’s groups to cultivate these plants. This unique program not only provides a source of income but also revives traditional knowledge. Women grow, care for, and use these plants as home remedies for common ailments, promoting self-sufficiency in primary healthcare.
- NEAC Programme: Since 1995, RSP has been an active and uninterrupted participant in the National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC), consistently conducting programs that address critical issues of environmental protection and conservation.
4. Youth & Community Development: Building the Leaders of Tomorrow
The youth are the future, and investing in their development is an investment in the nation’s future.
- Promotion of Youth Activities and Trainings: With support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, we have run several programs focused on the development and empowerment of adolescents and the promotion of youth activities. These initiatives provide training, skill-building, and leadership opportunities.
- Physical Fitness and Sports: Recognizing the importance of physical well-being, we have successfully secured funds through the District Youth and Sports Department and MPLAD schemes to purchase fitness GYM equipment and develop a “Vayamshala” (gymnasium). These facilities provide a constructive outlet for the energy of young people and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Organisational Infrastructure: Through the MPLAD scheme, we have also invested in constructing our own organizational infrastructure, providing a permanent base for our expanding community activities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our work.
5. Disaster Response & Relief: A Helping Hand in Times of Crisis
When disaster strikes, RSP stands in solidarity with the affected communities, providing immediate relief and long-term support.
- Earthquake Relief (1993): When a major earthquake devastated the Marathwada region, RSP volunteers were on the ground. We supplied food grains and clothes and provided financial support. Critically, we provided an ambulance to Janakalyan Latur Hospital for two months, which served as a vital mobile health unit in the relief efforts.
- Drought Relief Work (2003-2004, 2010, 2012): Maharashtra, and Sangli District in particular, has faced severe droughts. RSP has been at the forefront of relief efforts. We maintained a large cattle camp at Patgaon Village, distributed fodder to save precious livestock, and worked with partners like the Maharashtra Foundation and AFARM. We also educated farmers on resilient cropping patterns and water harvesting methods to build long-term drought resilience.
- Flood Relief Work (2005, 2006): The floods of the Krishna river have repeatedly affected Sangli District. During the grim flood situations of 2005 and 2006, RSP was there, delivering essential healthcare services to affected people, providing safe drinking water, food packets, clothes, and fodder for livestock.
A Legacy of Impact & Partnership
Our journey is marked by a legacy of tangible achievements and credible partnerships. Over the years, we have had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of partners, from local communities to international agencies, all united by a common goal of service.
Our Valued Partners Include:
- Government of India: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Agriculture, Central Social Welfare Board
- Government of Maharashtra: Social Forest Dept., Department of Youth & Sports, Zilla Parishad Sangli
- National & International NGOs: Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), CAPART, Save the Children USA, Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative, Maharashtra Foundation
- Corporate Sector (CSR): CASTROL India, Usha International Ltd.
This diverse support base is a testament to the trust and credibility RSP has earned over decades of transparent, impactful, and community-centric work. Our projects, from the Rs. 19.62 Lakh Home Base Neonatal Care Project to the Rs. 13.80 Lakh Jalswaraj Project, reflect our capacity to manage large-scale, long-term initiatives that deliver measurable results.
Join Our Mission: Be a Part of the Change
The challenges facing our communities are immense, but our resolve is stronger. The work of Rugna Seva Prakalp is powered by the generosity, compassion, and active participation of people like you. Whether you are an individual, a corporation, or a fellow organization, there are many ways you can contribute to our mission.
Donate: Your financial support can have a direct and immediate impact. A donation can help us:
- Fund a free health camp for an entire village.
- Provide a woman with a sewing machine and the training to start her own business.
- Supply life-saving fodder to cattle during a drought.
- Plant trees that will restore our environment for generations to come.
Volunteer: Give the gift of your time and skills. We are always looking for passionate individuals to help with our camps, awareness drives, and community programs. Join us on the ground and experience the profound satisfaction of making a difference.
Partner with Us: We believe in the power of collaboration. If your organization or company shares our vision, we invite you to partner with us on a project. Together, we can amplify our impact and create even greater change.
Stay Informed: Follow our journey and see the impact of our work. Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates, success stories, and news from the communities we serve.
Thank you for visiting Rugna Seva Prakalp. Together, let’s continue to build a future where every individual has the opportunity to live a life of health, dignity, and empowerment.