CELEBRATINGONE MILLIONWOMENMANN DESHI FOUNDATIONANNUAL REPORT 2022 - 2023

Anita Kumbhar, Businesswoman

Anita has a pottery business located in Mhaswad,
Satara. Anita lost her father at a young age, andher mother struggled to make ends meet. After ayear of being married, her husband lost his job.
Anita was determined to ensure her children had abetter life and childhood. She applied for a loan
and used her creativity to start a pottery business.
Her mother-in-law used to do pottery, and now
Anita and her children have followed in her
footsteps and also make pottery. After a lifetimeof insecurity, Anita has taken command of her
livelihood and created stability for herself and herfamily.

INDEX
1. A Note from the Chairperson ................................................................ 03
2. Highlights from the Year ........................................................................ 06
3. About Us ..................................................................................................

12

4. Women Empowerment Programmes ....................................................

13

Women’s Business School .......................................................................

14

Chambers of Commerce .......................................................................... 21
5. Community Development Programmes ................................................

25

Mann Deshi Tarang Vahini (Community Radio) ................................... 26
Bicycle for Girls ......................................................................................... 27
Water Conservation ................................................................................. 28
Healthcare Programme ........................................................................... 29
Mann Deshi Champions - Sports For Development ............................ 37
Agriculture Programme ...........................................................................

44

Championing Green ..................................................................................

49

6. Our Supporters ........................................................................................ 50
7. Our Upcoming Partnerships .................................................................... 51
8. Governance ..............................................................................................

52

9. Bank & Auditors .......................................................................................

59

10. Financial Statements ............................................................................

63

This year marks the beginning of
our celebration as
Mann Deshi Foundation reaches asignificant milestone ofempowering ONE MILLION WOMEN.

A NOTE FROM THE
CHAIRPERSON
Dear Reader,
I am delighted to present the Annual Report2022-23 for Mann Deshi Foundation. This year
has been a remarkable journey filled withchallenges and triumphs, and I am excited toshare some of the key highlights with you all.
Bringing Light to the Darkness:
In a year when we celebrated 75 years of
independence, it was disheartening to witness
villages that still lacked basic amenities likeelectricity. Mann Deshi, with generous support from HSBC and the Forest
Department of Maharashtra, undertook a momentous initiative to provide
electricity to three villages in the core zone of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Thesevillages had long been deprived of the power of light, and through the
installation of solar panels and lamps, we illuminated their lives and brought
hope to their children.
Celebrating One Million Women:This year marks the beginning of our celebration as Mann Deshi Foundation
reaches a significant milestone of empowering one million women. Over the past
25 years, we have diligently worked with women entrepreneurs through ourbusiness schools and chambers of commerce. Our commitment to empowering
women was also acknowledged at the Clinton Global Initiative 2022. In an
exciting development, Mann Deshi Foundation will collaborate with the Clinton
Global Initiative to support their $50 million Climate Resilience Fund for Women.
Digital Transformation with ONDC:
We are immensely proud of our partnership with the ONDC, which has
empowered our women entrepreneurs to embark on a digital journey. Our
resilient women have listed over 400 products online, and as I write this, they are
rapidly expanding their digital footprint, furthering their economic
independence.
Creating Inclusive and Financially Secure Futures for All:
In partnership with Mann Deshi Bank, we've built a cadre of banking
correspondents “BC Sakhis”. Our sakhis are drawn from the very community weserve and provide essential banking services, digital transactions support, andfinancial education - all at our women’s doorsteps. They bridge the gap between
the bank and women living in remote areas, empowering women to save andmake informed financial decisions.

03

BC Sakhis are change agents, promoting savings, credit access, and financial
independence. This program embodies our commitment to empowering womenand creating inclusive and financially secure futures for all.
Grassroots Lessons, Global Impact:
This year, I had the privilege of representing Mann Deshi Foundation on multiple
international platforms, sharing our grassroots lessons with a global audience. I
was honored to be invited to join the G7's Gender Equality Advisory Committee,
established during Germany's Presidency in 2022. Additionally, I had the distinct
privilege of chairing the Working Group on Financial Inclusion and BusinessAcceleration under G20 EMPOWER 2023. These opportunities have allowed us to
not only showcase the impact of Mann Deshi's work but also contribute to global
discussions on gender equality and financial inclusion, further reinforcing theimportance of our mission on the world stage.
The International Year of Millet:
Responding to India's proposal, the UN has declared 2023 as the International Yearof Millet. While millets are celebrated for their nutritional and climate-friendly
attributes, our millet farmers remain vulnerable. Mann Deshi has been actively
working with these farmers, offering them access to credit and supporting them inaddressing challenges, ultimately enhancing their production and securing better
prices.
Amplifying Voices, Impacting Change:
Our community radio station, Mann Deshi Tarang Vahini, continues to be a powerfulplatform for amplifying the voices of our community members. This year, our show
'Aamchi Urmila' garnered tremendous community response with its five-episodeseries addressing the critical issue of child marriage. These episodes raised
awareness and facilitated meaningful conversations within our community.
Furthermore, our team undertook an impactful 18-episode series that shed light on
the diverse ways in which people's lives were affected during the pandemic- fromthe stories of resilient women entrepreneurs to the challenges faced by school
children.
Accessible Healthcare for All:In August 2022, we initiated a Community Healthcare Centre, providing accessible,
affordable, and high-quality healthcare services to our last-mile communities. Ourcenter boasts an OPD, radiology services including CT and X-ray, a pathology lab,
and a physiotherapy unit. Additionally, we offer 24/7 ambulance services andconduct daily health camps. Our cadre of community health workers, known as'health sakhis,' are at the forefront, delivering doorstep screening services andemphasizing preventive healthcare.

04

Empowering Farmers with Modern Science:
Our commitment to women farmers remains unwavering. In October 2022, we
inaugurated an Agriculture and Soil Testing Lab, bridging our farmer’s ancient
wisdom with modern science. Our dedicated "Soil Champions" agronomists
provide comprehensive services, from soil collection and testing to crop cycle
guidance. This holistic approach has led to a remarkable 60% reduction in our
farmers' costs, primarily due to significant savings on fertilizers.
Mann Deshi Champions Shine:
Our Mann Deshi Champions athletes continue to make us proud. Kajał Atpadkar
who represented India in the U23 5 Nations Tournament in Ireland 2022, has now
been selected for the 4 Nations Junior Hockey Tournament in Dusseldorf,
Germany, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. The daughter ofsugarcane-cutters, her journey from Mhaswad to Ireland to Germany is atestament to her unwavering perseverance. Additionally, Mumtaj Mulani, adetermined young wrestler in a sport often dominated by men, never lets thatcome in the way of her dreams. She was chosen by the Consulate General of
Canada in Mumbai to be the Consul General for a Day in commemoration of theInternational Day of the Girl Child 2022.
Our journey at Mann Deshi Foundation is the story of the incredible impact thatcan be achieved when communities come together with determination andpurpose. We remain committed to our mission of empowering women, uplifting
rural communities, and creating lasting change. In this Report, you will read stories
of our women entrepreneurs, farmers, athletes and other members of the Mann
Deshi community, and we hope you will open your hearts and minds to them.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, our partners,
donors, and all those who have supported us in this journey. Together, we willcontinue to light up lives, empower women, and build a brighter, more equitable
future.
Thank you for being part of our ever-growing Mann Deshi family.
Affectionately,
Chetna Gala Sinha
Founder and Chairperson, Mann Deshi Foundation

05

HIGHLIGHTSOn April 07, 2022, Mann
Deshi Foundation launched“Success of Public-Private
Partnership: A Case Study of
the Gondawale Khurd Rural
Hospital” in Mumbai.

On 7th August 2022, Mann
Deshi Diagnostic and
Healthcare Centre wasinaugurated. The centre
provides OPD services, CT
scan, a pathology lab, xray and physiotherapy.

Our founder, Chetna Gala
Sinha at the Clinton Global
Initiative 2022. In 2012, Mann
Deshi had committed toempower 37,ooo women. In
2022, another commitment toaction to empower 1 million
women was declared.

06

HIGHLIGHTS

On 16th Oct, 2022, The
Agriculture and Soil Testing
Center of Mann Deshi wasinaugurated by Rajendra
Pawar.

Mann Deshi Champions athlete,
Mumtaz Mulani, was selectedby the Canadian Consulate in
Mumbai to be the Counsel
General for a day on theInternational Day of the GirlChild.

On the occasion ofChildren's Day, weorganised a free check-up
for boys and girls between
the age groups of 0 and 12
years at our diagnostic
centre. Over 350–400
children attended thehealth camp.

07

HIGHLIGHTSOur Founder, Chetna Gala
Sinha representing thevoices of rural women at the
he Global Inclusive Growth
Summit organised by the
Mastercard Center for
Inclusive Growth and the
Aspen Institute

Ms.Chetna Gala Sinha with
US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton came in
Ahmedabad.

Inauguration of Solarvillages, in the Sahyadri
Tiger Reserve.
The villages were provided
with solar panels, solar
lights, fans, flour Mills,
education TV sets for kids,
street lights and charging
points.

08

HIGHLIGHTS

Chetna Gala Sinha and Prabhat
Sinha with Samantha JanePowers. Samantha is an American
journalist, diplomat, andgovernment official who iscurrently serving as the
Administrator of the UnitedStates Agency for International
Development.

Our Founder, Chetna Gala
Sinha with Queen Máxima of
the Netherlands. Queen
Máxima has promoted social
integration of immigrants,
LGBT rights, and financial
inclusion.

Our Founder, Chetna Gala
Sinha with YouTube influencer
and philanthropist Lilly Singhat the Global Inclusive Growth
Summit discussing genderequality and women
empowerment

09

HIGHLIGHTS

We are proud to annoucethat Ms. Chetna Gala
Sinha played the role of achair for the Working
Group on Financial
Inclusion and BusinessAcceleration under G20
EMPOWER 2023.

Our founder Ms. Chetna
Gala Sinha was a partof the G7's Gender
Equality Advisory
Committee, aninternational group of
experts that advises
the G7 Countries ongender equality.

We are pround to announce
that Komal Gole, Mann DeshiChampions coah was awarded
the Shiv Chhatrapati award,
the highest prestigious sports
award honoured annually tothe players of Maharashtra by
the Government of
Maharashtra in India

10

HIGHLIGHTS

Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha
at G20 EMPOWER
Meeting in
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerela in April 2023.

After a long 2 year break
due to COVID, Mann Deshi
Mahotsav was successfullyorganised in Jan 2023. Over
100 women sold theirproducts over the 2 day
event that also displayed
rural art, dance and cultureof Manndesh region.

To celebrate the InternationalYear of Millets, we conducted aaction research which focusedon highlighting the voices ofsmall holder millet farmers,
provided silage making training
workshops and provided amarket for traditional millet
snacks.

11

ABOUT US
Mann Deshi Foundation is a non-profit organisation set up in 1996 andheadquartered at Mhaswad, Satara. Mann Deshi Foundation works to empower andimprove women’s economic agency in rural India. Our vision is to empower women
to make their own choices and to be celebrated as equal and valuable members of
their families and communities. We have many different work streams throughwhich we operate, yet they all contribute to our final vision of engaging withwomen to promote financial inclusion and greater independence.
Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank is the first bank exclusively set up by and for rural
women in India. Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank was set up in 1996 when
Kantabai, a welder who worked and lived with her family on the footpath inMhaswad, rural Maharashtra, approached our founder, Chetna Sinha. She narrated
a harrowing account of being rejected by several banks when she tried to open an
account. Kantabai simply wanted a safe space to save some money so she could
buy tarpaulin sheets to protect her home in the monsoons. Chetna decided to set
up a bank for women like Kantabai. The Bank provides women with banking
services and affordable credit and has pioneered several customised products for
women micro-entrepreneurs. The Foundation & the Bank work hand-in-handtowards empowering women in rural areas to gain financial independence andhave control over their finances.
The Foundation has two verticals, the women empowerment programmes and thecommunity empowerment programmes.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENTCOMMUNITY EMPOWERMENTWomen's Business Schools
Financial & Digital Literacy
Entrepreneurship Development
Deshi MBA
Para-Vet Programme
Women & Young Girls
Yashwantrao Chavan
Maharashtra Open University(YCMOU)Mann Deshi's Community Radio

Chambers of CommerceChampioning Green
Sustainablity and Green Energy

Bicycles for Girls
Water Conservation
Healthcare Programme
Mann Deshi Champions
Sports for Development
Agriculture Programme

12

WOMENEMPOWERMENTPROGRAMMESWOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOL
Our business schools run courses for aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs
as part of our work to empower and improve women's economic agency in rural
India. Many of the business schools are run from buses to facilitate access tobusiness-related and financial education in the remotest areas.
FINANCIAL & DIGITAL LITERACY

PARA-VET TRAINING

The basic financial literacy module
introduces participants to theessentials of banking over a three hour
workshop. Topics include how to open
an account, the importance of savings,
an introduction to insurance, pension
and loans. It includes practicalstrategies on how to save from existing
income and highlights the discipline ofdaily savings. The more advanced sixday module is an in-depth look at
financial management and bestpractices for businesses. It introduces
various types of loans and details how
to build income, assets and wealth.

In the Mann region, goats are a crucial
asset for farming communities. Womenare in charge of rearing and managing
the goats. The Goat Doctor
Programme, in partnership with the
Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute(NARI) provides training in goatfarming, vaccinations, first aid andartificial insemination
WOMEN & YOUNG GIRLS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
This programme helps women set up
their business and hone theirentrepreneurial skills. Courses in thisprogramme include agri-based
business training, computer literacy,
fashion design and several vocationalcourses.
DESHI MBA

This programme focuses on the least
educated and most vulnerable groupsof girls and young women who live inrural Satara district. The programme
combines life-skill and healthworkshops, financial literacy andlivelihood training.
THE YASHWANTRAO CHAVANMAHARASHTRA OPEN UNIVERSITY
In 2011, the Mann Deshi Foundation
started a distance education centre
which is affiliated with the
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra
Open University (YCMOU), Nashik. The
centre offers a Bachelor’s degree inArts as well as Commerce. Since
inception, 2,540 students have enrolled
in the YCMOU programme. In FY 22-23,
176 students were enrolled, out of
which 79 students have successfullycompleted their graduation.

This is a year-long intensive course thatenables women micro-entrepreneurs
to examine and strengthen theirfinancial, planning, inventory,
marketing and accounting systems.
Participants attend workshops, visit
successful businesses, attend market
fairs and are supported by a mentor
who guides them throughout the year

14

WOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOLOUTCOME & IMPACT
In 2022-2023, 1,01,588 women have benefitted from the training offered at ourBusiness Schools and Mobile Business Schools.
Since 2012,
5,90,263 women have been trained
through Business Schools
91% of women have increased theirmonthly average income by 55%
69% of women have gone on to gain
ownership of assets
74% of women have created or
expanded their business
38% of Women have access to District
and Urban Market
39% of Women went on to hire more
employees in their businesses

Mobile Business
Schools
40.3%
Business Schools
59.7%

40,469

Women Trained inDigital & Financial
Literacy

25,712

Women Trained inLivelihood Skills

Business Schools

20,337

Women Trainedin Business
Development

Mobile Business Schools

25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0

Digital & Financial Literacy

Livelihood Skills

15

Business Development

WOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOLOUTCOME & IMPACT
Livelihood Generation Skills Training includes workshops on Basic and AdvanceFashion Designing, Basic and Advance Beauty Parlor as well as workshops on AgriBusinesses. Business Development skills training includes workshops on
Entrepreneurship Development, Electronic Appliances and Tailoring Machine
Repairing Course. The Young Girls Programme aims to provide Health, Hygiene &Legal Skills Training, Personality Development as well as Introduction to Banking
and Saving Skills Trainings. Special Courses include skills training on Marketing,Computer Literacy, and Tally. It also includes non-conventional skills training suchas learning how to drive, how to use technology for production and creating anenterprise through mask manufacturing.Training on Income Generation skills
includes courses on professional rangoli decoration, mehandi application andembroidery.

9,973

1,712

Girls Trained inYoung Girls’
Programme

Women Trained in
Deshi MBA
Programme

901

2,484

Women Trained inSpecial Courses

Women Trainedin IncomeGeneration

Business Schools

Mobile Business Schools

8000
6000
4000
2000
0
Young Girls' ProgrammeSpecial Courses Income Generating Skills

Deshi MBA

16

WOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOLOUTCOME & IMPACT
The Para-vet programme has provided women with training and education on goatfarming, vaccinations, first aid and artificial insemination (AI) in partnership with
Nimbkar Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in Phaltan. These women, popularly
known as “goat doctors” are regularly featured in the media. Often seen carrying
their AI kits on their scooters and bikes over large distances, and clad in a starchedwhite lab coat, these women are largely sought-after for their skills in theircommunities. It is no small wonder that they have broken many genderstereotypes as well.
Since 2014, 16,03,902 vaccinations have been administered to goats, sheep andchickens. Our para-vets have artificially inseminated 16,004 goats with an 86%
success rate, and more are happening every day.
Since 2018, 46, 860 farmers have been helped by our veterinary programs and 80%
of women have been empowered to gain ownership of livestock assets.
Additionally, 14,424 women have established a new business due to the training
provided in our para-vet program.

Outcome 2022-2023

13,915Farmers Reached1,85,097

Goat Vaccinations

3,560

Artificial
Inseminations
Conducted

1,73,169
Chicken
Vaccinations

17

1,13,258
Sheep
Vaccinations

30,840Primary
Treatments

WOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOLSTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET SUVARNA RASAL
Suvarna is the founder of Swami
Samarth Gift Article, a creative
sculpture-making business. About adecade ago, Suvarna’s family wasfacing a financial crunch. Her
husband, who earlier managed abusiness of idols and sculpturemaking with his brother, separated
from his brother, and the businessshut down. He started working as adriver of a school van. However, his
income was insufficient to manage
house expenses.
That’s when Suvarna asked him to teach the art of making idols. It took her about
three months to learn the process but soon, she started making and selling orders
and the business picked up.
Suvarna makes a variety of idols between 3 inch to 18 inches of Ganpati, Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj, Lord Vitthal, Sai Baba, Buddha and more. She has supplied idols tocustomers based in Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and Ahmednagar.
Her monthly revenue ranges between Rs.1 Lakh to 1.5Lakh and her monthly profit
ranges between Rs.30,000-Rs.35,000. Two years ago, during the covid-19 pandemic,
schools were shut and her husband’s income stopped. That’s when he too joined
Suvarna’s business. These days, he manages delivery of the idols.
In 2018, she joined Mann Deshi Foundation when she did a workshop in financial
literacy. Suvarna says that ever since she joined Mann Deshi, she has seen an increasein the orders. She also took a revolving fund of Rs 5,000 from Mann Deshi to buy amachine compressor. “Under the mentorship program, I learned about digitalmarketing that helped me promote my business a lot. I have registered my business in
GoogleMy Business. I got an order from Ichalkaranji through Facebook. I also started
using the MeraBill app to maintain business accounts. Using the app, I can track mygrowth graph, annual report, profit, loss etc”. Suvarna has employed four women in
her workshop currently. She states that her sculpture-making business is a creative
outlet and gives her a sense of mental peace. Suvarna is currently expanding her
business and hopes to employ more women. “I want every woman to be able to standon her own two feet!”18

WOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOLSTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET ASHA GORE
‘My confidence has boosted; thanks to Mann Deshi’I got married in 2004. My husband has his own business. Initially, I worked at
Gurukul Dongri, which is a hostel and school. I worked there until 2006, and then I
started my own school and hostel. In 2014, I shifted to Pune and started a hostel
there too. However, during the pandemic, it shut down. Later, I started a businessof printing and designing. The reason I started this business was that I had priorknowledge of screen painting. I had gained this knowledge while working at
Gurukul Dongri. However, after starting the business I had to gain knowledge about
the right type of ink to be used for fabric and paper. I also had to find the rightmarket for buying ink and other required materals. In any new work, we keep
learning with our mistakes. For instance, sometimes the ink colour would smudge
and I had to redo the work. I have to ensure that the finishing of all end products is
good.
When I learned about the Deshi MBA program, I joined it. The program benefitted
me a lot by equipping me with knowledge related to marketing, financial planning,time management, saving, etc. I have been able to manage the business wellalongside household responsibilities. Mann Deshi helped me get orders. I evenprinted Deshi MBA marketing kit paraphernalia for two years for the Dhayari and
Bhosari branch. This increased my income. I am happy that I got to meet different
women entrepreneurs. Some women started giving me orders for printing
pamphlets, stickers, etc. I have started taking orders for making ID cards as well.
This year, I want to buy my own machine for printing ID cards and I will be applying
for a loan for this.
Before, I only had a laptop. After joining Mann Deshi, I have bought a printer,computer setup, and a two-wheeler as well. About 5-6 months ago, I took arevolving grant from Mann Deshi to buy raw materials for my business. Previously, I
would earn around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per month. Now, I earn up to Rs 25,000
per month. My confidence has boosted after joining the Deshi MBA program,
thanks to Mann Deshi. Every month, I am able to save Rs 1,000. Whenever there are
more orders, I hire a helper on a wage basis.

19

WOMEN'S BUSINESS SCHOOLSTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET RAJESHWARI CHOUDHARI“I used to do farming with my husband.
Two years ago, he met with an accident
and became handicapped. Around thesame time, Mann Deshi visited my village
and conducted mushroom cultivation
training. I participated in it and started
mushroom cultivation. My main challenge
was to raise business capital. With theassistance of Mann Deshi, under agovernment scheme, I got a loan of
about Rs 4.7 lakhs. I invested my own
little savings too. I put up a shed to begin
mushroom cultivation.
Before, I would earn Rs 2,000 per month. Now, I earn Rs 15,000 monthly. Though I
sell my mushrooms in the market, a lot of my time gets wasted sitting in themarket throughout the day. Ideally I would have a regular buyer who would buy mymushrooms in bulk. This would allow me to increase my production too withoutworrying whether it would sell or not. However, I am yet to reach that stage.
I have purchased a flour mill for a side business by investing Rs 23,000. I feel it was
an investment and a risk worth taking. I was sure to make an income with this. Thisbusiness earns me around Rs 5,000 per month. There are about 4 women who workwith me for Rs 200 daily wage now. After paying their wages from my revenue, I am
easily able to save about Rs 5,000 - 6,000 per month. Now, I want to invest in adrier machine for this business. I am happy that I am able to come this far on myown. “20CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
In 2014 Mann Deshi started its Chambers of Commerce (CoC) across Mhaswad,
Satara and Pune with the aim of helping existing women entrepreneurs to scale
their businesses and learn from an ever-expanding network of businesswomen.
The CoC offers advisory services, customised marketing training, platforms forcollective bargaining, and access to new markets. Today this network reaches
across Maharashtra and also includes our women in Silvassa, Gujarat and Hubli,
Karnataka.
The Chambers of Commerce has a variety of purposes that all serve to empower
the women entrepreneurs in rural India, providing women with greater
opportunities to strengthen their enterprise. These opportunities include:

Toll free helpline forwomen entrepreneurs

Financial,marketing,registration andlegal advisory

Mentorshipprogrammes

Community organisationand networking
opportunities

Platform to learn aboutindustry and financial bestpractices

Providing advisory to womenon policy and schemes

21

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
OUTCOME & IMPACT
In 2022-2023, 77,503 women have benefitted from the work at our Chambers ofCommerce.
Since 2014,
1,77,094 women have trained through the Chambers of Commerce
82% of women report an increase in monthly income by 65%
49% of women have grown their business
33% of women have set up a new business
70% of women have adopted the use of new technology or digital services intheir business
80% of women have procured the necessary legal licences or registrations tooperate their businesses

14,392

3,3812

Women inOrientation

Women inBusiness Groups

20,04710814

Women in Peer
Networking
Forums

Women attended
Exposure Visits11,915

12,909

Women attend
Seminars andExpert Talks

Women attended
Financial & Legal
Advisory

4,327

3,099

Women in
Mentorship
Programme

Women linked byMarketingPlatforms

22

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET ASHWINI GHANE
Ashwini Ghane has gone a long way from struggling to make ends meet to owninga flourishing spice business. “There are five members in my family. My husband is
employed at a business that provides credit. We have a son and two girls. Due tolimited resources, the family's financial status used to be awful. My spouseattempted working in the jewellery, clothing, saree, and other industries. However,
he never achieved the success he had hoped for because of a lack of funding.
When I was dropping off my child at
school one day, I passed the Mann
Deshi office and went inside. I
discovered that the company runs anumber of training courses just for
women. I received training in nauvarisaree stitching. I also learned how tomake spices. I ultimately decided tostart a spice business. I initiallyaccepted a revolving grant from Mann
Deshi for Rs 5,000 to purchase raw
materials for the company.

Everyone who tried the sample that I gave to a few households loved it. They also
placed orders. This gave me more self-assurance. I also received instruction inbranding, packaging, and labelling at Mann Deshi, which benefited my product. I
made the decision to extend my business by renting space as my clientele grew. I
received Mann Deshi's assistance in gathering all the required paperwork so I
could apply to the SBI for a business loan of Rs. 6 lakhs.
I settled in the village of Nandur. My company is called Aayara Spices. I have four
female employees. My company's monthly revenue reaches Rs 1 lakh, and its
profit is close to Rs 30,000. I also had the chance to set up stalls for my spices,which was quite advantageous.
The Mann Deshi Foundation has given me a lot of assistance and direction, and it
has aided in the expansion of my firm.

23

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET MANISHA

Manisha resides in the village Sansari with her husband and two kids. She has beenrunning a business of kurdai and papad from home for the past few years. It wasstarted on a very small scale to support her family financially as her husband’s
income wasn’t enough to meet household expenses.
In the year 2020, she joined Mann Deshi’s Chamber of Commerce program andattended different workshops. She also took a revolving grant of Rs 5,000 for her
business. Soon, the financial condition of her home started improving gradually.
She was able to earn about Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per month. Later, however, herhusband got a paralysis attack and thus couldn’t work anymore. That’s when
Manisha decided to start a side business of poultry.
“When you start a poultry business, the primary requirement is capital. I did nothave the necessary capital amount,” she recollects. Mann Deshi helped her get aloan of Rs 40,000 through SHG for this business. Though the business kick-started,
she needed help in business marketing. “This was another challenge. Even if one isable to start this business, one cannot grow if one doesn’t find the right market tosell”, adding that Mann Deshi also connected her with an army area from where
she got a daily order of 12 dozen eggs. In order to expand her business further, shetook a loan of Rs 1 lakh from HDFC Bank under SHG and bought about 500 hens. In aday, Manisha sells 250-300 eggs and earns about Rs 2,000. “Poultry is not an easybusiness to run. Eggs are very delicate and a lot of care needs to be taken to avoid
breakage and loss. Besides, timely vaccination of chickens need to be done too,”says Manisha.
She has hired two women to help her in both her businesses on a daily wage basis.
Recently, she has recently applied for a loan of Rs 4 lakh from the Bank of Baroda.
She will be using this amount to build a shed for her poultry business and topurchase raw materials. "I have come to realise that in life hard work is eventually
rewarding," says Manisha.

24

COMMUNITYEMPOWERMENTPROGRAMMESMANN DESHI TARANG VAHINIThe Mann Deshi Tarang Vahini (Mann Deshi’s Community Radio) was started toshare the incredible stories of women entrepreneurs and inspire many others tostart businesses. Our radio now hosts children's educational programmes, adulteducational programmes on digital and financial literacy, business advertisements,
cultural traditions and celebrations, as well as entertainment stories and songs.
The radio broadcasts programme like Malavarche Shivar for farmers and Sakhi
Sajani for womens, Tarunai for youth, and 'Radio Doctor’ to spread healthcareawareness. The radio provides inspiration and motivation to listeners by sharing
success stories of great women, young girls and farmers. Daily live boadcasting
provided through 3 sessions, namely, morning sessions from 7 am to 10 am, theafternoon session from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm and the evening session from 6 pm
to 9 pm. We have the broadcasting in therange of 30 KM area in nearly 60 to 70
villages and we have nearly 110000 listeners.
Additonally, the radio has worked on many
government projects like "Amchi Urmila" by
SBC3 based on child marriage, thespreading awareness on the effects on
people after the corona pandemic, e.g on
their business, education, and health. The"Swasth Sankalp" programme under UNICEF
and CRA. The radio has also boradcasted
information on "Stri Janmacha Utsav hachkharach Amrut mahotsav", "Ajadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav", "Avishkar Durga", "Bala Project","Manndeshi Bank Sakhi", etc.

OUTCOME AND IMPACT

20,000+

1,00,000

students reachedthrough radio
shaala everyday

Regular Listeners

26

BICYCLES FOR GIRLS
In rural areas of India more than 60% of children drop out of school after 5th grade.
High schools are not available in rural villages and girls need to travel long
distances to pursue higher education. A lack of transportation and infrastructurecauses parents to drop their daughters out of school. Mann Deshi Foundation gives
this opportunity to girls by providing a bicycle and fulfils their dream of going toschool. The journey to school will become safer and faster than before.
Every girl deserves to go to school. Mann Deshi Foundation gives this opportunity
to girls by providing a bicycle and fulfils their dream of going to school. Gifting abicycle to a girl makes it possible to save travel time and focus on her studies. The
journey to school becomes safer and faster than before.
Asma Tamboli was in high school when she asked for a job with the Mann Deshi
Mahila Sahakari Bank so that she could buy a cycle and continue going to school.
Asma is the inspiration for our Freedom Ride Programme, which was set up to help
girls overcome barriers to their education, such as poor public transportation, thereluctance of parents to let their daughters walk long distances by themselves andthe high cost of bicycles. The programme allows school girls to continue theirsecondary education rather than drop out simply because their schools are too far
away. This program has been running for 20 years and has given over 10,000
bicycles to young girls.

27

WATER CONSERVATION
Mann Taluka, the birthplace of Mann Deshi, is a drought-prone area. So apart fromour work on women’s economic empowerment, we also work on local community
issues such as water conservation and farming. In 2018, Mann taluka experienced adevastating drought. To protect and nurture livestock, we organised a nine-monthlong cattle camp that housed over 7,000 animals and over 1,500 farming families
from nearby regions, providing them with fodder, water and support.
We began our work on water conservation when Kerabai Sargar, an old customerof Mann Deshi Bank approached the bank to mortgage her gold and buy fodder forher cattle. At the time, she remarked, “You might give me the money to buy fodder
but how can I buy water?” She said,“Whom will you work with if we are all forced tomigrate to cities?”
In 2012, Mann Deshi Foundation decided to work towards tackling this drought. But
how do you transform an area with only 409 mm of rainfall annually into a region
with enough water to regularly sustain farmers? Water management andconservation was the need of the hour. That’s when the Mann Deshi team decided
to build reservoirs. From 2012 to 2019 Mann Deshi has built 17 reservoirs toconserve the water and increase the groundwater level, however, in times ofextreme drought when it doesn’t rain for years together, the situation becomesdire.
To date we have built 17 check dams, including one along the long dried-up Mannriver, thus making drinking water available for about 30,000 people, and irrigating
more than 1300 hectares of land. Over 400 farming families improved productivity
and another 700 families benefited from clean, easily accessible water.

28

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMME
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mann Deshi Foundation worked intensively toprovide immediate relief and medical support. As the pandemic receded, our workin healthcare expanded to provide quality healthcare services in the form of a
Diagnostic Centre, Health Camps, Health Sakhis and Ambulances.
DIAGNOSTIC CENTREHEALTH CAMPSMann Deshi Inaugurated a one-of a kind
Healthcare and Diagnostic Centre on
August 16th 2022. The diagnostic
centre is equipped with radiology
services(CT and X-ray), pathology
facilities, Physiotherapy and an OPD.
These services are invaluable to thecommunity as it is the only service of
their kind in a 70 km area whichcharges government rates. This centre
serves 500,000 people living in Mannand Khatav Talukas. Since November
2022 our healthcare centre has beenrunning on solar power.

Regular Health Camps for women andtheir communities have been
established to ensure that the last mile
population gets access to healthcare attheir doorstep. These started in 2019,
during the Covid-19 pandemic, when
we realised that non communicablediseases are happening all around us
and impacting numerous people. Whilerates of diabetes and hypertension are
high, there are very few people in rural
India who know they have these
conditions. At these health camps wecarry out health screenings, fordiabetes and hypertension. For children
we also screen for vision. These
healthcamps are aimed at preventative
healthcare practices.

29

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMEHEALTH SAKHISAMBULANCE

We are working to empower women toprovide doorstep healthcare services,in partnership with Dvara Healthcare
Finance. In this program we recruit
women and provide training primary
screening for BMI, hypertension, blood
sugar, vision, etc. For advanced
screening and diagnosis, patients arereferred to the Mann Deshi HealthCentre. In partnership with
GeorgeTown University’s MedStar
Hospital and Dvara Health Finance weare working to develop a curriculum totrain community healthcare workers
that will be shared with thegovernment in the future.

Mann Deshi also runs two cardiac 24/7
ambulances for the community
equipped with EMTS. These were used
for Covid patients where over 200
covid patients were transferred via
Mann Deshi ambulances. The service is
free of charge, patients only have to
pay for diesel. Between February and
May 2023 a total of 120 Ambulance trips
were made using the Mann Deshi
ambulance.

30

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMEOUTCOME & IMPACT

Women

Men

3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0

Diagnostic Centre

Health Camps

6077

Health Sakhis

Ambulance

2837

patients served at
the diagnostic
centrepatients served
through Health
Sakhis686

118

patients served
through HealthCampspatients served
through the
Ambulance

31

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET SWATI MHETRE
Swati is a resident of a village named Dahiwadi. She found herself trapped in the
clutches of excruciating back pain that seemed to overshadow her daily life. The
constant discomfort became unbearable, prompting her to search for a solution.
It was her mother who suggested turning to the MannDeshi Foundation, renowned
for its community-driven initiatives. With hope in her heart, Swati made her way totheir Health Centre, where a doctor assessed her condition. The verdict was clear– physiotherapy was the path to healing.
Despite the bustling centre filled with others seeking care, Swati felt the warmthof dedicated attention. The treatment plan was not just effective; it was also
surprisingly affordable, priced at a mere Rs 500 for a ten-day course.
In a matter of four days, Swati witnessed remarkable progress. Her back pain
started to loosen its grip on her life, offering her the relief she had longed for. Thistransformation extended beyond her health; it eased the financial burden on her
family.

32

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET SAMBHAJI AMBADAS LOKANDE"My name is Sambhaji Ambadas Lokhande, I live in Mhaswad, in the Malharnagar
neighbourhood, where my family has worked as bricklayers for generations. Our
livelihood depends on this profession. One day, we learned about the Mann Deshi
Foundation's free cleft lip and cleft palate camp, offering hope for our daughter,
Asawari. We immediately took her for an examination, and the team of doctors
from Mumbai there referred us for necessary blood tests. These tests were
efficiently conducted at the Mann Deshi Health Centre. Our test results were sentto Holy Spirit Hospital in Mumbai, who promptly contacted us, inviting us foradmission. We visited their facility the day before the admission, which helped
ease our apprehensions. The following day, at 11 am, our granddaughter Asawari
underwent a two-and-a-half-hour operation. Asawari's inability to speak clearly
had been a long-standing challenge, and she is now safe and gradually finding her
voice. Asawari's father and I, both bricklayers ourselves, stood by her during theoperation, grateful for the opportunity to witness her transformation. We cannot
express enough how immensely grateful we are to the Mann Deshi Foundation for
their unwavering support and life-changing assistance. They have given our family
hope and a brighter future."33

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET DIKSHA RANPISE
I'm Diksha Ranpise, a health sakhi with the Mann Deshi Foundation. Aftercompleting my 12th grade education and working in farming post-marriage, I
stumbled upon the opportunity to become a health sakhi.
At first, I was nervous, but I took the plunge, went through the interview process,and joined the team. Our role involves conducting home visits, checking bloodpressure, monitoring sugar levels, and providing affordable medication whenneeded. It's not just about immediate care; it's about preventing future healthissues.
This job has not only allowed me to take care of people's health but has also
improved our family's finances. I'm thankful to Mann Deshi Foundation and Dvara
Health Finance for this opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives andcontribute to our family's financial security.

34

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET TUKARAM SATPUTE
One evening, Tukaram Satpute, a farmer from Mhaswad, suffered a severe healthcrisis upon returning from his farm. As there were no hospitals nearby, and his
condition was deteriorating, a relative of his neighbour quickly called Mann Deshi’s
ambulance service for help. The ambulance was well-equipped and had skilled
professionals on board, and it arrived promptly, bringing hope to Tukaram’s family.
With life-saving equipment, they quickly transported him to the hospital, where hereceived timely treatment.
The affordable and easily accessible ambulance service of Mann Deshi proved to
be a lifeline for Tukaram and others in remote areas. Tukaram is now grateful for
their swift response, which not only saved his life but also provided reassurance tohis entire community.

35

HEALTHCARE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
MEET SHEETAL
Sheetal learned about the Children's Day Health Camp organised by the Mann
Deshi Health Centre through Mann Deshi Tarang Vahini, our community radio
station. She decided to take her daughter to the camp for medical check-ups. At
the health camp, Sheetal's daughter received medical attention frompaediatricians, which made Sheetal very grateful. The doctors thoroughly checked
her daughter and provided valuable advice on maintaining good health.Sheetal
was impressed by the quality of service provided by the Mann Deshi Health Centre
and expressed her gratitude towards the doctors and the team for organisingsuch an event in their village. She left the health camp feeling more informed andempowered to take care of her daughter's health.

36

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSIn 2010, Mann Deshi Champions began to identify and nurture prospective
athletes – 80% of our athletes are girls. Ever since, the programme has expandedfrom not only ensuring that rural children (8 years to 21 years) have equal accessto sports but also going beyond sports to ensure that rural children receive
holistic development - arts, science, culture and job-ready skills.
The Mann Deshi Champions Program offers training in track, wrestling,swimming, badminton, field hockey, and prepares its participants for thecompetition through physical fitness regimens and personal development
workshops. We have ensured that children have access to state-of-the-art
sporting facilities. At Mann Deshi, all children have access to a fully equipped
5000 sq. ft. CrossFit gym, a 25-metre swimming pool, a 400 mt running track anda wrestling centre with an Olympic-sized wrestling mat. Mann Deshi also ensuresthat children have sportswear (including sports shorts, jerseys and sports shoes)
and are provided with iron and protein-rich food daily.
By 2024, Mann Deshi’s Sports and Incubation Centre which includes a hostel for
100 girls, boxing arena, basketball court, olympic sized wrestling mat andauditorium will be fully functioning. We aim to use this centre to provide training
to women on coaching and sports related jobs. Since inception more than 50 of
our athletes are national level players and 7 athletes have represented India at
the international level.

37

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSCHAMPIONS PROGRAMMEELITE ATHLETESThe Champions programme is a daily
sports training for rural children to get
quality physical education by fully
qualified and certified sports coaches
that lay strong emphasis on theimportance of attending school andmentoring children to be well-rounded,
responsible adults . Children
participate in sports like running,
wrestling, track and field, weight lifting,
Kabaddi, kho-kho, swimming, andboxing. This is a co-ed program which
provides an opportunity to girls andboys to understand each other andovercome challenges. Every day two
sessions are conducted, a morning
session from 6:00 am to 8:00 am and an
evening session from 6:00 pm to 8:00
pm. During each session the children
are provided with nutritious food, and
we ensure that each child has sports
clothing and shoes. Since inception
over 8000 children have been provided
with access to sports.

Elite Athletes are identified from thedaily champions programme. These
athletes show great sports potential
and require tailored and intensive
training. Elite Athletes get access toexperts for sports nutrition, sports
psychology and strength andconditioning on a daily basis. We
ensure that all our elite athletes haveaccess to top quality sports equipment,
sports wear and sports shoes. A healthy
diet and essential nutrition is provided
and tracked to ensure that our athletes
are able to compete and perform at thehighest level.

38

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSKICK-START GIRLSTRAVEL COACH PROGRAMMEThe Kick-Start Girls Programme aims toequip female athletes with professional
and personal skills to make them
desirable for job opportunities ingovernment, sports, and private
sectors. This programme provides afoundation for economic
empowerment and income stability forthese young girls. The Programmecustomises the curriculum as per
requirements of competitive
examinations to get jobs. This includes,
physical coaching sessions, academic
learning sessions and personality andsoft skills workshop. The Kick-Start
Girls Programme has proven toencourage girls to pursue financial
independence by getting a job. Thishas directly led to girls escaping childmarriage. Instead girls are confident
leaders and breadwinners of theirfamily.

The Travel Coach Programme aims toprovide coaching and sports resources
to Government School students andteachers to strengthen schools'
physical education program.
The champions programme
Scaling our programme to share ourknowledge and expertise to have awider reach. By partnering withgovernment school teachers wecreated a trainer programme. This
programme aims at bringing physicaleducation within the govt. school
system to reduce drop-out rates andensure children access holistic
education . Since Mann Deshi cannot go
to all the schools, the travel coachprogram of Mann Deshi has reachedover 50,000 children and trained over
250 government school teachers.

39

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSINNOVATION AND CURIOSITY
CENTRESPORTS INCUBATION ANDINNOVATION CENTRE

Sports is a means for holistic
development. In our sports fordevelopment intervention we have acentre for curiosity. At Mann Deshi
we believe that children develop
curiosity through painting, dancing,jungle treks, science and astronomy.
We have been able to provide
science knowledge through ourplanetarium in partnership with thegovernment school children for over
4000 children, its first of its kind
partnership in the western
Maharashtra region. Mental health,hygiene, and prevention against
sexual abuse, and self defense. We
encourage rural children to engage inco-ed sports games and team games
for understanding gender andmaking friendships.

The Sports Incubation and Innovation
Centre (SIIC) is a state of the art sports
facility for over 50,000 children of
Satara. We are currently in the processof building a new indoor sports facility
which will include a hostel for 150
female athletes, a new indoor sports
stadium with a wrestling arena, abasketball court, volleyball andbadminton court and a boxing ring. The
facility also encompasses an Indoor
Auditorium with capacity to seat 800
persons. Music Center to give kids inrural India access to performing arts.
All the government district and statelevel sporting competitions will be
conducted at this centre, this centre
will be home to over 10,000 children
yearly. The aim of the centre is not only
to provide a world class space for ruralchildren to access sports but also an
incubation centre that will provide
certificate courses for girls to pursue a
career in sports.

40

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSOUTCOME & IMPACT

8,000+

150+

Children Enrolled

Elite Athletes

50+

7National Level
Athletes

International Level
Athletes

270+

250+

Govt Schools
Teachers Trained

Medals won
different levels

80+

4000+

Women Kick-Start
Girls have got Jobs

Children visitedthe Planetarium

41

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSSTORIES OF CHANGE

Two Mann Deshi Champion Athletes, Ashwini Kolekar and Kajal Atpadkar
represented India for Uniphar U23 5 Nations Tournament 2022, Dublin,
Ireland. Not only did they represent India in the Junior Women's Field
Hockey team but also won Silver Medals!

Reshma Kevate ran the 42 km NMDC 2022 Hyderabad Marathon and won
GOLD at the National Level. Additionally, at the All India Inter University
Cross Country Championship 10 km 2023, held on 12 February at
Karnataka. In this competition, Mann Deshi Champion Reshma Kevate
won a gold medal

42

MANN DESHI CHAMPIONSSTORIES OF CHANGE

We are proud to announce our Mann
Deshi Champion, Vaishnavi Sawant wins
Silver medal in 3000 mtr. Steeplechaseat the National Open Under-23 Athletics
Championships 2022, in Bilaspur,
Chhattisgarh.

Mumtaz Mulani, was selected by the
Canadian Consulate in Mumbai to be
the Counsel General for a day on theInternational Day of the Girl Child.

Dhanashri Fand won Silver medal at the
National Wrestling competition held in Haryana.

43

AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMEIn the beginning the agricultural interventions at Mann Deshi focused onproviding market linkages, eliminating the middleman and ensuring fair pricing
for farmers. With increase of unseasonal rainfall, extreme heat during summers
and periods of drought, we realsied that there was a need to help farmers copewith the challenges of climate change. This gave birth to Mann Deshi’s Agriculture
and Soil Testing Centre. Our focus has expanded to provide agriculturalinterventions throughout the agri value chain i.e, at the pre-sowing stage, during
the growing stage as well as harvest and post harvesting stages. We haveintroduced capacity building for women farmers through creating Miyawaki
Forests and providing skills training on how to make organic fertilisers.
FARM TO MARKETAGRICULTURE AND SOILTESTING CENTRE

The Farm to Market Programme aims tobring small and marginal farmers
together to aggregate their produce
and create direct access to markets inorder to help them set better and moresustainable prices. As a result, threefarmer collectives have been formed,
namely, the Mann Deshi Sahakari
Krushimal Prakriya Sanstha Ltd.
Mhaswad, Mann Deshi Kisan Producer
Company Ltd. Mhaswad and Kranti
Mahila Shetkari Utpadak Sahakari
Sanstha Ltd. Lonand. To ensure that
farmers have access to affordable
storage facilities, we have established a
25 mt. tonne cold storage and 1530 mt.
tonne wearhouse. This programme
includes connecting farmers to urban
markets and customers directly toensure that farmers get better prices
for their produce.

The Agriculture and Soil Testing Centre
is a fully equipped laboratory which
provides farmers with access toaffordable soil testing and water
testing. The aim is to provide farmers
with access to scientific knowledge on
soil, water and crop health. With thehelp of this knowledge, farmers areable to increase their incomes andyields while also safeguarding soil andwater health. We have a team of field
officers that visit farmers and organise
cluster group meetings to raiseawareness about the importance of
maintaining soil health. A team of lab
technicians from agriculture scienceand chemistry fields conduct testing to
generate test reports as well as crop
schedules which are personalised
detailed advisory provided to farmers.

44

AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMESHETI SHALA & TRAINING
WORKSHOPS

MYAWAKI FORESTS
The Miyawaki Forests project aims toraise awareness about the importanceof afforestation in the context ofclimate change. It works to expose
farmers to the different techniquesthat exist to improve farming
conditions and help build their climate
resilience. Miyawaki Forests help
regulate summer temperatures,increase water percolation to thegroundwater table, and provide a
habitat for flourishing biodiversity.
Additionally, Miyawaki forests absorb
30% more carbon dioxide thanconventional forests.

Increasing temperatures andunseasonal rainfall have led to anincrease in pest attacks and plantdiseases. Farmers are at greater risk as
they are facing climate-related shocks
in which they have no or minimal
experience. The Sheti Shala project
aims to fill this gap by providing
farmers with access to scientificknowledge and diagnosis of their crop
health. Training and capacity building
on how to make organic fertilisers is
also conducted. This setup encourages
peer learning and discussions that
agricultural scientists guide. As aresult, farmers are gaining morescientific knowledge about theirfarming and can make informed
decisions.

45

AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMEOUTCOME & IMPACT
Our first woman-led Farmer Producer Company was set up with our help in Dec
2018 that aggregated smallholder farmers and facilitated access to inputs,
markets, capital & technology. The Farmer Producer Company has 280 women
members.

1200+

1700+

Smallholder
farmers mobilised

tons of farm
produce sold

42%

20%

reduction in costsof production due
to soil testing

increase inincomes due to soil
testing6

1300+

Miyawaki Forests
createdtrees planted

28.7

800

women farmers
trained throughworkshops

tonnes of Co2
absorbed every
year

46

AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
Sanket Kasbage is a farmer growing onion crop. He usually spends INR 20,000 to
25,000 to cover the costs of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides during one crop
cycle for the onion crop. The Mann Deshi Team visited his village to explain thebenefits of soil testing and following farm guidance provided by agronomists.
Sanket agreed to get his soil tested at the Mann Deshi Agriculture and Soil
Testing centre at a nominal rate of Rs. 600. The field officers visited Sanket's
farm and collected soil samples for testing. The lab technicians tested his soil
and created a soil report. Based on the results of the soil report, the agronomists
created personalised farm guidance or crop schedule for Sanket. After using theguidance provided by the Mann Deshi Team, Sanket only spent INR 8,000 on his
onion crop. Additionally, the onions are big in size and are bright pink in colour.
Good quality and quantity of produce will help Sanket get a better price in themarket at the time of sale ensuring that he earns a better income.

47

AGRICULTURE PROGRAMMESTORIES OF CHANGE
Tai Vittal Gaikwad is a woman farmer who attended the Organic Fertiliser training
workshop on Jeevamrut. Jeevamrut is a natural liquid fertilizer. It is made bymixing water, dung (in the form of manure) and urine from cows with some mudfrom the same area as the manure will be applied in later. Food is then added to
speed the growth of soil microbes. When we visited Tai’s village this quarter to
conduct the next round of workshops, she approached one of our team members
and said while pointing out to her barrel, ‘Look, I have made what you taught meduring the last workshop’. She was very happy and proud to show us her new
learnings and hardwork. When our team member asked her what have you made,she started to explain the entire process of creating jeevamrut. She also addedthat she has made Jeevamrut and plans to utilize it in her field where she isgrowing fodder for her cattle. She wants to provide good quality fodder to her
cows, buffaloes and goats.

48

CHAMPIONING GREENAt Mann Deshi Foundation, we are commuited in adopting sustainable energy andreducing carbon emissions. All of Mann Deshi’s facilities i.e. the three story
headoffice, healthcare centre, agriculture and soil testing centre, cold storage,
wrestling arena, swimming pool, gym, 400m running track and ground as well as
our buisness school buses, have solar panels installed and are 100% green.
Mann Deshi Foundation strongly belives in working for rural communities locatedin remote areas. Championing Green targeted a marginalised villages of Deur,
Taldev and Mayani located in the Sayadhri Tiger Reserve. These villages comprisesof more than 400 people did not have any access to electricity and have been
living their lives in complete darkness. Through this project 3 villages havereceived solar lights, fans, flour Mills, education TV sets for kids, street lights andcharging points.

49

OUR SUPORTERS(In Alphabetic Order)

GRANT RECEIVED FOR YEAR 2022 -23 (INSTITUTIONAL)
Accenture Solutions Private Limited
Capri Global Housing Finance Limited (CGHFL)
Cipla Foundation
Collective Good Foundation
Commonwealth Of Learning
Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai
Credit Suisse Securities Pvt Ltd
Deloitte Foundation
Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Dow Chemical International Pvt Ltd
Friends of Manndeshi
Genesis Charitable Trust
Give Foundation
Give2Asia
Global Infrastructure Management, LLC (GIP)
GlobalGiving
God My Silent Partner
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd
HT Parekh Foundation
IndusInd Bank Limited
International Packaging Products Pvt Ltd.
Kalpataru Trust
Master Card - Impact Fund
Raj Charitable Foundation
Ravaji Ramji Charitable Trust
Rbl Bank Ltd
The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
United Way Delhi
US Consulate General Mumbai
WhatsApp Application Services Private Limited
GRANT RECEIVED FOR YEAR 2022 -23 (INDIVIDUAL)
Amit Wagh
Dr. Hasumati Chheda
Gautam Shantilal Tripathi
Gautam Ravi Narayan
Indira Wagh
Jamnaben Harakchand Shah
Meena Amrut Vora
Shrikant Dattatray Wagh

50

OUR UPCOMING PARTNERSHIPSFY 2023-2024(In Alphabetic Order)

Bajaj Finserv Limited
Electronic Payment and Service Private Limited
Franklin Templeton Asset Management India Private Limited
Oracle India Private Limited
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Sachin Tendulkar Foundation
Stripe India Private Limited

51

GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborative engagements with governmental entities have led to amplifying
impact across various sectors. In the realm of women's empowerment initiatives,
the Mann Deshi Foundation has established a partnership with the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) to deliver certified business skills training to
women. Additionally, strategic alliances have been forged with the Online National
Data Collection (ONDC), Zilla Udyog Kendra (District Industries Center),
Punyashloka Ahilyadevi Maharashtra Mendhi Va Sheli Vikas Mahamandal(PAMMSVM), Niti Aayog, Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), G20 Empower,and SIDBI, aimed at furnishing women entrepreneurs to fomailise their buisness,
get access to finance and provide acess to both online and offline platforms toeffectively market their products.
In the pursuit of community development programs, our collaboration extends to
the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and the Forest Department in Satara. Together, weendeavor to facilitate access to green energy and healthcare services,
contributing to the sustainable development of the communities we serve.
Furthermore, our commitment to agricultural advancement is underscored bystrategic partnerships with Maharashtra Cooperative Development Corporation(MCDC) and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority (APEDA). Through these collaborations, we strive to deliver essential
post-harvest services to smallholder farmers, fostering resilience andsustainability within the agricultural sector. In the domain of sports fordevelopment, our alliance with the Government of Maharashtra is dedicated toproviding children under the Zilla Parishad umbrella with comprehensive accessto sports, science, and art skills. This multifaceted approach reflects ourdedication to holistic community development through strategic partnerships
with government agencies across various sectors.

52

GOVERNANCE
Mann Deshi Foundation is registered as a Public Charity Trust under the Bombay
Public Trust Act 1950 (29 Act of Bombay 1950) at the Charity Commissioner’s
Office, Satara Division, Satara (Public Trust Register Book No. 4494). It is
incorporated under section 21 of the Society Registration Act 1860, Registration
Number Maharashtra/4523/Satara.
BOARD MEMBERS

Sr. No.

Name

AgeTotal amount
paid in thefinancial year
(Rs.)

Gender

Occupation

Position in the
Board

President

NA1

Chetna Vijay Sinha

65

FemaleFounder Chairperson ofMann Deshi Foundationand Mann Deshi Mahila
Bank

2

Jawahar Bhalchandra
Deshmane62

Male

Businessman (Cloth Shop)

VicePresidentNA

3

Rekhatai Sunil
Kulkarni

53

FemaleCEO Mann Deshi Mahila
Bank

TrusteeNA

4

Dr.Dhairbala Jayant
Shaha (Poladiya)

36

FemaleGeneral Physician

TrusteeNA

5

Dr.Ruchi Lai Sangoi

36

FemaleNutritionist

TrusteeNA

6

Dr. Veena Vishavjit
Ambike43

FemaleGeneral Physician

TrusteeNA

7

Falguni Devrendra
Gada

52

FemaleArchitect

TrusteeNA

53

DETAILS OF BOARD MEETINGS AND AGM

Sr. No.

Nature of Meeting(AGM/Board Meeting)Date of
Meeting

No.of Members
Present

Total Strength ofMembers

Quorum of
Meeting*1

Board meeting

25/04/2022

4

7

0.57

2

Board meeting

23/05/2022

4

7

0.57

3

Board meeting

23/06/2022

4

7

0.57

4

Board meeting

30/7/2022

4

7

0.57

5

Board meeting

23/08/2022

5

7

0.71

6

Board meeting

7/10/2022

5

7

0.71

7

Board meeting

7/11/2022

4

7

0.57

8

Board meeting

31/12/2022

5

7

0.71

9

Board meeting

12/01/2023

5

7

0.71

10

Board meeting

21/02/2023

5

7

0.71

11

Board meeting

28/02/2023

4

7

0.57

12

Board meeting

30/03/2023

5

7

0.71

13

AGM

12/09/2022

6

7

0.85

*number of member present in meeting divided by total number of members

54

EMPLOYEE DETAILSSlab of grossmonthly salary(in INR)

Male Staff

Female Staff

Total Staff< 50000445001-10000

4

41

45

10001-25000

58

251

309

25001-50000

6

11

17

> 50000

2

1

3

Total

70

308

378

Type of Personnel

No. Of Persons

Issue
appointment/
contract letters

Full time staff

161

Appointment

Part time staff

4

Contract

Contract staff (Full time)

213

Contract

Volunteers

0NA

Daily wage labor

0NA

Consultants

17

Contract

55

DETAILS OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BY STAFF/ VOLUNTEERS /AND
BOARD MEMBERS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE ORGANIZATION IN THE
FINANCIAL YEAR. 2022-23
Name &
Designation of
Staff / Volunteer/Board Member

Chetna Vijay
Sinha

Prabhat Vijay
Sinha

Designation

Purpose of Travel

Founder Chair
personAttended the Clinton Global
Initiative (CGI) conferencein New York from Sept
17th to September
24th, 2022, asrepresentatives of theorganization

Executive
Director,
Community
Development
Programmes

Attended the Clinton Global
Initiative (CGI) conferencein New York from Sept
17th to September
24th, 2022, asrepresentatives of theorganization

56

Cost Incurred(INR)

Sponsored(INR)

678207678207(Sponsored by Silicon
Valley)308314163476(Sponsored by Silicon
Valley)57

58

BANK & AUDITORS
Bankers
State Bank of India
HDFC Bank Ltd
IDBI Bank Ltd
Bank of Maharashtra
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd
Bank of India
Statutory Auditors
Dipak Gadave
Gadave and Associates, Chartered Accountants,
Shop No f/6, 1st Floor, B-Wing, Prabhakar Plaza, Station Road,
Kolhapur 416003
Internal Auditors
Sachin G. Agarwal
M/s DGABSS and Associates Chartered Accountants,
Oce, No. 4, 3rd Floor, Palak Heights, Kelkar Road, Narayan Peth,
Pune 411030
Legal Advisors
Advocate DV Kumbar
G-57 Rajdhani Towers, 1st Floor,
Satara 415002
Advocate Sushil Patil
E-1, Sadashiv, Royal Astonia, Near New Palace,
Kolhapur 416003

59

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61

62

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

63

64

65

MANN DESHI FOUNDATIONMHASWAD, MANN TAKULA, SATARA 415509,
MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.
info@manndeshi.org.in
https://manndeshifoundation.org@manndeshi.org@MannDeshi@MannDeshiOrg