“Service is a big name, I am just doing my duty. Duty towards my family, towards the society.”
- Mrs. Meenakshi Agarwal (Co-Founder)
Our Story
The Atmanirbhar initiative was born out of a need to uplift poor women during a time of crisis. During COVID-19 pandemic women from poor households were among the hardest hit, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. But in the face of adversity, the Indian Prime Minister's call for self-reliance inspired us to take action. We knew we had to empower women and give them a chance to stand on their own. That's why we created the Atmanirbhar initiative which hindi means self-reliance.
Through this initiative, we offer women the gift of self-sufficiency, teaching them skills such as sewing and stitching. Every product they create represents their hard work, determination, and resilience. Irrespective of whether their products are sold or not, they still receive payment, ensuring their financial stability.
The establishment of our first community center in a slum called Girdharipura marks a pivotal moment in this journey. Fifteen women have now taken control of their financial future and are making a real impact on their families and communities. Their children now have brighter futures and the potential to achieve their dreams.
How We Started
Our journey began with the collective spirit of compassion and a shared vision for positive change. A diverse group of volunteers, hailing from different corners of the globe, united under a common purpose to make a difference. It was their dedication, passion, and commitment that fueled the inception of this transformative project.
Their unwavering belief in the power of community, coupled with a genuine desire to create meaningful impact, forged the strong beginnings of our organization. Together, we embarked on a journey fuelled by shared values and a commitment to making the world a better place.
Our Founders
In college, Mrs. Meenakshi Agarwal observed societal challenges, prompting her to team up with Mr. Akhilesh Maheshwari, a fellow advocate for change. Together, they founded Naya Sawera in 2009, a youth-driven organization focusing on holistic development and environmental conservation. The group's impactful initiatives have earned state and national recognition, particularly in child rights protection, social welfare, and environmental development.
Naya Sawera's advocacy extends to combating child labor and beggary, establishing the "Saksham Centre" for underprivileged children's comprehensive development, and launching the "First Step" campaign for maternal and infant health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they provided health kits, food packets, and water bottles to those in need.
Aptly named the "Padman of Rajasthan," Mr. Maheshwari has received prestigious awards like the Jio Dil Se Award, Bhamashah Samman, and the Green Parrot Award. Mrs. Agarwal's leadership has solidified her as a prominent figure in social service.
Their shared vision to uplift society fuels Naya Sawera's unwavering commitment to positive change. Through years of dedicated efforts, Mrs. Agarwal and Mr. Maheshwari inspire a lasting impact on marginalized communities, embodying the spirit of compassion and transformative action.
