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Asha Society

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Asha Society

Asha gives hope to nearly 1 million people covering 100 slum colonies of Delhi "Asha" means "hope" in Hindi.

We give people living in slum areas hope by allowing them to realise their potential, regardless of their background, caste or religious beliefs. We Are Committed to:

- Working among the poor without discrimination of any kind such as those based on s*x, caste, religion, language, race, colour or other status.

- Being at the forefront of the pursuit of justice and peace for the poor, and dealing with the systems that make and keep poor people in poverty.

- Challenging oppressive social structures and responding to injustice through non-violence and active peacemaking.

- Empowering the poor to lead full and meaningful lives, and building vibrant communities through the advance of love, neighbourliness, forgiveness and reconciliation.

- Practising a liberating generosity towards the poor and giving them the opportunities they deserve.

24/09/2026

The Sydney Chapter of Australian Friends of Asha organised a special event for Asha, Dare to Dream, at Parliament House, New South Wales, on 10 September 2026.

The evening brought together longstanding supporters, friends and distinguished guests in a wonderful atmosphere filled with warmth, generosity and a strong sense of community.

A highlight was hearing from Tushar Joshi and Surabhi, who shared their journeys from Asha communities in Delhi to postgraduate study in Australia. Tushar is now completing his PhD, while Surabhi is pursuing her Master’s degree. Their achievements are a source of immense pride for their families and the entire Asha community.

The Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC, Treasurer of New South Wales, spoke about his recent visit to Asha in Delhi with NSW Premier The Hon. Chris Minns MP. He shared his impressions of the communities and the people he met during the visit.

Lisa Sthalekar, former captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, ICC Hall of Famer and respected cricket commentator, shared her remarkable personal journey and experiences from her distinguished sporting career.

The Hon. Pru Goward AO, a former NSW Cabinet Minister, and former Member for Goulburn, spoke movingly about the importance of so many people coming together to support Asha.

The Hon. Natalie Ward MLC, Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberals, Acting Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, and Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure and Sport, spoke passionately about Asha’s impact on students. She encouraged guests to support the fundraising through the silent and live auctions.

Asha extends its heartfelt thanks to Sunil and Shikha Lal for organising this memorable evening with such care and dedication. Asha is also deeply grateful to the Australian Friends of Asha committee, the sponsors, distinguished guests, speakers, donors, volunteers and everyone who attended.

Dare to Dream was a beautiful celebration of the strong bond between Asha’s communities in Delhi and its friends and supporters in Australia.

23/09/2026

Asha graduate Madhu, from the Dr Ambedkar slum community, has arrived in Sydney. She will first undertake an English language bridging programme before beginning her Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney in February 2027.

Madhu grew up in a one room shanty with seven family members, and her father works as a roadside barber. Through courage, determination and hard work, she has travelled from the narrow lanes of Dr Ambedkar Basti to the streets of Sydney.

We sincerely thank the University of Sydney team for supporting Madhu and giving her this life changing opportunity.

Madhu is not only joining a bridging programme. She is becoming a bridge between two worlds.

14/09/2026

Growing older can bring persistent joint pain, stiffness and difficulty with movement. For many elderly people in Asha’s slum communities, osteoarthritis can make even walking, standing or climbing steps painful.

At the Asha Physiotherapy Center, they receive two weeks of physiotherapy completely free of cost. Treatment combines modern physiotherapy equipment with carefully guided exercises to relieve pain, strengthen muscles, improve joint movement and restore mobility.

The centre is unique in providing free physiotherapy specifically to people from slum communities, many of whom have little or no access to such specialised facilities and would otherwise be unable to afford regular treatment.

Each patient receives individual attention, with treatment and exercises tailored to their needs and progress.

After spending much of their lives caring for their families, our elderly members now receive the care they deserve, with patience, kindness and affection.

12/09/2026

While other children played nearby, a young Jahnvi sat quietly outside her home with her books open before her. An Asha team member noticed her during a community survey. Even at that young age, her love of learning and quiet determination were impossible to miss.

Now 11 years old, Jahnvi has been connected with Asha since she was two. Her mother left when she was very young, and Jahnvi moved with her two elder brothers to live with her aunt in the Tigri slum community. Her father lives on the outskirts of Delhi and has struggled with alcohol dependence. Conflict and violence between her parents made her childhood even more difficult.

Through this uncertainty, the Asha Centre became her second home. Jahnvi came every day with her brother, carrying a bag full of books and dreams. In its safe and caring environment, she studied hard, performed well at school, and often stood first in her class.

However, after completing primary school, Jahnvi could not enter Class 6 because some of her documents needed to be corrected. Her father was required to visit the school, but he repeatedly made excuses and showed little interest.

As her friends received new books and began their lessons, Jahnvi continued to wait. The usually cheerful girl became quiet and withdrawn, afraid that she would lose an entire academic year.

Asha team member Tanuja noticed the change. She sat with Jahnvi, listened to her fears, and decided that she would not allow the child’s education to stop.

Guided by the Asha values of compassion, affirmation, and optimism, Tanuja spoke with Jahnvi’s father, guided her aunt through the document correction process, and visited the teacher several times. The process took time, but she continued following up.

For Tanuja, this was not simply about completing paperwork. It was about protecting a child’s future.

Finally, Jahnvi’s father visited the school. The remaining formalities were completed, and Jahnvi was admitted to Class 6.

After weeks of uncertainty, Jahnvi could finally receive her new books, join her friends, and continue learning without losing a year. Her happiness made every effort worthwhile for Tanuja.

Jahnvi’s story shows how one person’s care and determination can change a child’s future. Today, she is back where she belongs, studying at a government school and moving forward with confidence and hope.

10/09/2026

From Scavenging to School

Until recently, the days of many children in Lal Bagh began not with books and classrooms, but among heaps of rubbish. From early morning until evening, they scavenged to help their families survive, while education remained far beyond their reach.

They had also experienced rejection from a very young age. Entering a school, sitting in a classroom and learning alongside other children belonged to a world they had never known.

Today, their story has begun to change.

Fifteen children from the Lal Bagh slum community have now been successfully enrolled in school, taking their first steps towards a future filled with learning, hope and new possibilities.

When the Asha team began working in Lal Bagh, the challenges were enormous. They first had to earn the trust of families and encourage parents to imagine a different future for children whose scavenging contributed to the family’s survival. They also had to prepare the children for a completely unfamiliar environment.

The Asha team worked tirelessly throughout the admission process. From helping families obtain essential documents to completing formalities and coordinating closely with school staff, they remained determined to overcome every obstacle standing between these children and an education.

The happiness on the children’s faces when they learned that they would finally be going to school was priceless. Their excitement, curiosity and eagerness to learn showed how deeply they had longed for this opportunity.

This was not simply admission to a school. It was the beginning of a journey from rubbish heaps to classrooms, from rejection to belonging and from surviving each day to imagining a brighter future.

All 15 children have now begun their educational journey, and many more are waiting to follow. Asha will continue walking beside them, helping them remain in school, grow in confidence, dream boldly and discover everything they are capable of becoming.

Today, Lal Bagh celebrates 15 new beginnings. Their journey has only just begun.

05/09/2026

Asha Children Take the Lead Against Dengue

In densely populated slum communities, stagnant water creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, increasing the risk of dengue and other water borne diseases. Understanding that prevention begins with awareness and collective action, Asha Children’s Group members led awareness rallies in their communities where they live.

Carrying posters they had prepared, the children walked through the lanes raising slogans about prevention, cleanliness and hygiene. They explained the common symptoms and encouraged families to prevent water from collecting in and around their homes. They also reminded residents that keeping their homes, lanes and shared spaces clean can help protect everyone.

These rallies were about more than sharing information. They showed how deeply the children care about the people and places around them. By looking beyond their own homes and taking responsibility for their surroundings, these young leaders are putting compassion into action and helping to build cleaner, safer and healthier communities.

31/08/2026

Asha was delighted to welcome the Honourable Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, to its Mayapuri slum community in New Delhi.

Premier Minns was accompanied by Mrs Anna Minns, the Honourable Daniel Mookhey MLC, Treasurer of New South Wales, Australian High Commissioner to India Mr Philip Green OAM, and representatives of the New South Wales Government and the Australian High Commission in New Delhi.

Following a warm welcome from the Asha team, Premier Minns walked through the community and visited a local home. This gave him a personal understanding of the living conditions and everyday challenges faced by families in Mayapuri.

At the Asha Centre, he witnessed Asha’s healthcare services and learned about its work in education and community empowerment. He also met elderly people who are part of Asha’s Love and Lunch Programme, which provides nutritious meals, healthcare and companionship.

Premier Minns interacted with Asha students, who shared their journeys and spoke about how education and Asha’s continued support had changed their lives. Students preparing to pursue Master’s degrees at leading Australian universities on full scholarships, as well as graduates who had returned after completing their studies in Australia, also shared their experiences.

Premier Minns encouraged the young people to work hard, believe in their abilities and make the most of every opportunity.

Although Dr Kiran was unable to attend the visit, a special message from her was read aloud to the Premier.

In her message, Dr Kiran said:

“My hope is that you will see more than the poverty around you. I hope you will see the potential within these lanes. I hope you will see young people whose circumstances need never define their future when someone believes in them and gives them a fair opportunity.”

One of the most joyful moments of the visit was a spirited game of gully cricket between Premier Minns, members of the Australian delegation and Asha’s young people. Families gathered in the lanes to watch and cheer, creating memories that will remain with the community for a long time.

The visit celebrated the warm friendship between India and Australia, their shared love of cricket and their common belief in the power of education and opportunity.

Asha extends its sincere gratitude to Premier Chris Minns, Mrs Anna Minns, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey MLC, High Commissioner Philip Green OAM and the entire delegation for spending this memorable morning with the Asha family.

Chris Minns Daniel Mookhey MLC Australian High Commission, India and Bhutan NSW Government Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

27/08/2026

At 78, Shyamraj had endured more hardship than most people experience in a lifetime. After raising six children in Delhi's Zakhira Slum Community, he found himself living alone as addiction and tragedy tore his family apart. Years earlier, he had suffered paralysis and was diagnosed with severe hypertension. Although he gradually learned to walk again, the COVID19 pandemic interrupted his treatment, causing his blood pressure to rise dangerously and
leaving him increasingly frail and isolated.

When Asha's healthcare team met Shyamraj during a community visit, they immediately recognised that he required urgent medical attention. Regular blood pressure monitoring, free medicines, nutritional support, and close follow-up stabilised his condition and restored his confidence.

During this time, Asha also diagnosed him with tuberculosis, arranged prompt treatment, provided full dentures after years of severe dental disease, and continued supporting him through home-based care after a fall left him unable to walk. Today, he receives regular
healthcare alongside nutritious meals through Asha's Love and Lunch Programme, ensuring that he is cared for both medically and emotionally.

Shyamraj's journey demonstrates that effective hypertension care extends beyond controlling blood pressure. Through continuous monitoring, integrated healthcare, and
compassionate support, Asha is helping older people remain healthier, safer, and connected to the care they need.

Because preventing disease is always better than treating its consequences.

24/08/2026

For Guddi, daily survival had always taken priority over her own health. Living in Lal Bagh with her husband and son, she spent years supporting her family through physically demanding work before illness forced her to stop. As her husband's health deteriorated and financial pressures mounted, Guddi ignored her own symptoms of constant thirst, exhaustion, and leg pain.

When Asha's healthcare team assessed her, a simple blood test revealed dangerously high blood sugar levels. Further investigations confirmed uncontrolled diabetes and severe Vitamin D deficiency. Without treatment, her condition would almost certainly have continued to worsen.

Through Asha's Diabetes Clinic, Guddi began receiving regular blood glucose monitoring, free medicines, Vitamin D therapy, nutritional counselling, and ongoing follow-up. Even when financial hardship made it difficult for her to attend appointments, the Asha team continued reaching out, ensuring that she remained connected to care.

Today, Guddi's diabetes is well controlled, her strength has returned, and she is able to manage everyday life with renewed confidence. Her journey demonstrates that with accessible healthcare, education, and consistent support, diabetes can be managed successfully, preventing complications and enabling people to live healthier, more productive lives.

Because managing a chronic illness should empower people to live healthier, more active lives

20/08/2026

The Right Support at the Right Time

Nine-year-old Sakshi lives in Asha’s Tigri slum community. Her father earns a small and irregular income by collecting dry leaves and selling them as fodder.

Sakshi spent her early childhood in her village with her grandparents. Although she was deeply loved, she received little support with her education. When she moved to Delhi, she could not read or write at the level expected for her age and had lost confidence in her ability to learn.

Her elder sister, already a member of Asha’s Children’s Group, brought her to the Asha Centre. After assessing her learning needs, the education team began helping her build a strong foundation in Hindi and English.

The Children’s Group gave Sakshi a safe and encouraging place to learn. Teachers and volunteers worked patiently with her, allowing her to make mistakes, ask questions, and progress at her own pace. Gradually, she began participating in class and believing in herself.

After five to six months of regular support, Sakshi returned to school, passed her oral assessment, and gained admission to Class 3.

Today, she is studying in Class 4 and doing well. Her elder sister continues to excel, while her brother is part of Asha’s youth group and preparing for college.

Sakshi’s journey shows how timely guidance, patience, and encouragement can help a child rediscover the confidence to learn and move forward.

Address

Asha Society
Delhi
110022

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm
Saturday	8:30am - 5:30am

Telephone

+911126716409

Website

http://www.asha-india.org/

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