NGO Aroha

31/07/2026

One Skill, one dream, one inspiration......

When Reena Mangesh Khandate from Wadi, Nagpur, joined NGO Aroha's Skill Training Programme, she simply wanted to improve her tailoring skills. What she didn't know was that this decision would change her life forever.

With determination, entrepreneurship training, and the support of HCL Foundation, Reena established Yashika Boutique Centre. Today, her boutique is not just a business—it is the foundation of her family's dreams. As an active member of the Aroha Suraksha Women Self-Help Group (SHG), she practices regular savings and takes partial financial responsibility by earning a decent income.

But Reena's story is not the destination—it is the beginning.
Inspired by many such journeys, NGO Aroha continues to empower more women. On 20 July 2026, newly enrolled participants at the Ganjipeth Training Centre came together to form a Self-Help Group (SHG), taking their first step towards financial independence. The session highlighted how SHGs encourage regular savings, entrepreneurship, access to government welfare schemes, leadership, and collective growth.

#𝖲𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖣𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗈𝗉𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍

25/07/2026

Step towards Financial Development!

Newly enrolled women at the Ganjipeth Skill Training Centre came together to form a Self-Help Group (SHG), taking an important step towards financial empowerment and collective progress. During the process, participants learned how SHGs promote regular savings, financial independence, entrepreneurship, access to government welfare schemes, and mutual support. The members also selected the group's name, elected office bearers, and initiated the process of opening a bank account.
Every successful SHG begins with a shared vision and small, consistent contributions that pave the way for lasting social and economic change.

#𝖲𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖣𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗈𝗉𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍

23/07/2026

Monsoon Trail at IIIT Nagpur
Team Aroha was delighted to welcome volunteers from the NGO Aroha Balantvida Programme to the IIIT Nagpur Urban Forest for an inspiring journey through one of the region's remarkable ecological restoration initiatives.
Spread across 18 acres within the IIIT Nagpur campus, this urban forest has been transformed from barren, degraded land into a thriving green ecosystem through scientific afforestation, development of waterbodies, and sustained conservation efforts. Today, it is home to thousands of native trees, dense Miyawaki forest patch, flowering avenues, butterfly gardens, bird habitats, insect hotels, beekeeping units, and water conservation structures that support rich biodiversity and create a living outdoor learning space.
The visit included a guided tour of the Miyawaki forest, flowering tree plantations, and other ecological restoration sites, showcasing how degraded landscapes can be revived through collective action. Participants also attended insightful presentations by Ms. Vishakha Rao Jathar, President, NGO Aroha, who shared the vision, journey, and impact of the Urban Forest project. All participants enjoyed the trail in the drizzle and went with the pledge to protect and plant more and more trees. 🌳💚

15/07/2026

01/07/2026

🌿📚Nature and Biodiversity Awareness Workshop ! 🔍🌱
NGO Aroha, with the support of HCL Foundation, successfully organized a two-day Biodiversity Workshop for field staff and students of IIIT Nagpur, aimed at building knowledge and practical skills in biodiversity assessment and conservation.
The workshop was conducted by Ms. Preethi from HCL Foundation, while Ms. Roshani Gharde from HCL Foundation was also present and actively interacted with the participants throughout the programme.
A total of 10 trainees participated in an interactive classroom session covering key topics such as biodiversity, research methodology, quantitative and qualitative research, and biodiversity survey methods.
The second day focused on practical exposure through a field session, where participants learned the process of biodiversity surveys, observation techniques, and field data collection. The hands-on experience helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling participants to better understand ecological monitoring and documentation.
The workshop inspired participants to observe nature more closely, appreciate the richness of biodiversity around them, and contribute towards its conservation.

01/07/2026

🧘‍♀️ *Celebrating Health, Wellness & Inner Strength!* 🧘‍♀️
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, NGO Aroha, with the support of HCL Foundation, organized a Yoga Day Celebration Program for the women beneficiaries of the Wadi Training Centre on 27th June 2026.
The session focused on simple yet effective yoga practices that can help women maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and manage common health concerns arising from long hours of stitching work.
The program was conducted by Mrs. Varsha Bachechewar, Yoga Trainer, who guided participants through yoga postures, pranayama (breathing exercises), and a calming meditation session.
Through such initiatives, we continue to promote holistic well-being and empower women to lead healthier and more balanced lives.

26/06/2026

# Voices of Change, Stories of Empowerment #

Under the Women Empowerment and Sustainable Livelihood Project supported by HCL Foundation and implemented by NGO Aroha, women representatives from the Aroha Hirkani Women Cluster and Ganjipeth Women Training Centre visited the HCLTech Campus, Nagpur, on 23rd June 2026.
During the convergence meeting, they shared inspiring stories of skill development, livelihood enhancement, and personal growth with Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCL Foundation, and her team.

The programme was also attended by Ms. Vishakha Rao Jathar, President, NGO Aroha and Ms. Sharmishtha Gandhi ,CEO, NGO Aroha, who acknowledged the participants, accomplishments and highlighted the importance of continued efforts towards women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency.
From learning new skills to creating sustainable livelihoods, these women showcased how determination, opportunity, and support can transform lives.
#𝖲𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖣𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗈𝗉𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍

26/06/2026

🌱 Turning Seeds into Hope for a Greener Tomorrow! 🌱
With enthusiasm and a shared commitment to the environment, HCL Foundation volunteers participated in a Seed Ball Making Activity organized by NGO Aroha on 23rd May 2026 at the HCL Tech premises.
Using seeds of native plant species, participants created seed balls that can help restore green cover and support local biodiversity. Together, we are planting the seeds of a greener and more sustainable future.

23/06/2026

! Reached upyo 6950 babies and still going!

Driven by a dedicated team of women changemakers, Balantvida reaches mothers and newborns with care kits that offer more than essentials—they deliver warmth, dignity, protection, and a healthy start to life.
Let’s spread kindness and build brighter beginnings—one Balantvida kit at a time.