Riya Joshi

About Me

I am an India Fellow doing a rural development fellowship at SSM. The work SSM is doing towards rural development encouraged me to push it further. With a background in Economics, History, and a Master's in Sociology, I advocate for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding societal issues. Focusing on policy and community development, I am deeply passionate about effecting positive change within society. Through grassroots involvement and extensive research, I am committed to bridging theory and practice in the pursuit of societal advancement. Driven by a fervent desire to contribute to meaningful change, I am dedicated to leveraging my expertise as a social development and public policy enthusiast to address pressing societal challenges.

Appeal

Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM) is a small but deeply impactful NGO working in one of the most challenging regions of India—the drought-prone Marathwada area in Nanded district, Maharashtra. In a place where poverty and drought have left countless families in distress, SSM has taken on the monumental task of bringing hope and change to those who need it most—particularly vulnerable children.

At the heart of SSM’s mission is Anand Balgram, a home for orphaned children whose lives have been shaped by the harsh realities of this region. These children have lost more than just their families—they have lost their sense of safety and security. Anand Balgram offers them a new beginning. It’s more than just a shelter; it’s a place where they receive nutritious meals, a nurturing environment for their education, and the emotional support they need to heal. Here, children are given the opportunity to dream again, to grow, and to become confident individuals who can face the world on equal footing with others.

SSM also recognizes that the future of this region lies in education, which is why it works tirelessly to ensure that even children from the most financially and socially disadvantaged rural communities have access to quality learning. Visitors to the NGO’s schools have often remarked that the standard of education rivals some of the best institutions in the country. SSM believes that where a child comes from should never limit their potential, and every child, no matter their background, deserves a fair chance at a better future.

Beyond supporting children, SSM also focuses on empowering rural youth and women through skill development and vocational training. In communities where opportunities are scarce, SSM helps individuals gain the skills they need to break free from the cycle of poverty and build independent, sustainable livelihoods. The organization's work is grounded in the belief that real development happens when people are empowered to shape their own destinies.

For over four decades, SSM has been quietly transforming lives in some of the most neglected parts of rural India. Whether it’s providing a safe haven for orphaned children or opening doors to education and employment for the rural poor, SSM’s work is driven by a simple yet powerful belief: that with the right support, everyone has the potential to rise above their circumstances.

By supporting SSM, you are not just giving aid; you are investing in the lives and futures of children, youth, and women who will one day be the strength of their communities and our country.

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