Leadership Rooted in Grassroots Work
Five decades of field experience, shaped by women leaders and carried forward by teams working closely with desert communities.
Tribute to Founder Mrs. Chhagan Behan Golechha
A Trailblazer for Rural Women's Dignity
Mrs. Chhagan Behan Golechha was a pioneering rural leader in Western Rajasthan. As the first woman Sarpanch of Rajasthan, she helped open public life to women in villages where their voices were often unheard.
In 1976, during a severe drought in the Thar desert, she mobilised local women and young people for relief work. That community effort became Meera Sansthan, rooted in the belief that rural women must be partners in change, not only recipients of support.
Her life continues to guide the organisation: listen first, stand with people, and build change from within the community.
Do not tell a rural woman she is weak because the desert is harsh. Give her knowledge, stand by her dignity, and you will see her move mountains for her family and village.
Kheenchan Panchayat
Her election showed that women could lead village institutions with courage, fairness, and public trust.
From the Desk of the Patron & Director
50 Years of Grassroots Stewardship
- 1976: Supported Meera Sansthan relief during the Thar drought.
- 1985: Helped expand child nutrition and Anganwadi training work.
- 2001: Strengthened women’s legal support through Mahila Suraksha work.
- 2012: Supported girls education and residential learning efforts.
- 2026: Guiding Golden Jubilee planning and future expansion.
"To Us, Every Girl is a Meera"
Over the past fifty years, we have witnessed lives change across some of the most difficult desert regions of Rajasthan. At the heart of this journey are the girls and women we work with.
Our endeavour is not simply to provide education, skills, or opportunities, but to help every girl discover her own identity, confidence, and voice. We call our girls Meeras.
To us, a Meera is a girl who does not allow society to define her limits. She sees herself first as a person with her own thoughts, aspirations, choices, and voice.
She can think for herself, speak with confidence, and make decisions about the life she wants to lead. Our hope is to see every Meera take her own flight.
Through five decades of work, Meera Sansthan has built learning spaces, legal support systems, livelihood pathways, and community confidence so girls and women can move forward with dignity.
This is what Meera Sansthan has stood for since 1976: change from within, one girl, one woman, and one village at a time.
The work is carried by many hands.
Counsellors, frontline workers, artisans and community groups bring different knowledge to the work. These shared commitments connect their efforts.
Listen before acting
Understanding a village starts with the people who live there. Community conversations and local assessment help shape programmes around the needs people identify.
In practiceCourtyard meetings and community mapping inform education, health and access to services.
Follow the community workMake room for her choices
Girls and women have their own thoughts, aspirations and decisions to make. Education and support should give them more room to shape their lives.
In practiceCommunity education and residential learning camps help girls reconnect with formal schooling.
Explore girls' educationPut knowledge within reach
A right is easier to use when someone can explain the options. Training and counselling connect people with practical knowledge and available services.
In practiceWomen's protection centres combine counselling, legal guidance, crisis support and referrals.
Explore women's supportBuild on local skill
Self-reliance starts with what people already know. Artisan programmes support traditional skills with training, tools, organisation and market access.
In practiceLeather cluster work includes design development, access to credit and participation in fairs and exhibitions.
Explore artisan livelihoodsFrontline Workers & Community Cadres
Behind every number are field workers, trained women, counsellors, and community leaders who keep the work close to people.
12,000+ Anganwadi Graduates
Frontline workers trained through Meera Sansthan have supported maternal health, child nutrition, and early childhood care.
Village Paralegals & Counselors
Local women and counsellors help families respond to domestic violence, legal distress, and child marriage risks.
SHG Master Artisans & Weavers
Experienced women artisans train others in craft quality, production discipline, and fair market selling.
Discover More About Our Work
Our Story & Philosophy →
Explore the 1976 origins, Gandhian roots, and core areas of Meera Sansthan.
Mission & Vision →
Read the values and commitments that guide the work.
Governance & Compliance →
Review registration details, 12A/80G status, FCRA approval, and NGO Darpan listing.
Partners →
See the institutions and partners connected to the work.