Meet with our Stakeholders
Aged Persons: Addressing their healthcare and social needs, promoting active aging, and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Persons with Disabilities: Ensuring accessibility, advocating for their rights, providing skill development and employment opportunities, and promoting inclusive communities.
Women: Empowering women through education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights.
Adolescent Girls: Providing education, health education (including menstrual hygiene), and empowerment programs to support their growth and development.
Youth: Engaging youth in leadership and skill-building activities, promoting their participation in community development, and addressing their specific needs and concerns.
Organization Profile
About Us
Smile Together India Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2019, dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in Gaya, Bihar. Through an integrated and sustainable approach, the foundation prioritizes the participation and empowerment of local communities. It focuses on Dalit women empowerment, children’s rights, and the well-being of persons with disabilities, aiming to trigger social empowerment through economic and social upliftment.
Our Approach
- Community-Centered Approach: We involve communities in decision-making.
- Integrated Development: We address multiple challenges simultaneously.
- Capacity Development: We build skills and resources at the individual and community levels.
- Partnerships and Convergence: We collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Networking: We build a strong network among marginalized communities ensuring rights and needs.
Impact
Through our community-centered approach and comprehensive programs, Smile Together India Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of marginalized communities in the Gaya District of Bihar. Our initiatives have led to improved access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty. By building partnerships and advocating for their rights, we have helped create a more inclusive and equitable society, where marginalized groups are given the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Vision & Mission
Vision
“To create a society without poverty, illiteracy, sickness, child labour or gender and social inequality”
Mission
“To create self-governing communities and associated organizations for poverty reduction through achieving basic rights, basic education, health security, gender and social equality, livelihood security for the poor and empowering women within the community”.
Core Value
- Empathy,
- Innovation,
- Partnership,
- Integrity,
- Sustainability,
- Inclusivity,
- Empowermen
President’s Statement
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Smile Together India Foundation remained steadfast in its commitment to serving as a catalyst for social development, with a focus on empowering and positively transforming marginalized communities in Bihar’s Gaya District. Since its inception in 2019 as a non-profit trust, our foundation has strived to uphold its vision of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all, particularly for the underprivileged segments of society.
Our endeavors have been significantly bolstered by the active engagement and support of government partners at both local and national levels. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in extending the reach and impact of our initiatives, particularly benefiting women, children, and persons with disabilities within the communities we serve. Addressing key societal challenges such as unsafe migration, early child marriage, and gender discrimination has remained a cornerstone of our efforts, reflecting our unwavering commitment to effecting meaningful change in Bihar.
During the year, we focused on providing essential relief and support to the poor and marginalized, ensuring they had access to basic necessities. Additionally, our foundation continued its efforts to improve access to healthcare services for those in need, recognizing the critical role of health in overall well-being and development.
As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all development partners, supporters, and contributors who have joined hands with us in this journey. Together, we are confident that our collective efforts will continue to uplift the lives of the marginalized and contribute towards the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society.
Secretary’s Briefing…
Dear Members and Supporters,
It is with profound pride that I reflect on the enduring and impactful journey of Smile Together India Foundation. From its inception, our organization has been steadfast in its commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and individuals facing daily adversities. Their developmental progress often thwarted by external factors, our mission has been to provide them with the support and resources needed for a brighter future.
Starting our operations in the Guraru block of Gaya district, we have since expanded our reach to encompass urban areas like Bodhgaya and Mohanpur and Barachatti. With each step forward, our experiences have enriched our vision, leading us to focus on Sustainable Development across four key areas: Food and Health Security, Child Rights and Development, Sustainable Livelihood, and Environmental Equity and Justice.
At Smile Together India Foundation, we believe in fostering holistic development, both for communities and individuals. Central to our approach is the establishment of institutions and the cultivation of networks. These efforts are crucial in aligning our work with national government and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a collaborative and impactful approach to development.
Our team at Smile Together India Foundation is driven by a shared vision and unwavering commitment to our mission. As a practitioner in the field of development, I firmly believe that education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but a transformative process that nurtures critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Looking ahead, I am confident that our dedication and passion will continue to propel us forward. We recognize that the development path is ever-evolving, filled with boundless possibilities. Therefore, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of those we serve, embracing the journey with enthusiasm and determination.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sourabh Kumar
Outreach Initiatives for Food Security
Smile Together India Foundation’s outreach initiatives for food security are a cornerstone of our commitment to holistic community development. These initiatives aim to address immediate food insecurity while also promoting sustainable solutions for long-term food access. Through various programs and partnerships, we strive to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food and the means to sustain themselves.
One of our key initiatives is the distribution of Dry Ration Kits to marginalized families in Bodh Gaya and surrounding villages. These kits, containing essential food items such as rice, wheat flour, pulses, salt, and cooking oil, provide immediate relief to families facing food shortages. By addressing immediate needs, we aim to alleviate hunger and improve the overall health and well-being of these families.
Outreach Initiative Transforming of Lives
Nourishing Lives: Dry Ration Kit Distribution in Guraru Block
In a gesture of solidarity and support, Smile Together India Foundation utilized funds to distribute 200 Dry Ration Kits in Mahuain Village, under Guraru Block. Each kit, designed to sustain a family, contained essential food items aimed at alleviating hunger and providing nutritional support.
The contents of each Ration Kit included 3 kilograms of rice, 3 kilograms of wheat flour, 1 kilogram of potatoes, 1 kilogram of mixed pulses, and 1 packet of salt. This thoughtful selection of items ensured a balanced diet for the recipients, contributing to their overall health and well-being.
The distribution was specifically targeted towards marginalized individuals, including the mentally and physically handicapped, elderly, and neglected persons, who are often the most vulnerable in society. By providing these kits, Smile Together India Foundation aimed to alleviate their hardships and improve their quality of life.
Dry Ration Distribution in Bodhgaya: On 09-10-2023, Smile Together India Foundation extended a helping hand to 80 families in Jaitpur village, Bodh Gaya, through the distribution of Dry Ration Kits. Each kit was thoughtfully curated to include essential food items like rice, wheat flour, pulses, salt, and cooking oil, ensuring that families had access to nutritious meals. This initiative was a part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities, especially during challenging times. The distribution event was conducted with care and empathy, reflecting Smile Together India Foundation’s commitment to providing holistic support to those in need.
Another impactful distribution took place on 10-09-2023 in Jodr village, Bodh Gaya, where Smile Together India Foundation distributed Dry Ration Kits to 100 families. These kits, comprising items like rice, wheat flour, pulses, salt, and cooking oil, were aimed at providing immediate relief and nutritional support to the families. The initiative was a testament to the foundation’s dedication to serving marginalized communities and ensuring that basic needs are met. The distribution event was conducted efficiently, with volunteers ensuring that each family received their kit with dignity and respect, making a tangible difference in the lives.
Spreading Colors of Joy: Holi Ration Kit Distribution
In a heartwarming initiative to celebrate the festival of Holi with compassion and inclusivity, Smile Together India Foundation distributed 100 Holi Ration Kits in Gothu Village, under Bodh Gaya Block. These kits, brimming with essential food items and festive treats, were distributed to marginalized individuals, including the mentally and physically handicapped, elderly, and neglected persons, to bring a ray of hope and joy into their lives.
Each Holi Ration Kit contained 3 kilograms of rice, 3 kilograms of wheat flour, 1 kilogram of refined flour, 1 liter of refined oil, and 1 packet of salt. Additionally, special provisions were made for children, including colors and cookies, to add a touch of festive cheer. The distribution aimed not only to provide much-needed sustenance but also to spread happiness and a sense of belonging among the recipients.
The distribution event was a vibrant affair, with community members coming together to celebrate the spirit of giving. Volunteers from Smile Together India Foundation, adorned in colorful attire, distributed the kits with warmth and compassion, spreading smiles and joy in every corner of Gothu Village.
The initiative exemplifies the foundation’s commitment to holistic community development, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially during times of celebration. Through such initiatives, Smile Together India Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of marginalized communities, bringing light and hope where it is needed the most.
Sustainable Livelihoods Development
Sustainable livelihood development is a holistic approach that aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities by enhancing their capacity to generate and maintain sustainable livelihoods. It focuses on building assets, skills, and capabilities to ensure long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental factors, and seeks to address root causes of poverty and vulnerability. By promoting diversified and resilient livelihood strategies, sustainable livelihood development aims to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Transforming Livelihoods: Empowering Women Through Jute Bag Making
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Smile Together India Foundation successfully conducted a 15-day Training Programme on Jute Products Manufacturing for enhancing the livelihood of women in collaboration with NABARD, Gaya, Bihar. The training, held from 10th to 26th April 2023, aimed to equip women from different villages in Guraru Block, Gaya District, with skills in jute bag making as an income-generating activity.
The program, attended by 30 women, focused on developing the ability of women to think, organize, and create daily use materials using jute and cloth. Participants were trained in making various jute products, including file folders, laptop bags, purses, conference bags, jute mobile sling bags, jute hand clutches, and jute sling bags. The objective was to enhance their skills and augment their family income, as well as to provide necessary support and guidance to develop micro-level enterprises.
For marketing and sales strategies, the foundation intends to utilize social media platforms, create a strong online presence through a website and online shop, participate in local marketplaces and craft fairs, and develop relationships with local businesses and organizations for custom jute bag orders.
The closing ceremony included the distribution of certificates to the trainees, a group photo session, and feedback from participants who expressed appreciation for the technical skills and motivational lessons learned during the training. Mr. Sourav Kumar from Smile Together India Foundation concluded the program by thanking the resource persons, guests, and participants.
Overall, the training program was a significant step towards empowering women and promoting sustainable practices in the community, aligning with the foundation’s mission of holistic development and environmental conservation.
Wellness for All
Wellness for All” embodies Smile Together India Foundation’s steadfast commitment to fostering holistic health and well-being across communities. Our initiatives are designed to ensure that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the resources and support needed to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. From health clinics and nutrition programs to mental health awareness campaigns and yoga workshops, we strive to create a culture of wellness that uplifts and empowers all. Through our holistic approach, we aim to not only address immediate health needs but also to promote long-term well-being and resilience. Join us on this journey towards a healthier, happier tomorrow for all.
Threads of Hope, Inaugurating Health and Healing in Barachhati
In the vibrant tapestry of rural life in Barachhati, a new thread of hope and healing was woven on the 3rd of July, 2024. Smile Together India Foundation, in collaboration with MSTC Limited, unfurled the banners of progress with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art health clinic and ambulance service. This milestone not only signifies a leap forward in healthcare accessibility but also embodies a profound commitment to the well-being of the community.
The health clinic, a beacon of modernity amidst the rustic landscape, stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to improving healthcare standards. Staffed with skilled healthcare professionals and equipped with cutting-edge facilities, the clinic promises to be a sanctuary for those seeking medical assistance. Alongside, the ambulance service, a lifeline for critical cases, ensures that no distance or terrain hinders access to urgent medical care.
The inauguration ceremony was a celebration of collaboration and compassion, with dignitaries from MSTC Limited, local government officials, and community leaders gracing the occasion. For Smile Together India Foundation, these endeavors represent more than just infrastructure development; they embody our ethos of holistic community development. Our mission to enhance the health and well-being of marginalized communities finds expression in every brick of the clinic and every mile traveled by the ambulance.
As the health clinic and ambulance service commence their journey, they carry with them the promise of a healthier tomorrow for Barachhati and its surrounding areas. Smile Together India Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding healthcare access and improving health outcomes, one community at a time.
Blanket Distribution Campaign for Cold Wave Relief
In the winter of 2023-24, Smile Together India Foundation undertook a compassionate initiative to provide warmth and comfort to those affected by the harsh cold wave. The foundation distributed blankets to 100 persons in Guraru and 100 persons at the railway station in Gaya, ensuring that vulnerable individuals were protected from the biting cold.
The distribution campaign was a testament to the foundation’s commitment to serving the community, especially during times of need. Each blanket was a symbol of care and solidarity, offering respite to those facing the challenges of winter without adequate protection.
Through initiatives like the Blanket Distribution Campaign, Smile Together India Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of marginalized communities, providing them with the support and assistance they need to thrive.
Building Bridges to Launch of Mahuain Village Health Clinic
In a transformative step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility, Smile Together India Foundation embarked on a journey to construct the Mahuain Village Health Clinic. This initiative, born out of a deep-seated commitment to improve the well-being of rural communities, is poised to be a beacon of health and healing in the region.
The Mahuain Village Health Clinic project is a testament to the foundation’s holistic approach to community development. It is not merely a structure but a symbol of hope, promising quality healthcare services to the underserved populations of Mahuain and its surrounding areas. The clinic’s construction marks the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare provision, one that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and community participation.
Scheduled to be equipped with modern facilities and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, the Mahuain Village Health Clinic aims to address the pressing healthcare needs of the local population. It will offer a range of services, including primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, and health education programs.
The construction of the Mahuain Village Health Clinic represents a collaborative effort, with support from local communities, government agencies, and philanthropic partners. It symbolizes the power of collective action in bringing about positive change in rural healthcare.
As the Mahuain Village Health Clinic takes shape, it serves as a beacon of hope for the community, promising a brighter, healthier future. Smile Together India Foundation remains committed to realizing its vision of accessible and quality healthcare for all, one village at a time.
Press exposure
Donors and Supporters
Your generosity has made a significant impact on our work, enabling us to reach those in need and make a positive difference in their lives. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all.
Collaboration and Support
We are grateful for the collaboration and support of the following groups and individuals:
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
- MSTC Limited
- Local PRI Members: Instrumental in mobilizing community support.
- Doctors: Provided medical support and conducted health camps.
- Leaders of Self-Help Groups: Empowered women and marginalized communities.
- Teachers: Implemented educational programs and promoted literacy.
- Parents: Ensured holistic development of children.
- Government Departments: Enabled access to resources.
Your supportive collaboration is instrumental in helping us achieve our mission and make a positive impact in the lives of others. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment.
Angel Apartments, Near Root Institute Road.
Bodh Gaya,
Gaya district, Bihar, India
91 9973011696, +91 8987266382
