About Us
Who We Are
story of ANKITA
ANKITA, is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976 in 1994 and 1998 respectively. It is a non-profit organization working on the ‘poverty alienation’ theme. P. Ravi Kumar, a grassroots development professional from Telangana state, established it. While working in collaboration with Action Aid for a project named ASHA in the 1980s; he had to combat issues faced by the rural marginalised farmers and labourers in the Nalgonda district. The issues that emerged were poverty, lack of social security, groundwater supply, debt traps, livelihoods, supply chain management and labour rights. During this project, he understood a lot from the community and developed important insights into many work areas related to the livelihoods of farmers and farm labourers. It led to the inception of ANKITA as well as its formation.
The core area of work includes:
- Ensure livelihood options for impoverished farmer and labourers who do not have access to sustainable income
- Facilitate adult education for rural poor by establishing night schools, study groups, motivation camps, peer learning, counselling/coaching sessions, etc
- Access to social protection/entitlement schemes for safeguarding the rights’ of the community
- Enhancing the capacity of stakeholders that can lead to smooth implementation of liasoning work with line departments
ANKITA – Association for Needy and Kindle the Illiterate Through Action – was created to change that story.
We believe that every migrant worker deserves to be seen, heard, and supported—not just as labour, but as people. People with families, hopes, and a right to live with dignity.
At ANKITA, we work hand-in-hand with workers, helping them navigate the often-complicated world of social security and welfare schemes like the BOCW Welfare Board. Whether it’s accessing accident relief, applying for pensions, or simply understanding their rights, we’re there—listening, guiding, and standing beside them.
But we don’t work alone. We collaborate with government officials, construction companies, and local leaders—not to reinvent the system, but to strengthen it. Because true change happens when the system begins to work for the people it was made to serve.
Our approach is personal, not transactional. Every form we help fill, every benefit we help unlock, represents a family that breathes a little easier. A daughter who can stay in school. A widow who receives support after a tragic accident. A father who knows he is not alone.
Through this work, we envision a future where migrant workers are no longer invisible. A future where their contributions are respected, their rights upheld, and their lives protected.
protected.
This is not just our mission—it’s our promise.
Our Vission & Mission
Vision
We seek a world of hope, tolerance and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and people/ migrant labours/ farmers live in dignity and security with literacy and creating awareness.
Mission
Our mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the drawing strength from global diversity, resources and experience. We promote change by
We Promote Change By:
- Promoting human capital for socially marginalised groups like dalits, tribals, other backward castes, women and children.
- Facilitating adult education for rural poor by establishing night schools, study groups motivation camps, peer learning, counselling/coaching sessions.
- Ensuring livelihood options for impoverished farmer groups who do not have access to sustainable income
- Access to social protection/entitlement schemes; for safeguarding their rights and Supporting the development professionals who participate in the struggle of the poor and exalted by granting scholarships, stipends.
- Partnering/networking with NGOs, line departments, CSOs towards achieving smooth program implementation.
- Coordinating with local leaders, PRI members, service providers, community members, legal right advocates
Evolution of ANKITA and Organizational Setup
Evolution of ANKITA
ANKITA (Association for Needy and Kindle the Illiterate Through Action) was established in 1994 as a non-profit, non-political, and secular voluntary organization focused on alleviating rural poverty in Nalgonda district, Telangana. Founded under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, ANKITA began its journey with the vision of reducing poverty and fostering a society where human potential could be fully utilized. Its early work was supported by ActionAid, focusing on education, health, and livelihood programs across 62 Gram Panchayats in six revenue mandals.
Under the leadership of Mr. P. Ravi Kumar, ANKITA’s Executive Director, the organization evolved from a grassroots initiative into a robust entity with diverse programs. Ravi Kumar’s extensive experience, including his work with ActionAid’s ASHA project (1984–1994) and the Netherlands Assisted Projects Office (1994–1997), shaped ANKITA’s foundation. After resigning in 1997, he initiated development programs through ANKITA, starting with watershed management and expanding into health, education, and community organization. Over the years, ANKITA diversified its interventions, incorporating sustainable agriculture, HIV/AIDS prevention, housing, and migration mitigation, supported by funding from NABARD, ActionAid, FAO-UN, and others.
Key milestones in ANKITA’s evolution include:
- 1997–2008: ActionAid partnership enabled education programs (e.g., child labor and orphan schools), health initiatives, and women’s rights advocacy.
- 2003–2007: Implementation of watershed programs under APRLP/DWMA, covering 3500 hectares and promoting sustainable water management.
- 2005–2012: HIV/AIDS prevention programs with India HIV/AIDS Alliance and APSACS, forming successful community-based organizations (CBOs) like LIFE, recognized as a state-level model.
- 2010–2016: Operation of a mobile ICTC van for HIV/AIDS screening across 59 mandals.
- 2015–2024: Expansion into Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Climate Proofing Projects (CPP), and Sustainable Development Programs (SDP) with NABARD, focusing on climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods.
ANKITA’s growth reflects its adaptability, expanding from localized interventions to district-wide programs, integrating community participation, and securing diverse funding to sustain its mission.
Organizational Setup
ANKITA operates as a registered society with a clear governance structure:
- Leadership: Mr. P. Ravi Kumar serves as the Chief Functionary and Executive Director, bringing decades of experience in grassroots development and institutional expertise from collaborations with ActionAid, FAO-UN, and WASSAN.
Current Activities
ANKITA’s current work builds on its historical focus on rural poverty alleviation, with a streamlined emphasis on social security, sustainable livANKITA (Association for Needy and Kindle the Illiterate Through Action) currently focuses on supporting migrant workers, agricultural workers, and farmers in Hyderabad, Vikarabad, Nalgonda, and RangaReddy districts. Its primary activities aim to enhance social security, livelihoods, and climate resilience, with an emphasis on systemic change through government collaboration. Below are the key current activities:
Support for Migrant and Agricultural Workers:
- ANKITA addresses challenges faced by 22,680 farmers and agricultural workers, including low wages, income insecurity, and bonded labor. It supports 14,600 migrant workers by facilitating access to social security programs, such as health care, accident relief, and legal aid, through existing government systems.
- Conducts orientations, workshops, and training to raise awareness about workers’ rights and entitlements, registering workers on the Jan Saathi app to streamline access to benefits.
- Engages construction workers, rural farmers, women, children from agrarian households, agricultural laborers, mine workers, domestic workers, and factory workers (e.g., garment, textile), along with line departments (e.g., Labour Welfare, Agriculture, MGNREGA) and local/national NGOs.
Livelihood Improvement:
- Supports farming households to improve livelihoods, reduce indebtedness, and ensure food security by facilitating access to government schemes and worker protections.
- Promotes sustainable income sources for impoverished farmer groups, building on historical livelihood programs like FPOs and watershed activities.
Climate Resilience:
- Implements the Climate Proofing Project (CPP) in Gonya Thanda, Adividevulapalli mandal, Nalgonda district, focusing on soil and water conservation, moisture conservation, irrigation efficiency, vegetation cover, and sustainable agriculture practices to enhance livelihoods and combat climate change impacts.
- Creates awareness about climate change risks, enabling farmers and workers to develop adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Systemic Advocacy:
- Collaborates with state and district governments to advocate for systemic changes, ensuring government schemes and protections reach marginalized workers effectively.
- Strengthens community engagement through awareness campaigns and capacity-building to empower workers to access their rights.
- livelihoods, and climate resilience for migrant and agricultural communities, leveraging government systems for sustainable impact.
The Team
Mr. Naveen Kumar
── Chief Functionary, ANKITA
The head of ANKITA has over 20 years of experience in education and development. He has worked on major projects across India and started social enterprises to support early education and migrant workers. His work focuses on creating simple, affordable, and lasting solutions for people in need.
V. Stefen Daniel – State Coordinator, ANKITA
── Telangana
Stefen Daniel is a committed professional in the social development sector with over a decade of experience, beginning in 2012. His work spans a wide range of critical thematic areas, including Gender and Human Rights, Land Rights, Violence Against Women, and Migration.
He has collaborated with renowned academic institutions such as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and worked with leading non-governmental organizations including Asmita Resource Centre for Women, APFLR, and Jan Sahas.
In addition to his work in the non-profit sector, Mr. Daniel has also provided valuable support to governmental bodies, including the Women and Child Development Departments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, contributing to policy implementation and community-level impact.
D Rakesh Kumar – District Coordinator, ANKITA
── Hyderabad district
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Samatha Degree College, Hyderabad. He began his professional journey as a Coordinator at ISS Facility Services at the Shamshabad Airport, and subsequently worked with United Spirits Limited as an Area Sales Manager for four years.
Driven by a strong commitment to social change, he transitioned into the social development sector, beginning as a Field Officer with the Migration Resource Centre (MRC) Program. He is currently serving as the District Coordinator for Hyderabad District, leading initiatives under the Migration Program and working closely with communities to support safe and informed migration.
Driven by a strong commitment to social change, he transitioned into the social development sector, beginning as a Field Officer with the Migration Resource Centre (MRC) Program. He is currently serving as the District Coordinator for Hyderabad District, leading initiatives under the Migration Program and working closely with communities to support safe and informed migration.
Praksah Kumar - District Coordinator, ANKITA
── Vikarabaddistrict
He is passionate about social service and is known for his friendly, family-like approach to everyone. Fearless and determined, he pursues his goals with sincerity and dedication, always respectful toward elders.
Since 2020, he has served as District Coordinator for Jansahas Foundation and now Ankita Foundation, leading awareness programs in Vikarabad District on social security schemes like PMSBY, PMSSY, e-Shram, Postal Insurance, and BOCW cards.
He actively works against child labor, bonded labor, sexual harassment, and human trafficking, while also supporting migrant workers through pre-departure and post-arrival training to ensure safe migration.