Our Mission
Our dynamic and holistic programming spans across health, livelihood, and menstrual equity
At the Desai Foundation, our commitment to fostering meaningful impact drives us to design and implement a diverse range of programs that touch the lives of individuals and communities. We do this by ensuring that our programs cultivate dignity and create impact for the people we serve. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we create lasting change that resonates far beyond our projects’ boundaries.
Health
General Health & Hygiene Awareness
Pediatric Checkup & Awareness Camp
Gynec Checkup & Awareness Camp
Livelihood
Banking and Saving Education & Awareness Program
Candle, Diya & Chocolate Making Training
Career Guidance and Development Program
Entrepreneurship Development Training & Awareness Program
Asani Sanitary Napkin Program: By Women For Women
HEROES FOR HUMANITY
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Menstrual equity
Asani Sanitary Napkin Program: By Women For Women
Testimonials: Stories from the Ground
Restoring Health Through Timely Care: Kusum's Anaemia Recovery Story
Kusum, a 32-year-old woman from Chainpura village in Niwai block of Tonk district, had been experiencing constant fatigue, weakness, and cramps, making even routine household work exhausting. During a health screening in March 2025, her haemoglobin level was found to be 6.5 gm/dl, indicating severe anaemia.
Community Facilitator Kanta, provided Kusum with iron–folic acid (IFA) supplements, counselled her on improving her diet, and supported her in seeking medical care at the Niwai Community Health Centre. With regular follow-ups and guidance, Kusum remained consistent with her treatment.
By the second screening, her haemoglobin level had increased to 10.5 gm/dl, and she reported feeling healthier and more energetic. Her husband, Vidyacharan (34 years), who was also found anaemic with an Hb level of 8.5 gm/dl, showed improvement as well, with his levels rising to 11.4 gm/dl. Kusum’s story reflects how timely screening, community support, and sustained follow-up can lead to meaningful improvements in health and well-being.
Managing Periods with Comfort and Dignity: Mamta's Journey to Better Menstrual Health
Mamta, a 32-year-old working woman, had been using cloth during her periods for many years. This often caused her itching and rashes, making those days very uncomfortable for her.
One day, Mamta attended a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) session organised by Desai Foundation Trust in her village. There she learned about Asani sanitary pads and their qualities. She got a sample packet to try. After using them, she felt soft, comfortable, and free from the problems she faced earlier.
After this good experience, Mamta started buying Asani pads every month from her sangini Maalti. Now, she feels healthier, more confident, and can manage her periods with comfort and dignity.
From Silence to Strength: Richa's Path to Empowerment Through Menstrual Health
Richa lives in a small village near Lucknow, where periods are rarely spoken about. Growing up, she had limited access to sanitary pads and little knowledge about menstrual health, which made her feel shy and unsure, like many women in her community.
Two years ago, the Asani Sanitary Napkin Production Unit was set up in her village. Though nervous at first, Richa decided to join. She learned to make sanitary pads, operate machines, and follow hygiene practices, and with every step, her confidence grew.
Today, Richa earns her own income and openly talks to girls and women about menstruation, helping break long-standing taboos. She also trains new women at the unit, which has produced thousands of pads for nearby villages.
Richa’s journey shows how one opportunity can transform a life, and create change far beyond one woman.
When Skills Create Independence: Bhanumati's Story of Sustainable Livelihood
Bhanumati from Mahimunda village in Balangir district transformed her life after completing a three-month sewing training programme organised by Desai Foundation Trust. Earlier engaged only in household work, she had no independent income.
After the training, Bhanumati began taking stitching orders from her community and now earns ₹5,000–₹7,000 per month, contributing to her family’s income. Living with her parents, brother, and sister-in-law, she takes pride in being financially independent.
With growing confidence, Bhanumati dreams of starting her own tailoring shop and inspiring other women in her village to become self-reliant — a true example of how skills can create sustainable change.
From Caregiver to Survivor: Arti's Journey of Awareness, Courage, and Early Detection
Arti joined Desai Foundation Trust over two years ago as a community facilitator under the Heroes for Humanity (HFH) programme. While supporting others, she silently endured months of pain, believing it was normal and managing it only with painkillers.
Nine months ago, when the Health & Hygiene Awareness of Cancer programme began in Lucknow, Arti started educating women about breast and cervical cancer. Through this work, she found the courage to speak up about her own health. A medical checkup revealed lumps in her cervix that could have developed into cervical cancer.
Arti began treatment immediately and, after months of care, is now healthy. Today, she openly shares her journey, encouraging women to seek timely checkups and talk about their health. Arti is not just a survivor, she is a true hero for her community.
Restoring Sight, Renewing Hope: Lakshmibai's Cataract Recovery Story
At 66, Lakshmibai from Bhirda village, Hingoli district, struggled with daily tasks as her vision blurred. “I couldn’t see my grandchildren’s faces clearly anymore,” she shared.
On 26th August 2025, she attended an eye check-up camp organized by Desai Foundation Trust. Doctors diagnosed cataracts in both eyes and recommended surgery. Initially anxious, Lakshmibai was reassured by the medical team that the procedure was simple and free.
In early September, she underwent successful surgery. When the bandages were removed, she could see clearly, the green fields, neighbors, and most importantly, the smiles of her grandchildren. “I can finally see their smiles again!” she exclaimed, tears of joy in her eyes.
Lakshmibai’s story is a testament to courage, hope, and how community healthcare can transform lives, restoring not just sight, but independence and confidence.