ABOUT US
We are Samarthan — celebrating 30 years of trust, participation, and change that belongs to the people.
Samarthan is a non-profit organization working across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. We support rural and urban communities to strengthen participatory development and governance for the underserved, secure people led solutions, and build sustainable livelihoods.
Our Mission
Promote and support participatory development processes by strengthening capacities of local institutions, generating best practises at the grassroots and widely sharing knowledge for sustainable development.
Our Vision
Every citizen contributes meaningfully in shaping Welfare State of India and enjoys benefits based on the principles of equality and equity.
A TIMELINE OF CHANGE
30 years of Samarthan - Countless partnerships. One shared journey toward lasting change.
For 30 years, Samarthan has stood alongside communities in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh — strengthening local institutions, building skills, and making sure development is led by the people it serves.
Board of Trustees
Our work is guided by a Board of Trustees made up of experts in governance, development, academia, and public administration, including our founder and Executive Director Dr. Yogesh Kumar.
We are also supported by an Advisory Board of senior development practitioners and academics who bring strategic insights and help us adapt to emerging challenges.
Abhay Kumar Pandey
- Trustee Member
Professor at Government Model College, Umaria; former Director of MP Social Audit Society and founder of Lok Shakti, an NGO supporting tribal communities
Amitabh Kundu
- Trustee Member
Prof. Amitabh Kundu is an eminent social scientist and former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi and a visiting faculty at several international universities.
Ashok Kumar Singh
- Treasurer
Executive Director of participatory‑training NGO SSK Lucknow; member of VANI and various UP government committees.
Banashree Banerjee
- Chairperson
Urban planner focused on inclusive, participatory urban poverty reduction across India, Egypt, and Bangladesh.
Rajesh Tandon
- Trustee Member
President of PRIA, global leader in participatory research; chairs UNESCO community‑based research bodies and the GACER network.
Sujogya Kumar Misra
- Trustee Member
Former Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, later chaired the CG Electricity Board, Reforms Commission, and served as Advisor to the State Finance Commission.
Yogesh Kumar
- Founder Trustee and Executive Director
Development economist with a PhD, known for pioneering participatory planning and driving impactful monitoring and evaluation reforms.
Our Team
Samarthan’s work is driven by a diverse team of programme facilitators, community facilitators, and professionals across administration, human resources, and accounts.
Our programme facilitators bring deep experience in participatory development and work closely with communities and institutions to design and implement effective initiatives. Community facilitators, often emerging local leaders, are trained and supported to act as change agents within their villages, Panchayats, and blocks.
Supporting this work is a dedicated team handling administration, HR, and finance, ensuring strong systems, accountability, and smooth programme delivery. Together, this collective forms the backbone of Samarthan’s community-led development work.