ABOUT US
Our Journey
What started as a part-time activity in 2005 to teach tribal children from at-risk families by Rushit Masrani, soon became a movement in Dharampur. Rushit’s education initiatives took the shape of Masti Ki Pathshala, where students of all ages could come and learn together. As the work progressed, the initiatives were extended to incorporate elderly care, providing Yoga lessons in the district prison, cleanliness awareness and tree plantation drives. Pahel was registered as a charitable trust in 2015. Over the years, Pahel has touched the lives of more than 7.5 lakh people in South Gujarat, both in rural and urban areas. From flood relief to Covid-19 relief programs, Pahel has provided life-saving support to vulnerable people in times of crisis.
Way Forward
Pahel envisions opening a school based on the ‘Nai Taleem’ concept of Mahatma Gandhi, where children not only receive an education, but also learn life skills. The long-term vision is to produce a future generation which is self-reliant and an asset to society. Pahel’s Community Centres will act as nodal points for all Pahel’s activities and its people. It will also set up skills centres for learning skills such as computer operation, language, sustainable agriculture etc. Pahel plans to create in each village, a volunter group called Pahel Seva Yoddha. The group will act as a ground force to assist people in all adverse circumstances. Pahel envisions an ideal village with all basic facilities. This village will have adequate water conservation methods, practice sustainable farming, maintain a seed and tool bank and a library. These will be facilitated in partnership with the help of other collaborators and stakeholders.
HISTORY OF THE AREA
The tribal belt of South Gujarat which is a part of the Maharashtra-Gujarat border comprises of many tribes like Kukna, Warli and Gavli. These forest dwelling communities are now mostly engaged in farming with a strong dependence on forest resources. Destruction of forests due to lumbering and other developmental activities has depleted the reserves. Over the last 50 years, with the introduction of medical health and food security, the population of these tribes has increased multi-fold. With a low rate of migration, a majority of the tribes rely on limited agricultural land and resources. This places enormous pressure on already scarce resources. Forests today are devoid of any major wildlife and the expansion of agriculture has reduced the natural vegetation to a minimum. With dwindling resources, livelihoods for tribal communities have become even more difficult.
HISTORY OF THE AREA
The tribal belt of South Gujarat which is a part of Maharashtra-Gujarat border comprises of many tribes like Kukna, Warli and Gavli. These forest dwelling communities are now mostly engaged in farming with a strong dependence on forest resources. Destruction of forests due to lumbering and other developmental works has depleted the reserves. Over the last 50 years, with the introduction of medical health and food security, the population of these tribes has increased multi-fold. With a low rate of migration, a majority of the tribes rely on limited agricultural land and resources. This places enormous pressure on already scarce resources. Forests today are devoid of any major wildlife and the expansion of agriculture has reduced the natural vegetation to a minimum. With dwindling resources, livelihoods for tribal communities have become even more difficult.
VISION
To alleviate human suffering particularly among the vulnerable sections of society
MISSION
To serve those in need through various initiatives under holistic education, health and hygiene, livelihoods, water and sanitation, environment and emergency relief.
CORE VALUES
Compassion | Truth | Respect | Fairness
Our Team
Rushit Masrani
FOUNDER CEO
A teacher by profession, Rushit has a Masters in Education and English Literature. Since 2005, he has been teaching children from vulnerable and marginal communities. His approach is to make learning fun for kids by including singing and dancing as a medium to connect. In his free time, Rushit likes to explore the villages of Dharampur.
Purvaja Bhatt
SECRETARY
A counsellor by profession, Purvaja has an MA in Medical Psychiatry. For more than 10 years, she has been working for the upliftment of women. She has counselled many victims of violence and abuse. She has also worked for the betterment of sex workers through education and formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Anil Singh
DIRECTOR
Anil is a Disaster Management professional from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) with a diverse experience in Corporate, Govt. and Non-profit organizations. An avid traveler, he likes to explore new places and is passionate about food and photography.
Dr. Nital Patel
ADVISOR
Dr. Nital is a Gynecologist by profession. A gold medalist in MD Gynecology, she has been active as an advisor for Pahel in women related issues. She has been designing women’s health related projects for the last 6 years.
Kiran Vasani
ADVISOR
Kiran Vasani, an LLB, has more than 35 years of experience working for Divyang welfare. Being a Divyang herself, she has developed many schemes and awareness drives for the differently abled. She has also organized weddings of more than 70 Divyang couples.
Dr. Vaibhavi Surti
TRUSTEE
Dr. Vaibhavi is a Dentist by profession. She is actively involved in Pahel’s work. She has helped organize many medical camps in tribal villages.
Yash Surti
TRUSTEE
Yash is an Engineer. He spearheads youth action. He has also helped conduct many plantation drives and sports activities.
