Tejaram Mali is a visionary social reformer dedicated to education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. Inspired by his time at the Tilonia night school in the 1980s, he founded Manthan Sanstha in 1998 to address rural challenges. His initiatives in water conservation, digital literacy, and leadership development have transformed thousands of lives, reducing migration, improving education, and empowering women as community leaders. Tejaram has been honored with the prestigious Mother Teresa Award and has received numerous accolades for his exceptional contributions to social innovation.
Tackling Basic Needs to Transform Communities
During a survey in 1998, Tejaram met a young girl who spent her entire day fetching water, leaving no time for education. This pivotal moment highlighted the urgent need to address water scarcity. He began constructing water tanks and later expanded to building ponds for water recharge. These efforts:
- Alleviated water scarcity.
- Revitalized agriculture.
- Provided feed for livestock.
- Reduced migration, enabling families to stay in their communities.
The ripple effects included a decline in child marriages and increased school attendance for girls, as they were no longer burdened with water collection duties
From Training to Leadership
Tejaram’s initiatives have always prioritized empowering women, transforming them into self-reliant leaders and contributors to their communities. Key programs include:
Skill Development
- Digital and Financial Literacy: Training women to use digital platforms, manage finances, and access government schemes like NREGA and ration distribution.
- Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment: Encouraging women to start small businesses and explore income-generating opportunities.
Leadership Development
Tejaram fostered a network of 100-150 young women leaders who actively challenge societal norms and drive change. These leaders inspire others and play a pivotal role in local governance, education, and economic growth. By equipping women with skills and opportunities, Tejaram has helped shift societal perceptions, transforming women from being seen as liabilities to invaluable community assets.
Key Achievements
- Constructed water tanks and ponds, transforming agriculture and reducing migration.
- Empowered over 150 women leaders and thousands of women through training.
- Facilitated education for children by addressing barriers such as water scarcity and household responsibilities.
- Engaged over 5000 urban youth in rural immersion programs.
- Supported over 75 HIV-positive individuals, helping them reclaim their dignity and contribute to their communities.