From tribal girls aspiring to become sportspersons to transgender persons building livelihoods, the third edition of Gramayan Pratishthan’s ‘Abhyuday Seva Pradarshan 2026’ brought diverse grassroots initiatives under one roof before concluding at Chitnavis Centre, Civil Lines on Sunday. B C Bhartia, National President, Confederation of All India Traders; Satya Prakash Bharat, educationist; Dr Sandeep Shinde, Chief Medical Officer, Police Hospital; and Rahul Kale, trustee at the Chitnavis Trust were the chief guests while Anil Sambare, president, Gramayan Pratishthan, was present on the dais. With 38 organisations and NGOs participating, the exhibition provided free space to showcase their work, products and social initiatives to citizens. For several grassroots organisations, affording a kiosk in a prime area of the city would otherwise have been difficult.

 

While compering the concluding programme, Manjusha Ragit described the event as Nagpur’s ‘Dan Mahotsav’, drawing on the tradition of giving during ‘Pitru Paksha’. The stalls allowed citizens to discover initiatives, support causes and purchase products created through various livelihood programmes. Ragit explained how the exhibition also featured organisations working in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture, disability support, environmental conservation and rural development. The workshops, held during day time, focused on three key areas -- strengthening women’s self-help groups, farmer guidance and helping NGOs scale up their work, she added. Vijay Thatte announced the annual report competition winners.‘Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi’, Nagpur, led by Dr Satish Gogulwar, secured first place, followed by ‘Aaroh Multipurpose Society’, Nagpur, and ‘Deendayal Navrachna Pratisthan’, Saundara Gurukul, Beed. Dr Shilpa Puranik announced other competition results.

 

Satish Jangle won the reel-making contest for his reel on ‘Mission Vishwa Mamatwa Foundation’, followed by Amir Ali Sayyad and Gaurav Doke for ‘Amhi Sarya Savitrichya Leki’, Yavatmal. In the ‘Mala Avadli Sanstha Ani Karya’ speech competition, Yogesh Sedam stood first, followed by Komal Awari and Pooja Rane. Dr Chandrakant Ragit welcomed the guests and introduced the gathering. Speaking at the programme, Bhartia stressed the need to take local products to global markets. Referring to pink rice displayed at a stall, he suggested an attractive identity such as ‘Pink Panther’ to appeal to consumers worldwide.

 

He also emphasised rediscovering India’s strengths and ensuring that development serves the larger good. Bharat said, “Sanyasi, teacher, doctor and woman were among India’s four invaluable pillars, but all four had increasingly been drawn into commercialisation under a Westernised mindset. We need to recognise India’s inherent strength and give it the right direction. Our welfare lies in the welfare of everyone.” Dr Shinde described the exhibition as an important platform for grassroots organisations to gain exposure, while Kale said the workshops could have a wider impact on the social fabric. Representatives of several participating organisations expressed gratitude for the arrangements and space, saying the exhibition gave them an opportunity to reach the public and present their work. They thanked Gramayan Pratishthan for creating a platform that brought grassroots initiatives closer to citizens.

 

In a practical gesture of support, Infocepts, a MIHAN based company, donated laptops to ‘Amhi Sarya Savitrichya Leki’, Yavatmal, Seva Sarvada, Nagpur, and Arogya Prabodhini, Desaiganj, Gadchiroli. Girls Roshni Rathod and Anushka Pawar from Amhi Sarya Savitri presented the song “Hich Amuchi Prarthana”. Sanjay Saraf, in his vote of thanks, specially acknowledged ‘The Hitavada’ for its consistent coverage of the exhibition. Also present were Ramesh Lalwani, Prashant Bhushan, Surendra Pawar, Prakash Bujawane among others.