HARC’s Mission to Empower the Marginalised

In a society where vulnerable communities often struggle for dignity and opportunity, certain organisations stand out for their selfless dedication. The Homeopathic Academy of Research and Charities (HARC), based in Parbhani, is one such institution that has been consistently working to uplift the underprivileged, orphaned, and HIV-affected sections of society. Under the leadership of Dr Pawan Satyanarayan Chandak and Dr Asha Pawan Chandak, the organisation has carved a niche in the fields of healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and social rehabilitation.

HARC’s journey began with providing free homeopathic treatment to HIV-positive patients. Over time, its work expanded to include rehabilitation of HIV-affected individuals, health awareness campaigns, and counselling initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and improving quality of life.

To promote health awareness among adolescent girls in rural areas, HARC launched the ‘P for Periods’ initiative. Under this programme, more than 260 menstrual hygiene workshops have been conducted across rural schools in Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, Latur, Jalna, and Washim districts. The initiative has reached over 32,000 girls through counselling and distributed more than 13,000 sanitary pads free of cost.

With a belief that education is the key to transformation, HARC introduced an educational sponsorship programme. Since 2010, the organisation has supported the education of over 5,000 orphaned, underprivileged, and single-parent children.

Additionally, educational kits have been distributed to 344 orphaned and single-parent girls in Parbhani, Hingoli, and Jalna districts. Students from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have been provided with NEET and JEE preparatory books and exam fees for some have also been covered. The organisation has also established study centres and free libraries for underprivileged girls.

Notable Contributions

HARC has made notable contributions to the Sevalaya, an NGO for HIV-affected children run by ‘Amhi Sevak Sanstha’ in Hasegaon, Latur district, which focuses on the rehabilitation of HIV-affected and orphaned children. The organisation has extended continuous support for education, medical care, shelter, and daily needs.

To nurture talent, cultural activities such as music, dance, and performances have been organised. Vocational support, including sewing machines, has been provided, along with initiatives like exhibitions and sales of handmade rakhis and Ganesh idols. Even the sale of saffron mangoes cultivated through the children’s efforts has been facilitated, encouraging self-reliance. HARC has also helped solemnise marriages of three HIV-affected couples, offering them essential support to begin a new life.

Recognising that empowerment is closely tied to financial independence, HARC has implemented livelihood programmes for destitute, widowed, and HIV-affected women. Over the past few years, more than 80 women have been supported with sewing machines, dal processing units, flour mills, goat-rearing units, and mobile Bentex jewellery shops. These initiatives have enabled many women to become self-reliant and support their families.

To cultivate a reading habit among rural students, HARC has distributed ‘Anandi Vachan Peti’ (joyful reading kits) to 191 Zilla Parishad schools across Maharashtra. Through the campaign ‘Say No to Mobile, Say Yes to Books,’ 337 young readers from six districts have been recognised for their reading excellence.

HARC has undertaken several humanitarian initiatives to support the needy. Through the Diwali Donation Festival, festive kits have been distributed to hundreds of single-parent and orphaned families. Warm clothing has been provided to students during winter, while essential groceries have been delivered to destitute widows during Pitru Paksha.

In a remarkable social effort, the organisation has facilitated the marriages of 12 HIV-affected and orphaned couples, providing them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

Shelter Home

In 2023, HARC established a shelter home under the ‘Majha Ghar’ run by Manus Pratishthan of Sharad Zare and Sangeeta Zare near Budhoda village of Ausa tehsil in Latur district. Built within just 36 days through community participation, the 4,000 sq. ft. facility now provides safe accommodation, education, and care to 46 orphaned and underprivileged children bringing a new ray of hope into their lives.

HARC’s work has been strengthened by strong community support. The organisation’s official social group, ‘Prakashwata,’ formed in 2014, plays a vital role in raising awareness and mobilising resources. Through social media outreach, many compassionate citizens have joined hands, helping various initiatives succeed through collective participation.

Dr Pawan Chandak, founder of HARC has travelled over 1.11 lakh kilometres on a bicycle to spread awareness on HIV, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and reading culture. His campaigns have covered 13 Indian states as well as countries like Scotland, the UK, Germany, and France, reflecting an extraordinary commitment to social causes.

Significantly, most of HARC’s initiatives are driven by public participation and donations. With an annual expenditure of around Rs 12–15 lakh, the organisation continues its impactful work without relying on government grants or CSR funding.

Through its sustained efforts in healthcare, education, and empowerment, HARC stands today as an inspiring example of social responsibility and collective compassion, transforming countless lives and building a more inclusive society.

(The writer is a journalist based in Nanded. Views personal.)