Creating
Opportunities.
Association for Welfare, Social Action and Research India works with children, women, youth, and communities across education, health, livelihoods, research, and protection — building a more equitable society since 2001.
We believe every individual deserves an opportunity
The name AWSAR means "opportunity" in Hindi. Founded by social entrepreneurs and students from the University of Delhi, AWSAR was built on the belief that access to opportunity is the foundation of all social and economic transformation.
For over two decades, AWSAR has partnered with communities, governments, corporate foundations, and international organisations to deliver evidence-based, sustainable development programmes.
To create an inclusive and equitable society founded on democratic values, sustainable livelihoods, and an improved quality of life for all.
To foster opportunities for holistic development by strengthening capacities, generating knowledge, and delivering diversified professional services that empower communities and institutions working with marginalised populations.
Eight areas of programme work
AWSAR in the field
Programme films and field documentaries from AWSAR's community work.
Trusted by governments, foundations & civil society
The Story of
AWSAR India
Rooted in lived experience. Built on the conviction that opportunity — awsar — is what every person needs and deserves.
Tara & the story behind AWSAR
Tara came from a poverty-ridden background. But Tara also had something else — an unshakeable belief that circumstances are not destiny. That the right opportunity, at the right time, in the right environment, with the right mentor, could transform any life.
Growing up amid deprivation, Tara had witnessed firsthand how children with talent, determination, and potential were left behind — not for lack of ability, but for lack of access. Access to education. Access to opportunity. Access to someone who believed in them.
This conviction stayed with Tara. And when the moment came to act, Tara joined hands with a group of like-minded social entrepreneurs and students from the University of Delhi to build something lasting — an organisation that would work tirelessly to create opportunities for those whom circumstances had pushed to the margins.
And what would they name this organisation?
They named it AWSAR — the Hindi word for "opportunity". A name that carries Tara's entire philosophy in a single word. Because if you give someone an awsar, you give them everything.
Founded in 2001, the Association for Welfare, Social Action and Research India was built on this belief — that every individual, regardless of their background, has the potential to succeed if provided with the right opportunity at the right time.
AWSAR is among the few voluntary organisations supported under the Starter Package to Young Professionals Scheme of CAPART (now merged into NIRDPR, 2020), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. Over two decades, AWSAR has implemented development initiatives in partnership with government agencies, corporate foundations, donor organisations, and community institutions.
Welfare · Social Action · Research
Welfare
Practical support through education, healthcare, child protection, and livelihoods — improving wellbeing for children, women, and communities in concrete, lasting ways.
Social Action
Community organising, rights education, and advocacy — helping people understand and claim their entitlements and building environments where communities lead change.
Research
Rigorous field studies, baseline surveys, and evidence synthesis — ensuring every intervention is data-driven and every decision is grounded in credible information.
What we strive for
To create an inclusive and equitable society founded on democratic values, sustainable livelihoods, and an improved quality of life for all.
What we do
To foster opportunities for holistic development by strengthening capacities, generating knowledge, and delivering diversified professional services that empower communities and institutions working with marginalised populations.
From 2001 to today
Social entrepreneurs and University of Delhi students establish AWSAR with a vision to create opportunities. First community education work begins in East Delhi.
Registered under the Societies Registration Act, Delhi. Receives support under CAPART's Starter Package to Young Professionals Scheme, Ministry of Rural Development.
AWSAR expands into child protection, CHILDLINE services (1098), women's empowerment, health, livelihoods, and community development. Partnerships grow with DLF Foundation, Naandi Foundation, ERM India, and government ministries.
Major field assignments — Manesar Survey, HUNGaMA nutrition study, CHILDLINE situational analysis across NCR cities, and the Jhajjar Social Impact Assessment — establish AWSAR's research credentials.
AWSAR delivers food distribution, health support, and COVID-19 awareness in slums and rural communities. Model Village initiative launches in Dankaur, Gautam Budh Nagar, UP.
Leadership & accountability
AWSAR is governed by experienced professionals from leading academic institutions, development organisations, consulting firms, and funding agencies. A dedicated team of trained practitioners manages programmes under the guidance of the Executive Committee and Governing Board — ensuring transparency, accountability, and impact.
Governing Board
Strategic direction and senior accountability
Executive Committee
Operational oversight and financial accountability
Programme Team
Trained development practitioners on the ground
Tara Chand — and why we named it AWSAR
Tara came from a poverty-ridden background — but carried an unshakeable belief that opportunity, a conducive environment, and mentoring could change the fortune of anyone. He witnessed how children with talent were left behind simply for lack of access — to education, to support, to someone who believed in them.
That belief drove Tara and his co-founders to build an organisation. They named it AWSAR — the Hindi word for "opportunity" — because if you give someone an awsar, you give them everything.
"Access to opportunity is the game changer for children struggling in life. That is why we named this organisation AWSAR."
Leadership Team
Co-founders and programme leaders who guide AWSAR's mission
Strategic Advisors
Experienced professionals guiding AWSAR's governance and strategic direction
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What
We Do
AWSAR works across eight interconnected sectors to address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities — building human capabilities, improving access to services, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Child Protection & Safety
Protecting children from abuse, neglect, trafficking, and child labour through helpline services, rescue, rehabilitation, and community systems.
Education & Early Childhood
Early childhood education centres, brick-kiln education, school infrastructure improvement, and foundational literacy and numeracy support.
Health & Mental Well-being
Preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, mental health and psychosocial support, and telemedicine for rural communities.
Women's Empowerment
Vocational training, livelihood skills, sanitary pad production, financial inclusion, self-help groups, and women's leadership programmes.
Disaster Relief
Emergency food, shelter, relief kits, COVID-19 ration distribution, and community health and awareness in crisis situations.
Model Villages
Integrated rural development — education, healthcare, livelihoods, agriculture, digital inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Research & Analysis
Socio-economic surveys, needs assessments, baseline studies, social impact assessments, M&E, and data analysis for development decisions.
Technical Assistance
Organisational development, capacity building, programme design, training modules, and advisory services for NGOs and government bodies.
Child Protection & Safety
Every child deserves a safe, nurturing, protective environment. AWSAR works to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, trafficking, child labour, and child marriage.
Child in immediate danger?
Call the official 24-hour helplines immediately — do not wait.
Protecting Childhood, Securing Futures
AWSAR operates Child Helpline 1098 services and provides rescue, counselling, rehabilitation, educational support, healthcare assistance, shelter referrals, and family reintegration services.
We work closely with communities, schools, child welfare authorities, and government agencies to strengthen child protection systems and promote child rights.
Key Interventions
Education & Early Childhood Development
Education is the most powerful tool for social transformation. AWSAR improves access to quality education for children from disadvantaged communities.
Early Childhood Education
AWSAR operates Early Childhood Education and Care Centres providing school readiness, foundational literacy, nutrition support, and child-friendly learning environments.
Brick Kiln Education
Children of migrant workers at brick kilns receive basic education, health support, nutrition, recreation, and school enrolment support through AWSAR's on-site centres.
School Infrastructure & Quality
AWSAR works with government schools on infrastructure, digital classrooms, teacher training, School Management Committees, and foundational learning.
Education Impact
Health & Mental Well-being
AWSAR promotes preventive healthcare and community well-being through awareness programmes, health camps, mental health support, and telemedicine services.
Reproductive & Child Health
Awareness on maternal health, child nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, adolescent health, and preventive healthcare for communities.
Mental Health & Psychosocial Support
Counselling, stress management, life-skills education, psychosocial support, and mental health awareness for youth, women, and communities.
Telemedicine & Rural Health
Specialist consultations, reduced travel costs, and timely medical advice for remote communities through technology-enabled healthcare delivery.
community members reached through health and awareness programmes
Women's Empowerment & Livelihoods
AWSAR strengthens women's economic independence, social status, and leadership through skills training, livelihood support, and rights-based interventions.
Creating economic independence
AWSAR works with adolescent girls, women, and self-help groups to build vocational skills, financial literacy, and livelihood opportunities that provide lasting economic independence.
Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation
AWSAR provides rapid emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation during disasters and humanitarian crises across India.
When disaster strikes, AWSAR responds
AWSAR has supported communities affected by floods, fire disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic — providing emergency relief and rehabilitation support.
Services we provide
Sustainable Rural Development & Model Villages
AWSAR's Model Village initiative creates sustainable, self-reliant villages inspired by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's vision — integrating all dimensions of community development.
The initiative integrates education, healthcare, livelihoods, agriculture, digital inclusion, infrastructure, women's empowerment, and environmental sustainability — with the goal of improving quality of life and reducing distress migration.
Education
School access, ECD, digital classrooms
Healthcare
Primary health, telemedicine, nutrition
Agriculture
Sustainable farming, water management
Digital Inclusion
Connectivity, e-governance, literacy
Livelihoods
Skills, self-employment, micro-enterprise
Infrastructure
Sanitation, water, housing
Women's Empowerment
Leadership, SHGs, economic independence
Environment
Tree plantation, 20,000+ trees planted
Research & Analysis
AWSAR conducts rigorous field research to help governments, donors, corporates, and development organisations make informed decisions.
What we offer
Field research portfolio
Manesar Socio-Economic Household Survey
Comprehensive baseline across 10 villages covering livelihoods, education, health, and social conditions. Commissioned by DLF Foundation.
HUNGaMA Nutrition Survey
Field contribution to Naandi Foundation's national study on hunger and malnutrition across Uttar Pradesh — 1.6M+ national context.
CHILDLINE Situational Analysis — NCR
Three-city analysis of child protection service environments covering 3,000 respondents across children, police, and community stakeholders.
Jhajjar Social Impact Assessment
Census survey of four villages for ERM India, assessing socioeconomic conditions and social impact of planned industrial development.
Technical Assistance & Capacity Building
AWSAR provides technical assistance and capacity-building services to NGOs, CBOs, government agencies, corporate foundations, and development professionals.
What we offer
Collaborating institutions
AWSAR has collaborated with NIPCCD, IIPA, and sector bodies to strengthen capacities across the development sector.
Our Impact
Beyond numbers, AWSAR's impact lies in empowered communities, confident children, skilled youth, stronger institutions, and sustainable development outcomes.
Where AWSAR has worked
Partner With AWSAR
AWSAR welcomes partnerships with corporates, foundations, government agencies, international donors, academics, and individuals committed to creating opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Our partners & supporters
Support our work
Every donation creates opportunities — for a child to stay in school, for a woman to gain economic independence, for a family to access healthcare.
Learning materials or child-support touchpoint
After-school learning for a small group
Full programme support in a community
Get in touch
Supporters & Partners
AWSAR has partnered with leading foundations, government ministries, academic institutions, and civil society organisations over 25+ years. We are grateful to all our current and previous partners and donors.
Current and previous partners, funders, and collaborators of AWSAR India. CAPART merged into NIRDPR in 2020.
Contact AWSAR India
Whether you want to partner, support our programmes, volunteer, or simply learn more — we would love to hear from you.
Child in immediate danger?
Do not wait. Call the official 24-hour emergency numbers immediately.
Find us
Registered Office, Delhi
Ashok Nagar Office
CHILDLINE Dankaur
Get in touch
We respond to all enquiries within 2–3 working days.
Media & Press Centre
Latest news, field stories, photo gallery, videos, annual reports, and live social media feeds from AWSAR India.
News & Field Stories
Updates from AWSAR's programmes and field work. Replace placeholder cards with verified field updates before publishing.
Photo Gallery
From AWSAR India's field programmes and community work.
📸 All photographs require proper consent. No identifiable images of children may be published without written guardian consent.
AWSAR in the Field
Programme films and field documentaries from AWSAR India.
Annual Reports
Upload verified PDFs to replace placeholder buttons before publishing.
Programmes, Finances & Impact Summary
Available on request
Follow AWSAR Live
Our latest posts and videos — updated automatically whenever we post on social media.