A society wherein love, peace, justice, gender equality and a sustainable environment prevails, upholding human dignity and social values.
To build by means of every endeavour, a fuller expression of Justice and Love into the structures of human life in common.
What drives our work forward
Organize and mobilize Dalit, Adivasi, and marginalized communities for their rights and development
Promote gender equality and women empowerment through capacity building and economic independence
Create sustainable livelihoods through micro-enterprise development and income generation programs
Work for the policy changes and ensure entitlements for marginalized communities
Build networks and federations for collective action and social change
Over four decades of service and commitment to social change
Udayani began as an Adult Education Project (AEP) through National Service Scheme (NSS) of St. Xavier’s College Calcutta in 1978, reaching out villages to promote literacy, post -literacy and non-formal training programs and other development initiatives. In 1970s Jesuits also reached out to Bangladeshi refugees and responded to people affected by natural disasters providing humanitarian assistance.
Fr. Charles Pollet SJ became part time Coordinator of AEP. AEP office was shifted from St. Xavier’s College to Prabhu Jisur Girja, Rafi Ahmad Kidwai Road and renamed the program as ‘Udayani’. The Centre was named as Udayani Social Centre. Through this Centre AEP trainings were organized in South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Burdwan and Medinipur districts of West Bengal. The Social Center closely works in collaboration with Bengal Social Service League, Ramakrishna Mission, Unnyan and Seva Kendra, Calcutta.
AEP office moved from Prabhu Jisur Girja to Palli Unnayan Samiti, Baruipur after Fr. Charles Pollet S.J became the director of PUS in 1985 and launched the AEP activities in the project areas.
EAP office returned to Prabhu Jisur Girja again and actively collaborated with Seva Kendra, Calcutta through training, sharing of Adio-visual materials and supervisions.
Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj S.J took over the works as part time Coordinator of AEP and later in 1998 he became director of Udayani. He shifted his emphasis from AEP to Conscientization programs on agriculture, culture, health, women, education and people’s action. In July the office was shifted to Ballygunge place.
Udayani was registered under West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 and acquired the new name “Udayani Social Action Forum” (USAF). During this phase Udayani expanded its works with a clear vision and mission to organize and mobilize the tribals, dalits, rural and urban poor.
Fr. Irudaya Jothi became the Director of Udayani. In line with his predecessors’ plans he continued to take forward the engagements especially focusing on women empowerment. He started the work of Right to Food in Udayani. He continued to make the federations into five different movements.
Fr. John Kerketta took over the works as the new Director of Udayani Social Action Forum. He is carrying on the works of Udayani focusing on the women movements to make them independent NGO in their own locality.
Seven Jesuits of Calcutta Province form the Executive Committee.
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer