At Jan Mitra Nyas, we believe that every girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her education, regardless of her family's financial circumstances. Through the Rajdulari Scholarship 2026, we are proud to support 20 deserving girls from Varanasi and surrounding areas, helping them continue their educational journey with confidence and hope. The scholarships cover students from school to higher education, selected through a merit- and need-based process.
The scholarship selection process was conducted with transparency and care by Shruti Raghuvanshi, who carried out intensive interviews with every applicant. She personally verified academic records, educational documents, family backgrounds, and the students' academic performance before finalizing the list of beneficiaries. Beyond documents, the interviews helped assess each girl's commitment to education and her aspirations for the future.
The photographs, taken at the PVCHR office, capture these meaningful moments—from one-on-one discussions and document verification to counselling sessions and the joyful distribution of scholarship support. They reflect not only a financial assistance programme but also a nurturing environment where young girls are encouraged to dream bigger and believe in themselves.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Parul Sharma and the 200 generous donors from Sweden, whose compassion and commitment to education have made these scholarships possible. Their support is opening doors for girls who may otherwise have been forced to interrupt their education because of financial hardship.
Each scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in confidence, opportunity, and the future. These young women represent the next generation of teachers, healthcare professionals, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
On behalf of Jan Mitra Nyas, we sincerely thank Parul Sharma, the 200 Swedish donors, and Shruti Raghuvanshi for her dedicated work in ensuring that every scholarship reached a deserving student through a fair and rigorous selection process.
Together, we are proving that when communities invest in girls' education, they invest in a stronger, more just, and more compassionate future.
Voices of the Voiceless: How Lenin Raghuvanshi is Fighting for Human Rights and Social Change in India
Human Rights Beyond Laws: A Journey of Dignity, Justice, and Hope
Human rights are often discussed in the context of laws, policies, and constitutional guarantees. But at their core, human rights are about something much deeper—human dignity, equality, and the belief that every person deserves to live with respect and freedom.
In a powerful conversation with Aarti B. R. Singh, renowned human rights activist Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi shared his inspiring journey of standing against injustice, empowering marginalized communities, and creating meaningful social change across India. His story is a testament to how one determined voice can spark transformation in the lives of thousands.
The Inspiration Behind a Lifelong Mission
For decades, Lenin Raghuvanshi has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of those who are often unheard and overlooked. His work emerged from witnessing the harsh realities of caste discrimination, bonded labor, social exclusion, and systemic inequality.
Rather than accepting these injustices as inevitable, he chose to challenge them. This commitment eventually led to the establishment of the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), an organization focused on restoring dignity, justice, and opportunity to marginalized communities.
His journey demonstrates that social change begins when ordinary people decide that injustice should not be tolerated.
Challenges on the Path to Change
Working for human rights is rarely easy. Throughout his journey, Lenin faced numerous obstacles, including social resistance, deeply rooted prejudices, and opposition from powerful interests benefiting from inequality.
Many communities had lost faith in institutions and struggled to believe that change was possible. Convincing people to stand up for their rights often required patience, trust-building, and long-term engagement.
Despite these challenges, Lenin emphasized that persistence, dialogue, and community participation are essential tools for overcoming barriers and achieving lasting impact.
Empowering Communities Through Awareness
One of the key lessons from Lenin's work is that awareness is empowerment.
Many individuals facing discrimination or exploitation are often unaware of their legal rights and available support systems. Through grassroots education, community meetings, and advocacy campaigns, PVCHR has helped people understand their rights and gain confidence in raising their voices.
When people become aware of their rights, they become active participants in shaping their futures rather than passive victims of injustice.
The Importance of Women's Equality
A significant part of the discussion focused on gender equality and women's rights.
Lenin highlighted that true social progress cannot be achieved without ensuring equal opportunities for women. While society has made considerable progress, many women continue to face discrimination, violence, and unequal access to education and employment.
Achieving gender equality requires collective effort—from families, educational institutions, communities, and policymakers. More importantly, it requires changing mindsets and challenging stereotypes that limit women's potential.
Empowering women ultimately strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.
Building Trust Within Communities
Social change cannot be imposed from the outside. It must be built with the participation of the people it seeks to serve.
One of the reasons PVCHR has earned credibility over the years is its consistent presence within communities. By listening to people's concerns, respecting local experiences, and working collaboratively, the organization has fostered trust and long-term engagement.
This community-centered approach ensures that solutions are sustainable and responsive to real needs.
Signs of Positive Change
Although many challenges remain, Lenin expressed optimism about the progress that has been achieved.
Greater awareness of human rights, increased participation by marginalized groups, and stronger community networks are creating new opportunities for social transformation. More people today are willing to challenge discrimination and advocate for justice than ever before.
These positive developments demonstrate that change, while gradual, is possible when individuals and communities work together.
The Role of Collective Action
One of the central messages of the conversation was that meaningful change requires collective action.
Governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and citizens all have a role to play in building a more equitable society. Human rights should not be viewed as the responsibility of activists alone—they are a shared responsibility.
Every act of empathy, advocacy, and support contributes to creating a society where dignity and justice are accessible to all.
The PVCHR Story: From Oppression to Hope
The work of PVCHR offers a powerful example of how grassroots initiatives can create lasting impact. Through advocacy, education, rehabilitation, and community empowerment, the organization has helped countless individuals reclaim their rights and rebuild their lives.
Its success demonstrates that sustainable social change is possible when efforts are rooted in compassion, participation, and respect for human dignity.
A Call to Action
Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi's journey reminds us that social transformation begins with awareness and action. Whether through supporting marginalized communities, promoting gender equality, raising awareness, or standing against discrimination, every individual has the power to contribute to positive change.
Human rights are not abstract concepts reserved for legal documents. They are lived realities that affect people's daily lives.
When we choose dignity over discrimination, equality over exclusion, and justice over silence, we help create a future where every voice matters.
Final Thoughts
The conversation with Lenin Raghuvanshi is more than a discussion about human rights—it is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. It highlights the extraordinary impact that committed individuals and empowered communities can have in shaping a more just and inclusive society.
His work serves as a reminder that real change starts when people refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice and choose instead to become voices for those who cannot be heard.
Because when dignity is protected and rights are respected, entire communities can move from oppression to hope.
Listening is a Human Right — and in Varanasi, it begins with a paper cup.
Across 50 villages of Varanasi, Jan Mitra Nyas — in partnership with CRY (Child Rights and You) — is helping children share their dreams, fears, challenges, and hopes through a simple paper-cup phone.
While CRY is implementing this campaign across six northern states,
Jan Mitra Nyas is leading it locally in Varanasi, its area of work since 2001.
Because when adults listen, children’s voices don’t just echo —they spark movements.
The “Lift the Cup and Listen” campaign by Janmitra Trust was successfully conducted across 50 villages of Varanasi.
Launched on Children’s Day, the campaign aimed to amplify children’s voices, understand their concerns, and encourage meaningful dialogue between children, parents, teachers, and communities. Using a symbolic paper-cup phone, children shared their thoughts, challenges, and aspirations.
The initiative covered 50 villages across four blocks and engaged local officials, teachers, parents, and community members. The campaign strengthened children's confidence, participation, and communication skills.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
