Voluntary Action for Rehabilitation and Development (VARHAD)

VARHAD's pivotal role in providing free socio-legal aid to prisoners has yielded significant results, addressing the systemic constraints within India's Criminal Justice System. Recognising the fundamental right to a "free and fair trial," as enshrined in the Constitution, VARHAD actively intervenes to enable access to justice. By assisting with critical aspects such as bail, trial, appeals in higher courts, and parole, VARHAD strives to rectify the unjust and prolonged incarceration of innocent individuals. Furthermore, VARHAD goes beyond legal support by arranging rehabilitation for released prisoners who face social disownment. Through these comprehensive efforts, VARHAD aims to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that prisoners receive their rightful entitlements.

VARHAD prioritises mental health by conducting workshops and awareness programs, providing first-hand knowledge to the community. The organisation offers psycho-social support to unemployed youth through regular career counseling sessions. To safeguard the mental well-being of children living with their mothers in prison, VARHAD organises cultural activities. Counseling sessions are also provided to prisoners and their families, helping them navigate challenging circumstances. Through policy advocacy, VARHAD collaborates with the Government of Maharashtra to access welfare schemes for prisoners' children and families. Additionally, the organisation assists prisoners in maintaining communication with their loved ones through letter correspondence. VARHAD's comprehensive approach fosters mental health, empowers individuals, and strengthens familial connections.

VARHAD is committed to empowering marginalised children through education, recognising its vital role in their overall well-being. In collaboration with state-run and socially responsible private educational institutions, VARHAD provides residential educational facilities, assuming guardianship and covering the costs of study materials and school kits. This inclusive approach extends to children of prisoners, who often face discrimination and educational barriers. VARHAD also takes a step further by initiating the Adult Literacy Programme for women in Amravati Prison, promoting literacy and empowering incarcerated women. Through these efforts, VARHAD creates equal educational opportunities for marginalised children, fostering a nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.

VARHAD's Samrat Ashoka Study Centre Initiative supports young unemployed youth preparing for job-oriented exams like UPSC, MPSC, Banking, Railways, SSC, and SSB. Participants receive free access to library and hostel facilities in Amravati, with a collection of nearly 1000 books. Each year, approximately 100 students, including 70 males and 30 females from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, benefit from this program. With expert guidance from professionals invited by VARHAD, many students have successfully secured jobs. This initiative provides valuable resources, equipping aspiring individuals with tools and support to pursue their career goals.

VARHAD promotes inclusivity by empowering marginalised women through skill development and vocational training programs. Initiatives like wax making and incense stick making provide valuable opportunities for women from marginalised backgrounds. VARHAD's sewing training school, established in partnership with Usha International Limited, offers a free six-month course where women learn to sew a variety of garments. To address financial constraints, VARHAD sponsors sewing machines for those in need, ensuring socio-economic stability. Collaboration with small-scale industries creates employment opportunities and encourages women to form Self Help Groups for economic empowerment. Additionally, VARHAD provides monetary assistance for starting small businesses and extends employment support to released women prisoners. Through these inclusive measures, VARHAD fosters a supportive environment where all women can thrive.

VARHAD's commitment to serving the underprivileged led to the establishment of a 24/7 free Community Kitchen Service. Initially launched to support vulnerable migrant labourers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the kitchen provided cooked food and water to thousands of individuals in different parts of Amravati city. Even after the situation improved, the kitchen continued its operations, catering to the needs of the impoverished. Every day, hundreds of people receive free meals from this kitchen, ensuring they have access to nourishment. This ongoing initiative demonstrates VARHAD's unwavering dedication to addressing food insecurity and meeting the basic needs of the underprivileged in the community.