Vanvasi’s are the Tribal people living since long time away from cities; especially they live in jungle, hilly mountain areas and valleys since so many decades. “Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram” works for upliftment of these people.
Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram (VKA) is the only pan–India social organisation, endeavouring for total upliftment of the tribal brethren. The organisation, founded on Dec 26th, 1952, by Sri Ramakant Keshav a.k.a. Balasaheb Deshpande has spread its wings across the country over last 72 years.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram actively works on Educational, Agricultural, Medical & Cultural, Spiritual fronts for development of Vanvasi brothers & sisters since beginning. Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram is providing dedicated services in the areas wherever there is Vanvasi population. As per the policy of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, nearly half of the volunteers (including men and women) are Vanvasis.
Presence of VKA can be prominently felt in in all tribal-majority states of India in the form of various initiatives project and program spanning various dimensions like education, health, sports, sustainable agricultural development, religious reinforcement, and awareness of rights. It has also made a significant contribution in improving the living standards of the tribal.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram started functioning in Maharashtra in 1979. Shortly a public trust was formed in the name of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Maharashtra. Presently VKA is running 18 hostels for Vanvasi children. Apart from the hostels, there are 3 schools, 3 nurseries or Balwadis, 113 agriculture development centres, 5 dispensaries, 54 spiritual congregation centres and 804 related projects are being successfully managed. VKA is also implementing more than 500 social projects through full time dedicated volunteers. The ashram has presence in more than 2000 of 5600 Vanvasi villages and hamlets in Maharashtra.
From year 2010, VKA trust has been sub divided into 3 regions namely Kokan, West Maharashtra & Devgiri. This benefited VKA to reach effectively in greater extent to interiors of all parts of Maharashtra.
The Konkan province, spanning across the costal expanse from the Ratnagiri district down south till the Palghar district in north.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram runs a residential school named as “Late Vijaya Gopal Gandhi (aided) Primary and Secondary Residential School” at P.O. Utekhol, Tahsil – Mangaon, Dist. – Raigad.
VKA Mangaon Centre comes under “Konkan Region” of VKA. This covers Palghar, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts.
Mangaon centre falls in Raigad District. Mangaon School started on 1st February 1999. The campus is having 2 acres space available along with 5 buildings which includes spacious Dining Hall, separate Hostels for boys and girls, Staff quarters, Meeting Hall and spacious playground within the campus.
All these initiatives and activities need substantial resources. Wholehearted support from well- wishers made it possible to initiate and implement all these projects. The VKA volunteer is vital link connecting the urban and tribal societies We appeal to you to extend your support to this noble cause and help us build a coherent nation.
Vanvasi’s are the Tribal people living since long time away from cities; especially they live in jungle, hilly mountain areas and valleys since so many decades. “Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram” works for upliftment of these people.
© 2025 , Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Maharashtra (Kokan Prant)
