Co-Founder & Executive Director
Vijaya Dhas
As Co-Founder and Executive Director, Vijaya Dhas leads Dilasa Sanstha’s mission to create sustainable, resilient rural communities through innovative water, livelihood and women empowerment initiatives.
About us
Born in 1994 from one vision — water for every farmer
What began as a small grassroots initiative in Ghatanji has grown into one of Maharashtra’s leading rural development organisations.
Our story
Three decades of building from the ground up
Founded in 1994 by visionary social activists Late Shri Madhukar Dhas and Mrs Vijaya Dhas, Dilasa Sanstha was established to address the challenges faced by rural communities across the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra.
What began as a small grassroots initiative has grown into one of Maharashtra’s leading rural development organisations. Through innovative solutions such as the Doha Model for groundwater recharge, watershed development, sustainable agriculture, women empowerment and livelihood programmes, Dilasa has transformed the lives of rural communities across the state.
Over the last three decades, Dilasa has reached more than 2.5 lakh households across 1,760+ villages in 17 districts, constructed over 3,000 water conservation structures, helped make 95 villages tanker-free, and received 18 national awards for its contributions to sustainable rural development.
Today, Dilasa continues to build resilient, self-reliant and climate-resilient communities by ensuring water security, sustainable livelihoods and an improved quality of life for vulnerable families.
Our journey
What we are working towards
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Our Vision
To build resilient, self-reliant rural communities where every family has access to water, sustainable livelihoods, food security, and opportunities for a better quality of life.
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Our Mission
To empower rural communities through innovative watershed development, sustainable agriculture, women empowerment, livelihood enhancement, community health, and climate-resilient solutions in partnership with local communities and stakeholders.
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Our Approach
We adopt a community-led, integrated approach that combines water conservation, sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, and community health to create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.
- Community-driven approach
- Proven water conservation models
- 30 years of grassroots experience
- 95 tanker-free villages
Leadership
The people behind the work
Board Member
Dr Satish Gogholwar
Brings extensive experience in the NGO and development sector, guiding organisational strategy and governance.
Board Member
Laxmana Swamy Govindhula
Finance expert with extensive experience in financial management, governance and strategic oversight.
Awards in recognition
18 national awards for work done in the field
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National Recognition, 2026
Recognised by the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman
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Maharashtracha Panidar Manus Award
Presented by Devendra Fadnavis
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Safaigiri Award, 2017
Presented by M. Venkaiah Naidu
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Jalmitra Sanman, 2018
Awarded for excellence in water conservation
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NABARD Innovation Award
Conferred by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Legal & compliance
Registered under 12A, 80G, FCRA and CSR-1
Every registration below is current. Donations to Dilasa Sanstha are eligible for tax exemption under Section 80G, and we are authorised to receive foreign contributions under FCRA.
| Society Registration (Societies Registration Act) | MH-3402/95 |
|---|---|
| Public Trust Registration (Bombay Public Trust Act) | F-3452/95 |
| FCRA Registration | 084010016 |
| NITI Aayog NGO Darpan Unique ID | MH/2017/0152987 |
| Income Tax Exemptions | 12A & 80G Certified |
| PAN | AAATD4915D |
| CSR Registration (CSR-1) | CSR00001305 |
Join us in creating water-secure villages
Every contribution helps farmers access water, improve agriculture and build sustainable livelihoods. All donations are eligible for 80G tax benefit.
Partner with us for measurable rural impact
CSR-1 registered, FCRA certified, with documented outcomes across 17 districts and reporting your board can rely on.