AID Saathi Program

Association For India's Development recognizes certain outstanding social and environmental activists in India with "Saathi" awards. Since they are highly creative, committed and motivated individuals, we wish to support them in a manner that allows them freedom to operate without the constraints of a specific time-bound project. The program creates a mutually enriching relationship between AID and the Saathi and entails not only support in the form of a stipend, but also non-monetary involvement and strategic support from AID volunteers. Saathis are a source of great inspiration to AID volunteers, and provide insight into development dynamics.

Malika Virdi : Our AID Saathi

We are very excited about our saathi, Malika Virdi, who has been supported by AID India since 2007. Malika is an avid mountain, people and nature person. She has worked for nearly 3 decades on various human rights and women rights related issues in many places across India (Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat and Uttaranchal). Presently she is the Sarpanch of the (Sarmoli - Jainti) village Forest Council (Van Panchayat) and is a founder member of a womens' collective in Munsiari called Maati and is associated with several regional and national womens and human rights groups.