About Us – arogyasathi.org

40 years of grassroots empowerment

About Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi

Discover how Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi transforms lives through holistic health, sustainable livelihoods, and self-reliant community development across Maharashtra since 1984.

Founded on Gandhian values

Driven by Self-Reliance

Story, Vision & Mission

Our Story

Rooted in the Sampurna Kranti Andolan and Chhatra Yuva Sangharsha Vahini, founders transitioned from protest to constructive community action in the 1980s. Early work in Wadasa and Armori areas of Gadchiroli led to land rights victories, EGS implementation, and the birth of a self-help movement: “Apan Apala Marg Shodhu Ya!” In 1984, the group formally registered as Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi, committing to holistic community health, sustainable livelihoods, and empowerment through a “find‑your‑own‑way” methodology.

Vision

An Organized dynamic community which has internalized justice and equity as its basic tenements and sensitive towards all life forms. A Well fostered and healthy society, free from exploitation in which every individual can get equal opportunity for self development in the potentials, and can exercise rights for a dignified life, with access and control over resources.

Mission

Champion justice & equity through non-violent, consensus-based social transformation
Prioritize Antyodaya by serving the most deprived communities
Build community institutions for sustainable development
Align internal governance with transparent, participatory systems

Executive committee

Dr. Satish Gogulwar

Co-founder and convener of Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi, Dr. Gogulwar is a preventive community health expert, trained in MBBS at Nagpur University. With decades of experience, he guides the organization’s strategic direction and serves as a national advisor and trainer in health, governance, and self-help movements.

Mohan Hirabai Hiralal

A founding member from Gadchiroli and recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj award, Mohan drives sustainable forest-livelihood initiatives and forest rights activism. He led Mendha (Lekha) to become India’s first officially recognized Gramdan village.

Shubhada Deshmukh

Co-convener and activist rooted in health and civil rights, Shubhada has over 20 years of policy and grassroots work—particularly in women's health, violence prevention, and governmental advocacy. Currently a member of the State Steering Committee of the National Health Mission (2021–2024).

Our Trustees

Dr. Meena Shelgaonkar

PhD in Medical Pharmacology, educator, and toxicology advisor with health research focus in tribal areas.

Sandhya Edlabadkar

Chemical engineer and biodiversity conservation advocate leading women’s technology initiatives in Chandrapur.

Dr. Shirish Datar

Paediatrician with 38 years of experience in child healthcare, ADHD, congenital disorders, and newborn care; also co-founded health activism groups.

Dr. Sugan Baranth

National President Nai Talim, Malegaon Maharashtra. A leading sarvoday and the national president of Nai Talim, promoting the education system inspired by Gandhian thoughts. Before taking a social cause, he was successful doctor with social conscience. Influenced by Jayprakash Narayan’s call to the youth, he was an active member of Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini. Later, influenced by sarvoday ideology of constructive work and struggle, he became active in the Maharashtra Sarvoday Mandal and grew to be its president at the state and National level.

Dr. Mohan Mutyalwar

He was an active member of Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini.
He started the work on to search the traditional medicine and its publicity with begin the people’s health traditional conservation committee.

Documents

Recent Campaigns

Awards & recognition

Sr. No.	Awards & Recognition	Year	Field	Level of Award
1	Girish Gandhi Rastriy Samajik Karya Purskar	2019	Social Work	National
2	Yashvantrao Chauvan Gaurav Puraskar	2018	Social Work	State
3	Sadhana Amate Samidha Purskar	2018	Women Empowerment	State
4	Adiwasi Sewa Sanstha Purskar – Maharashtra Government	2017	Social Work	State
5	Matru Sewa Sangh	2016	Women Empowerment	—
6	Harish Mokalker Samajik Karya Purskar – Yeshwanat Date Smriti Sanstha, Wardha	2015	Social Work	—
7	IBN Lokmat 'EKALA CHALORE' Interview on AAA work	2015	Social Work	—
8	Smt. Sarswatabai Apate Gaurav Purskar, Bharatiya Shikshan Vikas Parishad, Thane	2015	Women Empowerment	—
9	Smt. Jyotsna Darda Karyagaurav Puraskar, Pune	2014	Women Empowerment	State
10	Mahatma Gandhi Manav Sewa Puraskar to Dr. Satish Gogulwar	2014	Social Work	State
11	Felicitation at 8th European Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, Cardiff Wales UK	2012	—	International
12	EdelGive Social Innovation Honours	2011	Health	National
13	Mahatma Gandhi Manav Sewa Puraskar from Mahatma Gandhi College, Armori	2011	Social Work	State
14	Lifetime Achievement Award – IMA	2011	Health	State
15	Samaj Gaurav Puraskar from District Patrakar Sangh	2010	Women Empowerment	—
16	Maharashtrachi Kanya Puraskar from 'Milun Saryajani', Pune	2009	Women Empowerment	State
17	Dhanwantari Puraskar from Arogya Bharati, Nagpur	2009	Health	State
18	Late Shakuntala Devikar Smruti Puraskar	2009	Women Empowerment	—
19	Swatantravir Sawarkar Smarak Samitee, Nagpur – Social Reform Award	2008	Social Work	State
20	Sanjivani Gadge Pariwar & Tarun Bharat Puraskar	2007	Women Empowerment	—
21	IFC on District Project Awareness towards Health	2006	Health	—
22	Jubalee Highschool, Chandrapur Shatabdi Mahotsav Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	Social Work	—
23	Sakal' Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	Social Work	State
24	Basoli Group, Nagpur Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	—	—
25	Chhatrapati Shikshan Mandal Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	—	—
26	Rotary Club Inner Wheel, Chandrapur Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	Health	—
27	Rotary Club Chandrapur, Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	Social Work	State
28	Palikarma Sahayak Foundation Karyagaurav Puraskar	2006	—	—
29	Kusumtai Chaudhari Smriti Puraskar	2006	Women Empowerment	State
30	Rotary Club, Chandrapur Karyagaurav Puraskar	2004	Social Work	—
31	Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya, Chandrapur Karyagaurav Puraskar	2004	Social Work	—
32	Natu Foundation Puraskar	2004	Social Work	State
33	Sahitya Sammelan Karyagaurav Puraskar	2003	—	—
34	S. M. Joshi Samajik Puraskar, Pune	2002	Social Work	State
35	Adv. Keshvarao Nalamrao Prerana Puraskar, Chandrapur	2002	Social Work	State
36	Late Prabhakar Datake Memorial Award	2001	Social Work	State
37	Gauraw Purskar by Indian Medical Association, Chandrapur	2000	Health	State
38	Samajsewa Gauraw Purskar by Dr. Gangadhar Surendra Muddiwar Pratisthan, Nagpur	1999	Social Work	State
39	Social Work Commendation Award by Vidyarthi Sewak Samiti, Warora	1998	Social Work	State
40	M. B. Gandhi Charitable Trust, Nagpur	1997	Social Work	State
41	Maharashtra Foundation – Keshav Gore Memorial Trust, Mumbai	1997	Women Empowerment	State

40 years of grassroots empowerment

About Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi

Founded on Gandhian values

Driven by Self-Reliance

Story, Vision & Mission

Our Story

Vision

Mission

Champion justice & equity through non-violent, consensus-based social transformation
Prioritize Antyodaya by serving the most deprived communities
Build community institutions for sustainable development
Align internal governance with transparent, participatory systems

Executive committee

Dr. Satish Gogulwar

Mohan Hirabai Hiralal

A founding member from Gadchiroli and recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj award, Mohan drives sustainable forest-livelihood initiatives and forest rights activism. He led Mendha (Lekha) to become India’s first officially recognized Gramdan village.

Shubhada Deshmukh

Co-convener and activist rooted in health and civil rights, Shubhada has over 20 years of policy and grassroots work—particularly in women's health, violence prevention, and governmental advocacy. Currently a member of the State Steering Committee of the National Health Mission (2021–2024).

Our Trustees

Dr. Meena Shelgaonkar

PhD in Medical Pharmacology, educator, and toxicology advisor with health research focus in tribal areas.

Sandhya Edlabadkar

Chemical engineer and biodiversity conservation advocate leading women’s technology initiatives in Chandrapur.

Dr. Shirish Datar

Paediatrician with 38 years of experience in child healthcare, ADHD, congenital disorders, and newborn care; also co-founded health activism groups.

Dr. Sugan Baranth

Dr. Mohan Mutyalwar

He was an active member of Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini.
He started the work on to search the traditional medicine and its publicity with begin the people’s health traditional conservation committee.

Documents

Recent Campaigns

Awards & recognition

Useful Links

Contact Now

40 years of grassroots empowerment

About Amhi Amchya Arogyasathi

Founded on Gandhian values

Driven by Self-Reliance

Story, Vision & Mission

Our Story

Vision

Mission

Champion justice & equity through non-violent, consensus-based social transformation Prioritize Antyodaya by serving the most deprived communities Build community institutions for sustainable development Align internal governance with transparent, participatory systems

Executive committee

Dr. Satish Gogulwar

Mohan Hirabai Hiralal

A founding member from Gadchiroli and recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj award, Mohan drives sustainable forest-livelihood initiatives and forest rights activism. He led Mendha (Lekha) to become India’s first officially recognized Gramdan village.

Shubhada Deshmukh

Co-convener and activist rooted in health and civil rights, Shubhada has over 20 years of policy and grassroots work—particularly in women's health, violence prevention, and governmental advocacy. Currently a member of the State Steering Committee of the National Health Mission (2021–2024).

Our Trustees

Dr. Meena Shelgaonkar

PhD in Medical Pharmacology, educator, and toxicology advisor with health research focus in tribal areas.

Sandhya Edlabadkar

Chemical engineer and biodiversity conservation advocate leading women’s technology initiatives in Chandrapur.

Dr. Shirish Datar

Paediatrician with 38 years of experience in child healthcare, ADHD, congenital disorders, and newborn care; also co-founded health activism groups.

Dr. Sugan Baranth

Dr. Mohan Mutyalwar

He was an active member of Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini. He started the work on to search the traditional medicine and its publicity with begin the people’s health traditional conservation committee.

Documents

Recent Campaigns

Awards & recognition

Useful Links

Contact Now

Champion justice & equity through non-violent, consensus-based social transformation
Prioritize Antyodaya by serving the most deprived communities
Build community institutions for sustainable development
Align internal governance with transparent, participatory systems

He was an active member of Chatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini.
He started the work on to search the traditional medicine and its publicity with begin the people’s health traditional conservation committee.