Dear friends, supporters, and well-wishers,

It is with great happiness and honor that I present this book, which will highlight Ashok Nilay achievements over the last 15 years, and the many things we hope to accomplish in the future.

Since our formal inception in 2007, Ashok Nilay has grown tremendously both in our effectiveness at implementing change in our communities and in the scope of activities in which we engage.  Starting with a simple mud-structure as our head office at Ullon, we have evolved into an organization that only works education, health, infrastructure, sports and culture, elderly support etc. We have blossomed from a small organization to a larger group of committed staff, still with the sole intention of improving the communities of South 24 Parganas and the Sundarbans, in West Bengal, India.  Our vision is “Community development through community resources,” which closely aligns with the ideals espoused by Abraham Lincoln, that community development should be “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”  This vision and belief in the abilities of the communities of South 24 Parganas is Ashok Nilay’s guiding principle.           

Our activities have expanded greatly throughout the 15 yrs. of lifespan of Ashok Nilay, yet there are still many initiatives and activities that we wish to expand our reach to include, as well as improve the services we already provide. Ashok Nilay also operates several educational programs and primary health care among the needy.

Though we have made remarkable progress in the communities of South 24 Parganas and the Sundarbans throughout the life of Ashok Nilay, we acknowledge that there are still areas that require much attention.  We look forward to the challenge of expanding our range of activities and continuing to strive for the holistic betterment our communities.

It has only been with the continued support and strength given to VSSU by our friends and well-wishers that we have been able to flourish over the years.  I know that this support has been integral to our success, and I cannot express my thanks and gratitude deeply enough; the support we have received has truly been the driving force behind our achievements.  I look forward to the continued support of the communities of South 24 Parganas and the Sundarbans, as well as the international community as we continue, expand, and improve the work we are so passionate about here at Ashok Nilay.

My sincerest thanks go out to each of you.

Respectfully yours,
Kapilananda Mondal (Ashoka fellow)
W. G. Member, Planning Commission GOI
Chairman of Ashok Nilay