About Us / The Saga

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Academy of Gandhian Studies (AGS) is a network based apex NGO committed to end injustice, inequality and poverty through promotion of Gandhian principles of Satya, Ahimsa and Dharma in the society. AGS spreads the universal values of truth, non-violence, reconciliation, peaceful co-existence, transcending partisan interests and sectarian identities, in consonance with the idea of ‘Vasudaika Kutumbakam’-the universal family of humanity. The Academy of Gandhian Studies was founded in 1976, under the Societies Registration Act.

AGS promotes sustainable development through the ‘Antyodaya’ (the awakening of marginalized people), Education (in values and relationships), Grama Swaraj (a community approach to individuals in society) and Satyagraha (to dissent and struggle village self-rule for justice). It aims at social transformation with this framework, non-violence automatically becomes the sheet anchor of our mission.

The Academy currently provides leadership to a network of organizations spread across the seven states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, Tamilnadu, Telangana, West Bengal and Odisha on issues of livelihoods, water and sanitation, trafficking of women and child labour, tribal rights, disaster response and climate change adaptation.

Solution Search Award 2013:

AGS got award of the India-specific prize of US $10,000 sponsored by Barr Foundation. AGS submitted the Profile of the Dasaraju Palli (AP) pilot project for the global contest “Adapting to a Changing Climate” organised by Solution Search. Solution Search is an innovative contest created by the Rare Conservation and the Nature Conservancy. The AdaptCap project for the East Coast of India, covering 5 coastal states and will be jointly implemented by GIZ, AGS and AVVAI.

Our History

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Academy of Gandhian studies (AGS),an apex level NGO operating for the past forty years is committed to end injustice, inequality and poverty through ‘Satya, Ahimsa and Dharma’. The Academy of Gandhian Studies is founded in 1976 at the initiative of its Founder Chairman Sri. Prabhakarji, adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi and a close associate of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, along with Sri. K.S. Acharyulu, Sri. Kodati Narayana Rao, Sri. Damodar Pangrekar, Sri. K.S. Radhakrishna and Sri. G. Sivaramamurthy, all of whom had been a part of India’s freedom movement.

The Academy currently provides the needed leadership to a network of organizations spread across the four states Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu and working against the contemporary social issue

The key areas of intervention during the last four decades include:

• Peace initiatives
• Programmes for gender equity in six states
• Environmental awareness campaigns and networking
• Youth for development
• Programmes to address the issue of HIV/AIDS
• Trafficking of children for Labour
• Trafficking in women and children
• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Disaster management and response and
• Natural resource management.

Our Philosophy

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The key words that defined development to us are ‘Antyodaya’ (the awakening of marginalized people), Education (in values and relationships), Grama Swaraj (a community approach of individual in society) and Satyagraha (to dissent and struggle for justice). As the transformation was to take place in this frame work, non-violence automatically becomes the sheet anchor of our struggle.

Our Vision

Contribution to the promotion of a democratic social order where in all the citizens enjoy a sense of social justice and economic well being without any form of discrimination, striving for sustainable development, social harmony and universal peace.

Our Mission

Promotion of interaction between Gandhian thinkers and professional groups so as to explore, analyse and adapt the application of Gandhian tenets in resolving the problems of contemporary society, while promoting harmony and sustainable development. Partnership and collaborative relations with kindred organisations

Our Values

• Non-violence
• Truthfulness
• Accountability
• Transparency
• Integrity & Honesty

Objectives

• To conduct and facilitate strategy research, study and training on Gandhian ideals and their interpretations to influence people’s development, their thought and action in order to promote peaceful, harmonious and happy social relations devoid of hatred and violence.
• To promote a Gandhian way of life based on values of satya (truth) and ahimsa (non-violence) in everyday lives of people, in the conduct of social, national and international affairs and to help develop an informed public opinion on these values.
• To work towards developing a balanced life and global relationships based on love and co-operation through research in the fields of science, philosophy, economy, political science, sociology, education, etc.
• To provide guidance, support, training and consultation to organizations engaged in rural and urban development – in planning, implementation and evaluation of their programmes.
• Activities involving Capacity building and Protection of Children, Parents and General public about Child Rights and ensure Safety and Security of Children from all hazards including inclusive Child Development.
• To accept donations (cash or kind), grants and presents for furtherance of the objectives of the Academy.

Key Founders

The organisation has engaged in committed work through its 40 years history. The Academy of Gandhian Studies was founded by Late Prabhakar ji, the adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi and a close associate of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, along with Late Sri. K.S. Acharyulu, Late Sri. Kodati Narayana Rao, Late Sri. Damodar Pangrekar, Late Sri. K.S. Radhakrishna and Late Sri. G. Sivaramamurthy, all of whom had been a part of India’s freedom movement.

Our Board

Governing Body (Elected from among)

The Governing Body of AGS has Eleven members

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Chief Patron of AGS

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Advisors and Well-wishers of AGS

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General Body Members of Academy of Gandhian Studies

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Our Team

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