A society wherein love, peace, justice, gender equality and a sustainable environment prevails, upholding human dignity and social values.
To build by means of every endeavour, a fuller expression of Justice and Love into the structures of human life in common.
What drives our work forward
Organize and mobilize Dalit, Adivasi, and marginalized communities for their rights and development
Promote gender equality and women empowerment through capacity building and economic independence
Create sustainable livelihoods through micro-enterprise development and income generation programs
Advocate for policy changes and ensuring entitlements for marginalized communities
Build networks and federations for collective action and social change
Over four decades of service and commitment to social change
Udayani began its journey in 1978 as an off-shoot of the Extension Service of St. Xavier’s College reaching out to villages through Adult Education Programme (AEP). Youth movements, especially All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) and Young Christian Students’ Movements (YCSM) contributed much in this regard. Jesuits also reached out to Bangladeshi refugees in the 70s and responded to people affected by natural disasters providing humanitarian assistance.
AEP was renamed as ‘Udayani Social Centre’ and through the centre Adult Education Literacy and Post Literacy Training Programmes were organized in 24 Parganas (s) and Midnapore districts. It closely worked with Seva Kendra Calcutta (SKC).
Fr Xavier Jeyaraj took over the works as part-time coordinator of AEP and later became the full-time Director of Udayani in 1998
Udayani was registered under West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 and acquired the new name “Udayani Social Action Forum” (USAF). During this phase Udayani expanded its works with a clear vision and mission to organize and mobilize the tribals, dalits, rural and urban poor.
Fr. Irudaya Jothi became the Director of Udayani. In line with his predecessors’ plans he continued to take forward the engagements especially focusing on women empowerment. He started the work of Right to Food in Udayani. He continued to make the federations into five different movements.
Fr. John Kerketta took over the works as the new Director of Udayani Social Action Forum. He is carrying on the works of Udayani focusing on the women movements to make them independent NGO in their own locality.
Seven Jesuits of Calcutta Province form the Executive Committee.