Who we are

About Saaras

A non-profit working since 2017 so economically weaker and socially disadvantaged families can claim the welfare benefits already meant for them.

We work on the implementation of schemes such as RTE 12(1)(c), scholarships, PMMVY, labour cards, Ayushman cards, e-Shram, income and caste certificates, and girls’ child related schemes in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh — through awareness, household surveys, documentation support, community champions, and technology.

Our communities are usually economically weaker sections with annual household income under ₹1.5 lakh, and socially disadvantaged groups, across both urban and rural locations.

Mission

Bridge the gap in access.

Working with community, civil society, and government — driven by technology, research, advocacy, and data analytics.

Vision

An empowered life, within reach.

Empowering disadvantaged communities by increasing their access to welfare policies.

Approach

Five pillars for policy that reaches people.

Grassroots interventions Awareness programmes, beneficiary identification, documentation support, application help, and community campaigns led by mobilisers who stay close to the people we serve.
Ecosystem building Stronger collaboration across government, civil society, communities, and media — so information is shared transparently and implementation gaps close faster.
Leveraging technology MIS for analytics, web and mobile tools for tracking beneficiaries, and direct support channels so families can seek help without travelling long distances.
Building self-reliance We develop community champions who carry awareness forward, reducing long-term dependence on external support and strengthening local ownership.
Policy advocacy & research Evidence and field learning that hold systems accountable and inform better implementation practice across the state and beyond.

Governance

Advisory Board

Shariq Mohammad

Strategic HR leader with experience across Fortune 50 and high-growth companies, spanning talent strategy, transformation, international growth, and high-volume recruiting.
Harmik Wilkho

More than 11 years in technology and education across India and Africa, spanning operations, marketing, fundraising, and growth strategy in the non-profit sector.
Santosh Abraham

Banking and consulting background across Citi and HSBC trade divisions; founder of ATRIOS consulting with deep experience in organisational growth.
Varun Rangarajan

Advisor supporting Saaras on strategy and programme scale across welfare access initiatives.