"Loksadhana empowers villages through education, health, and skills helping youth build futures in their own communities."
Dr. Raja Dandekar and Renu Dandekar,
Founders of Loksadhana
our founders' journey
"For education to meet the needs of rural India and bring about social transformation, we must start universities in the rural parts of the country."
In 1982,
Before “rural development” was a phrase in our plans, we arrived in Chikhalgaon, the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, as a small group of educators with open eyes and open hearts. We saw children walking miles to school, fields lying idle, and women with skills but no way to use them.
In 1987
Our dream took shape as Lokmanya Tilak Vidyamandir, the first secondary school for 46 villages. On opening day, classrooms filled with voices once silent. Since then, more than 2,700 students have graduated, carrying with them skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection.
1992-1993
As our school grew, we felt the need for a community space. Ramkrushna Hall was built, becoming more than an assembly hall. It has hosted marriages, cultural programmes, and village meetings, standing as a centre where people celebrate, reflect, and decide together.
In 1994
On a rocky laterite patch, we brought in 350 truckloads of soil to create Vasudev Balwant Phadke Ground. Children still gather here without equipment, and from this field, some have gone on to become state, district, and even national athletes.
in 2000
We opened Savitri Mess & Guest Facility so children could learn on full stomachs, alongside a guest facility for parents. That year also marked our first hostel for rural girls. Today, the same space is being transformed into a Rural Immersion and Research Centre.
In 2011
Built to support students travelling from distant villages, Leelavati Girls Hostel offers 100 beds in a safe, nurturing environment. It’s more than shelter; it’s a place where friendships grow and learning thrives. Together with Shivnirmal Boys Hostel, nearly 200 students live on campus today.
In 2011
Created for learners coming from far-off villages, Shivnirmal Boys Hostel provides 100 beds and a secure, caring home. Beyond a roof overhead, it fosters community and opens doors to learning. Along with Leelavati Girls Hostel, nearly 200 students call our hostels home today.
In 2012
We wanted students to leave with skills, not just certificates. Vishwakarma Skill Centre was created for training in engineering, environment, agriculture, and home science. Each year, 450 individuals train here, and more than 140 alumni have stepped out as entrepreneurs, shaping futures independently.
In 2015
We launched our Primary School, a joyful, bag-less space where learning began with movement, colour, and play. Rooted in the local context yet alive with imagination, this school gave young children the freedom to explore and discover from their earliest years.
In 2017
We built Loknirman Bhavan, a 37,000 sq. ft. facility for higher studies and youth programmes. Today, junior college classes, community events and training opportunities for over 120 young people annually are part of learning, leadership and purposeful growth provided by this facility.
In 2021
Believing rural women could lead change, we launched the LokBAG Project. Herein, women make reusable bags, thereby reducing waste, and also earn a sustainable livelihood. This project has given women a source of income, dignity and independence. Furthermore, showcasing that communities become more powerful when women lead.
We envision villages where opportunity doesn’t migrate. Our mission is to turn education into enterprise by delivering practical learning and life skills, scaling student-led businesses, advancing rural health and technology, and championing girls’ empowerment so families can build dignified, self-reliant futures right where they live.
– Kaivalya Dandekar, President and Managing Trustee