Message from the Founder & Senior Advisor – Progress Report and Appeal for Support
Lenin Raghuvanshi
I extend my warm greetings and sincere gratitude to all of you who have stood with Jan Mitra Nyas over the years.
Since 1999, I have had the privilege of serving Jan Mitra Nyas as its Chief Executive Officer, working alongside survivors, communities, colleagues, and partners to advance justice, dignity, and democratic participation for the most marginalized. What began as a small grassroots initiative in Varanasi has grown into a resilient institution grounded in ethical leadership, survivor-centred practice, and constitutional values.
I am pleased to share with you the Progress Report for the year 2024–25, enclosed with this letter. The report documents how Jan Mitra Nyas continued its work across human rights protection, torture rehabilitation, Child Rights, livelihood restoration, public health advocacy, education, gender justice, and community empowerment, even during a year marked by regulatory challenges and leadership transition.
Due to serious health concerns following post-COVID complications and ICU treatment, I formally stepped down from executive responsibilities in March 2024. This decision was taken in the best interest of both my recovery and the organisation’s long-term stability. I am honoured to continue my association with Jan Mitra Nyas as Senior Advisor to the Board of Trustees, serving entirely on a pro bono basis and supporting strategic guidance and institutional memory.
I am particularly proud to share that Jan Mitra Nyas has now formally evolved into a woman-led organisation. Ms. Shruti Nagvanshi has assumed responsibility as Chief Functionary and Managing Trustee, providing strong, ethical, and compassionate leadership. This transition reflects the organisation’s maturity, its commitment to gender justice, and its belief that women’s leadership strengthens accountability, empathy, and resilience. As documented in the Annual Report, programme continuity, compliance, and financial transparency have remained strong throughout this transition.
For your kind reference, the Progress Report (2024–25) is publicly available at:
👉 https://janmitranyas.in/pdf/annual-report-2024-25.pdf
At this critical juncture, I humbly appeal to our friends, donors, institutions, and supporters to stand with Jan Mitra Nyas. Continued support is essential to sustain survivor rehabilitation, protect child and women’s rights, strengthen livelihoods, and ensure that grassroots voices continue to shape policy and practice.
Your solidarity—whether through financial support, partnerships, advocacy, or knowledge-sharing—will directly strengthen a women-led, community-rooted organisation committed to justice and dignity.
For partnerships, support, or further engagement, please reach out to:
📧 Shruti Nagvanshi – Chief Functionary & Managing Trustee
Email: pvchr...@gmail.com
Any recognition reflected in these pages belongs not to individuals, but to survivors who reclaimed their dignity, communities who organised collectively, and partners who believed in justice even during difficult times.
With deep gratitude for your trust and continued solidarity,
Warm regards,
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Founder & Senior Advisor to the Board
Jan Mitra Nyas
Varanasi, India
