Our Story
From community service to integrated rural development
A grassroots community-development organisation based in Nandakumarpur, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
Our journey began in 1963, when a group of enthusiastic young people came together to work with children and youth in their villages through sports, cultural activities and community engagement. This early community initiative gradually developed into a broader movement for education, social development and empowerment.
In 1968, Milan Sangha expanded its activities through rural library and educational initiatives. In 1975, the organisation was formally registered as a society and became affiliated with Ramakrishna Mission Loksiksha Parishad, Narendrapur, while beginning non-formal education initiatives in Nandakumarpur and Joykrishnapur.
Over the decades, Milan Sangha has evolved from a youth-led community initiative into an integrated rural-development organisation working across education, child development, women’s empowerment, livelihoods, vocational skills, health, community welfare, digital inclusion, environmental sustainability and rural development. Today, we are committed to building educated, skilled, healthy, empowered and self-reliant communities — particularly among children, youth, women, farmers, traditional artisans and vulnerable rural families.
Our Journey
Six decades beside the Mirdang River
1963
The Beginning
A group of committed youth began community activities focused on children and young people, including sports, games, cultural activities and community engagement.
1968
Rural Education & Library Movement
Milan Sangha organised rural library and educational activities to improve access to learning and knowledge within village communities.
1975
Formal Institutional Foundation
The organisation was formally registered as a society and affiliated with Ramakrishna Mission Loksiksha Parishad, Narendrapur. Non-formal schools were initiated in Nandakumarpur and Joykrishnapur.
1984
Child Sponsorship
A sponsorship programme was initiated with support from Christian Children’s Fund, strengthening child-focused community development.
1985
Livelihood & Vocational Development
Milan Sangha introduced Jeevan Deep Prakalpa, a small-savings initiative, along with vocational training centres.
1991
Education Partnership
Educational programmes were expanded with support from Child Relief and You (CRY), Kolkata.
1993
Literacy & Skill Development
Mass literacy programmes were implemented with Ramakrishna Mission Loksiksha Parishad and the Government of India. Vocational training was also undertaken through TRYSEM with district rural-development support.
1996
Primary Education & Rural Health
Three primary schools were initiated under the NFE-2000 A.D. initiative with support from Vikramsila Education Resource Society and the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. Rural hospital support was also undertaken.
1997
Universal Primary Education Milestone
The organisation reported that all eligible children in Nandakumarpur Gram Panchayat were enrolled in primary education.
2000
Health, Immunisation & Poverty Reduction
Milan Sangha undertook intensive polio eradication and immunisation-related activities in South Sundarbans development blocks and simultaneously strengthened SHG-based poverty-elimination initiatives.
2001
Expansion of Community Services
Polio and immunisation activities expanded, while village library services, women’s income-generation initiatives and computer training were strengthened.
2003
A New Education Era
Milan Sangha entered a significant new phase of rural education and poverty-reduction work, including the development of Ramakrishna Vidhya Mandir as a free educational initiative for underprivileged children.
2003 – Present
Free Education for Underprivileged Children
Ramakrishna Vidhya Mandir has continued as a free-school initiative for children from disadvantaged communities, focusing on education, learning, discipline, values and holistic development.
Continuing
Vivekanand Sewa Sadan
Milan Sangha expanded its community-welfare orientation through Vivekanand Sewa Sadan, providing a platform for social service, health awareness, community support, learning and development activities.