Aahwahan means a calling, a summoning.
In the words of Braja Kishore Pradhan — the “Green Man of Bangalore” — on why this foundation exists, and the belief that has carried it since 2009.
A social entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, he founded Aahwahan Foundation in 2009 and has led its work across India ever since.
Why Aahwahan exists.
Aahwahan means a calling, a summoning. When we started in 2009, we had little more than that name and the conviction behind it — that no child, no family and no community should be left behind simply because of where they happened to be born. We answered the call with a handful of volunteers, and we have never stopped answering it since.
People often ask what set this in motion. Honestly? Frustration. And love. Both at the same time. Frustration at how much talent and dignity goes unseen in the places the world forgets — and love for the people who, given the smallest chance, rewrite what is possible for everyone around them.
Over the years I have sat in one-room village schools, walked through relief camps and planted saplings that are now full-grown trees. Each of those moments taught me the same thing about how this work has to be done — and why so much of it, done with good intentions, still misses the mark.
None of it is possible without you — the donors, volunteers and partners who believe a kinder, greener, fairer India is worth building. The call to serve is louder than ever. Together, we will keep answering it.
Three convictions behind the work.
“There is an enormous amount of work being done for communities and very little being done with them.”
“Sustainability has nothing to do with what we build and everything to do with who we build it with.”
“A number without context is just noise dressed up as evidence.”
Turn compassion into change.
Join the donors, volunteers and partners backing education, health, environment and livelihoods across India.