WHY SARHAD ?
The English meaning of the word “Sarhad” is border, perhaps a perfect name for a Non-Governmental Social and Educational Organisation which has dedicated itself to peace, humanity and development in the regions defining the strife ridden border states of India.
Shri. Sanjay Nahar, Founder-President of Sarhad, realised the mission of his life in his early
youth : To work towards bringing people and communities together. Starting with Punjab in
the ‘80s under the name Vande Mataram, the organization spearheaded by Sanjay Nahar,
evolved into Sarhad in the ‘90s when it began its work in Jammu & Kashmir.
Described by many highly placed people in the social field, government, bureaucracy as perhaps the only organization of its kind in the country, Sarhad draws its inspiration from the
fact that the children from strife-torn regions deserve an opportunity to rise in life on
their own. We must do what we can for our fellow citizens in these regions, drawing upon the profound thought that human bonding has a great potential to surmount any
obstacle and no issue is unsolvable if people, irrespective of their caste, creed or culture come
together with intent.
Based in Pune, Maharashtra, Sarhad first started its work in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and in the North East. Although each of these regions faced its own unique set of challenges and problems, they also had several debilitating sectors in common. They had all experienced the insecurity and gloom of destabilization and devastation. As a result, these regions had lagged behind the rest of the country socially, economically and culturally. People had forgotten how it was to live in peaceful times. The rich culture, art and literature of these regions had become a distant memory and had sadly been replaced by alienation, mistrust, chaos, hatred and mindless violence. Sarhad stepped in and undertook the task of diminishing the suffering of the people in these areas. It worked with the people, local organisations and government agencies to restore peace, trust and harmony in the region. At first their work was an uphill task but with tenacity, perseverance and determination they convinced the people that helped them build their lives again.
Today Sarhad has 3,000 young motivated volunteers who respond to the need of the hour. Today Sarhad is aspiring to connect Indian borders. Since 2008, Sarhad has begun to explore the possibilities of reaching out to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iraq, Turkey and others in the vicinity, such as Tibet.
Based in Pune, Maharashtra, Sarhad first started its work in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and in the North East. Although each of these regions faced its own unique set of challenges and problems, they also had several debilitating sectors in common. They had all experienced the insecurity and gloom of destabilization and devastation. As a result, these regions had lagged behind the rest of the country socially, economically and culturally. People had forgotten how it was to live in peaceful times. The rich culture, art and literature of these regions had become a distant memory and had sadly been replaced by alienation, mistrust, chaos, hatred and mindless violence. Sarhad stepped in and undertook the task of diminishing the suffering of the people in these areas. It worked with the people, local organisations and government agencies to restore peace, trust and harmony in the region. At first their work was an uphill task but with tenacity, perseverance and determination they convinced the people that helped them build their lives again.
Today Sarhad has 3,000 young motivated volunteers who respond to the need of the hour. Today Sarhad is aspiring to connect Indian borders. Since 2008, Sarhad has begun to explore the possibilities of reaching out to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iraq, Turkey and others in the vicinity, such as Tibet.
