Our vision
Our Vision is to advocate for social justice and empower historically marginalized communities across India through a holistic approach that encompasses research, education, legal representation, and grassroots leadership development. In today’s India, despite the constitutional safeguards ostensibly in place, marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other marginalized groups continue to grapple with systemic oppression and socio-economic marginalization. These communities face multifaceted challenges, ranging from limited access to judicial institutions to a lack of legal literacy and suppressed voices.
Research conducted by our organisation on the Madia and Kolam PVTGs in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur district of Maharashtra reveals alarming statistics, with 94.20% of community members deprived of legal assistance and 93% lacking knowledge about rights and appropriate bodies and procedures to address rights violations. Additionally, over 57% find it challenging to approach courts due to geographical isolation, while 95.58% face language barriers, and for 100% expenditures involved in the court procedures are not bearable.
At PLNF, we believe that meaningful change begins with understanding the root causes of injustice. Through rigorous research and analysis, we seek to uncover the underlying factors contributing to the plight specifically of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and other marginalized communities. By shedding light on these issues, we aim to develop evidence-based solutions that address the systemic barriers to equality and inclusion.
Legal representation is fundamental to upholding the rights of marginalized communities. PLNF is committed to providing accessible and effective legal representation to those who need it most. We advocate on behalf of marginalized groups, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are defended in judicial and quasi-judicial forums.
Empowerment through education lies at the heart of our mission. We recognize the transformative power of education in challenging social norms and promoting inclusivity. By promoting legal literacy and providing educational opportunities tailored to the needs of marginalized communities, we empower individuals to navigate the legal system with confidence and advocate for their rights. Inclusive education is pivotal in creating a fairer and more equitable society. At PLNF, we champion policies and practices that prioritize inclusivity in education, particularly for students from marginalized communities. Our focus is on dismantling barriers that impede their access to quality education. Through collaborative efforts and providing opportunities for them to excel, we believe they will emerge as future community leaders, driving positive change and fostering greater inclusivity for generations to come.
Grassroots leadership is the cornerstone of sustainable change. PLNF is dedicated to cultivating grassroots leaders within marginalized communities, empowering them to advocate for their rights and drive positive social change from within. By nurturing leadership and fostering community engagement, we aim to build resilient communities that are empowered to shape their own futures.
The core values of PLNF are rooted in the principles espoused by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose pragmatic vision of social transformation has profoundly influenced India’s trajectory and formed the bedrock of its democratic ethos. Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity serves as the guiding light for our organization, inspiring our commitment to advancing these ideals in our work for social justice.