A memoir of choices, courage and compassion
Ananda Foundation's founder, Anand Priya Deo, tells the story of the road from Airtel and PepsiCo to the UN human rights office in Geneva — and home to Sikariya, where this foundation began.
Menstrual hygiene education & free pad distribution in schools across Nawada
Beekeeping, organic farming & vocational training building economic independence
Sustainable enterprise with profits flowing directly back to village farmers
Anand presented Follow Your Heart at the UN premises in Geneva, with UN staff and former colleagues — two days after introducing it at the Frankfurt International Book Fair.
Ananda Foundation was founded by Anand Deo after years at the UN Office for Human Rights and with Medic Mobile and the Grameen Foundation. He returned to Bihar in 2019 with one conviction: lasting change only comes from sustained presence — not short project cycles from the outside.
We work in Sikariya and surrounding villages in Nawada, living alongside tribal and indigenous communities, responding to what people tell us they need: medical camps, menstrual health supplies, vocational training, and affordable essential products.
"Change begins when you stay close to people's realities — and allow their needs to guide your work."— Anand Deo, FounderRead Our Full Story →
Every number here is a real person, a real family, a real step toward dignity and self-determination.
Our work is guided entirely by what communities tell us they need — not donor agendas or outside timelines.
Distributing pads and running awareness sessions in government schools — breaking stigma and improving girls' attendance.
Learn more →Training rural women in beekeeping and practical skills, creating sustainable income streams and economic independence.
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Supporting women farmers to grow chemical-free crops, sold under the Ananda brand with profits returned to farmers.
Learn more →We are raising €10,000 to install a pad manufacturing unit in our own village. 10+ rural women employed, producing 80,000 affordable pads per month from day one.
Every rupee goes directly to communities in Nawada — no bloated overheads, no corporate salaries. Just honest, grassroots work with people who need it most.
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