About Us
Learn about our mission, vision, and the team behind the Abhay Charan Foundation
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
The Abhay Charan Foundation is dedicated to alleviating hunger through sustainable food distribution programs in Vrindavan, India. We believe that no one should go hungry, and we work tirelessly to provide nutritious meals to those in need.
"Nourishing Lives with Every Bite"
Vision
We envision a Vrindavan where every resident has reliable access to nutritious food, enabling them to live healthier, more productive lives. We aim to create sustainable solutions to hunger that empower communities and preserve dignity.
Values
- Compassion in all our interactions
- Respect for the dignity of those we serve
- Integrity in our operations and financial management
- Sustainability in our approach to solving hunger
- Community engagement and empowerment
Our Story
The Abhay Charan Foundation was established in 2015 by Rajesh Kumar after he witnessed the hunger crisis affecting many residents in Vrindavan, particularly the elderly and children. Inspired by the spiritual significance of Vrindavan and its tradition of compassion, Rajesh decided to create an organization dedicated to ensuring no one in this sacred city would go hungry.
Starting with a small community kitchen serving 50 meals a day, the foundation has grown to serve over 500,000 meals annually through multiple distribution centers, school lunch programs, and mobile food units that reach the most vulnerable populations in Vrindavan and surrounding areas.
The name "Abhay Charan" means "fearless feet" in Sanskrit, symbolizing our commitment to fearlessly stepping forward to serve those in need and our belief that no one should live in fear of hunger.
Today, the Abhay Charan Foundation has become an integral part of Vrindavan's community support system, working closely with local authorities, businesses, and volunteers to create sustainable solutions to hunger while preserving the dignity of those we serve.
Our Team
Keshav Jena
Founder & President
Keshav founded the Abhay Charan Foundation after witnessing the hunger crisis in Vrindavan.Driven by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility, he now leads the foundation with unwavering passion, he leads our mission with passion and dedication.
Narayan Jena
Vice President & Director of Programs
Narayan Jena serves as the Vice President and Director of Programs at the Abhay Charan Foundation. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in food distribution and NGO initiatives, particularly in large-scale mid-day meal programs, he brings invaluable expertise and leadership to our mission. His deep-rooted commitment to fighting hunger drives the successful execution of our food relief efforts across Vrindavan.
Sanatan Jena
Treasurer
Sanatan Jena serves as the Treasurer of the Abhay Charan Foundation, overseeing the responsible management of the foundation’s finances and resources. With a strong background in financial stewardship and a genuine dedication to social service, he ensures that every contribution is utilized transparently and efficiently to maximize our impact on the community.
Laxmi Bhanja
Secretary
Laxmi Bhanja serves as the Secretary of the Abhay Charan Foundation, playing a key role in coordinating day-to-day operations and ensuring smooth communication across all our initiatives. With a strong sense of organization and commitment to the foundation’s mission, she diligently manages records, activities, and volunteer engagement to keep our programs running seamlessly.
Rukmani Lasurve
Public Relations
Rukmani Lasurve leads Public Relations at the Abhay Charan Foundation, building meaningful connections with the community, partners, and supporters. With a natural ability to communicate and inspire, she works to spread awareness about our mission and amplify our impact. Her dedication helps ensure that our message of compassion reaches those who can contribute, collaborate, and benefit from our work.
Annada Jena
Advisor
Annada Jena serves as an Advisor to the Abhay Charan Foundation, offering valuable guidance and strategic insight drawn from years of experience and a deep commitment to social welfare. His wisdom and thoughtful counsel help shape the foundation’s long-term vision, ensuring that our efforts remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core mission.