On January 15, 2024, Aaina commemorates its 25th anniversary, emphasizing its pivotal role in disability, women's issues, child rights, action research, and disaster response.

Since its inception in 1998, Aaina, consistent with its reflective name, has stood as a premier institution dedicated to addressing societal challenges. The devoted staff and well-wishers have been instrumental in establishing Aaina's reputation as a centre of excellence. Beyond project work, the organization has contributed a wealth of knowledge through texts, essays, publications, and campaign materials.

The motto, "Realization being the Guiding Mantra, Creativity & Inclusion the Spirit," underscores Aaina's commitment to inclusion, resilience, and transformation.

Special Events for Celebration of 25 years

In recognition of its establishment in 1998 and the official attainment of society status in 1999, Aaina commenced a six-month celebration journey across all its operational areas, spanning from August 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Timeline of aaina’s 25 years Journey

  • 1998 - 2002

    Established on August 1, 1998, Aaina gained official recognition as a society on January 15, 1999. Pioneering Dance and Creative Arts Therapy for disabilities, it led psycho-social rehabilitation after the 1999 Supercyclone. Initiatives include 'Ammo Vidyalaya,' an integrated special school, district-wide studies on disability prevalence, and Project Ananya for integration. Aaina inaugurated Kallola, a children's convention, and entered anti-trafficking efforts, primarily focusing on Ganjam. Was taken a role in Say YES for Children campaign by UNICEF through CRCP (Child Rights & Child Protection) network!

  • 2003 - 2008

    Aaina achieved acclaim for forming 107 SHGs of PwDs in Ganjam, hosting Ananya Mela, and implementing the CBR approach in Dharkote Block. It became the national and state coordinator for the WECAN campaign, organized a National Assembly, and contributed to Mission Kshyamta. Conducted the first-ever study on the Status of Women with disability in Odisha commissioned by National Alliance of Women. Ms Sneha Mishra, Aaina's Secretary, became a board member of the National Trust under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Aaina facilitated birth certificate issuance for 1300 children and actively participated in international forums like Beijing 10+ and 'Diriya 2004'. Aaina was the first CSO permitted to work in the riot-ravaged Kandhamal relief camps.

  • 2009 - 2013

    Ms. Sneha Mishra, Aaina's Secretary, participated in international conferences, including a Girl Child Seminar in the Netherlands and the 1st Asia Pacific Conference on CBR in Bangkok. Founder member Mr. P.K. Rath attended a CBID ToT in Bangkok. Aaina facilitated the creation of ODPN and initiated 'PRACHI' to promote products by persons with disabilities. It conducted access audits, established networks, and engaged in various projects, including child protection, education, and disaster response after Cyclone Phailin in 2013. Project Satyabhama got the formal project on CBR for children and people with disability in Kamakhyanagar of Dhenkanal district. Partnership with VSO and advocacy on access for all with access audit in 10 districts conducted by Aaina. Partnership with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation to distribute adapted Scooty for people with disabilities. Promoted odisha disabled people network (ODPN)

  • 2014 - 2018

    Aaina collaborated with Water Aid for a WASH project on menstrual hygiene in Ganjam and started observing Global Menstrual Hygiene Day in the state for the first time. It partnered with SEWA, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and ILO for an impact assessment in Ganjam. A new initiative addressed education and awareness for children with deaf-blindness with Sense International India. Aaina worked with UNICEF on child rights through Kallola. Ongoing partnerships with GAATW supported IGP activities in Surada. The organization also focused on PC&PNDT Act implementation in Ganjam district and became a member of the PCPNDT Dist level Committee, generating and introducing alternative livelihoods like organic farming and milk cooperatives in Surada.

  • 2019 - 2023

    In collaboration with PRADAN and UN Women, Aaina initiated the "Women Collectives Anchored Integrated Second Chance Education and Vocational Learning Programme" in Dhenkanal. The projects Flying Wings & Gulechi promoted Menstrual Hygiene Management in the Ganjam and Khurda districts. Aaina was involved in extensive disaster response activities in Puri after Cyclone Fani. Aaina developed an accessible RedTalk app for MHM focusing on persons with disabilities, launched the COVID-19 prevention campaign, and transformed WeCare Film Festival into Dhwani - A Special Film Festival. Aaina forayed into newer domains through projects on public spaces (collaboration with WRI India), health for RMNCHA+ and PwDs (supported by Wipro Cares) based in Bhubaneswar and Project Shruti: A mobile hearing loss screening service for children in rural Odisha India in Ganjam and Nayagarh (collaboration with Sneh Foundation). Formation of OMHH Alliance.