Our Story
From a small dream to transforming 50,000+ lives
Founded in Faith, Driven by Love
SNEHA was formed with the vision of Hari and Reeta Rao – the Founders – to serve the urban poor of Dehradun. They were motivated by Gods love to reach out to meet the needs of the slum community in the area of health and education along with other development needs.
Before coming to SNEHA Hari and Dr Reeta Rao were working in a mission hospital in Mussoorie, a small town in the neck of the woods at the foothills of the Himalayas. Through their 10 years of service at Landour Community Hospital they touched many lives and always showed a greater passion in serving the most needy patients, many a times treating them at their own cost or for free. It was here that they felt their calling was for something greater, something which needed them to work out of their comfort zones.
“I could see that God is sitting in these houses and calling out to me saying that what you do for these people you are doing for me”
In 1992 they visited one of the largest slums of Dehradun, in the govindgarh area. During their visit they found their calling and purpose and relocated to Dehradun to serve this community. The work was started in great faith without any financial resources. Whenever they applied for funding they were told they need to show their work for three years and based on the progress they would be considered for funding. Eventually both Hari and Dr Reeta Rao starting the work with their own savings. The struggle was immense and it came with decisions and sacrifices such as leaving their children in boarding school and working in sweltering heat without a roof over their heads.
Today SNEHA is serving a population of more than 30,000 with the unconditional love and support of well wishers across the world.
Mission & Vision
Community-driven NGO dedicated to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and compassionate support.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to bring about transformation in the lives of the underprivileged community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide education, healthcare and capacity building programs to ensure transformation in the lives of the underprivileged including the disabled and enable them to thrive, build, strengthen and sustain individual family and community life.
The Community We Serve
Our People
SNEHA Projects works alongside communities who live in extreme poverty, often in cramped living conditions, often shared by multiple family members.
Deprived of basic civic amenities, they endure unhygienic and unsafe living conditions every day.
Our Response
In the midst of these challenges, SNEHA Projects remains committed to restoring dignity and fundamental rights for women and children through:
- ✓Sneha Doon Academy providing quality education
- ✓Girls Champion Program building character strengths
- ✓Empowerment women through skill development
- ✓Boys Flourish Program nurturing positive masculinity
Today: A Testament to Compassion & Perseverance
Today, SNEHA Projects touches the lives of thousands, standing as a testimony to unconditional love, perseverance, and the generous support of well-wishers.
“Together, we continue to transform lives and build healthier, educated, and empowered communities - one life at a time.”
Want to Be Part of This Journey?
Join us in bringing hope and transformation to those who need it most.