About Ananda Foundation

Anand Deo's professional path was shaped by a conscious decision to pursue work grounded in proximity to communities rather than institutional comfort. His early experience at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva introduced him to global anti-discrimination frameworks, while his thesis — comparing Dalit communities in India with marginalised groups in Nigeria — deepened his understanding of how structural inequality plays out across different contexts.

After completing the European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA, Cohort 2013), Anand moved into roles connecting human rights with development practice across Asia and Africa. Through work with organisations including Medic Mobile and the Grameen Foundation, he engaged with community health, women's empowerment and livelihoods — and was exposed to the everyday barriers faced by rural and indigenous communities, particularly women and girls.

Coming Home to Bihar

In 2019, this reflection led Anand back to his home region in India, where he founded the Ananda Foundation. Living and working among tribal and indigenous communities in Sikariya, Nawada district, he began organising medical camps, menstrual health and hygiene awareness activities, and the distribution of essential materials for girls and young women.

Over time, the foundation has expanded to include vocational skills support — beekeeping, organic farming, and now a planned sanitary pad manufacturing unit — with the aim of strengthening dignity, autonomy and economic participation. The work continues to evolve gradually, guided by local needs and sustained community relationships.