AVAG (Auroville Village Action Group)

Auroville Village Action Group (AVAG) is committed to grassroots, integrated community development for villages in the Auroville bio-region. Founded in 1983, today AVAG works with 34 panchayats and 75 settlements in the Vanur block, Villupuram district. AVAG has elaborated a multifaceted community development program, executed through a network of different community based institutions like Self Help Groups (SHGs), Federations and associations, working closely with more than 5,200 women in over 300 women’s groups, and 1,000 men in sports associations and men’s groups, Paalam youth members, children, parents and government schools. To date, AVAG has developed into a well recognized organization for positive socio-economical change and promotes inclusive development, democracy building and social advocacy, primarily in gender equity and caste equality — as the foundation stones for building a sustainable and healthy rural Indian society. AVAG's emphasis is not on charity or service, but on co-development with the villagers to cultivate the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build a better future for all.