About PREM
People's Rural Education Movement: A journey of 40 years empowering the voiceless in Odisha.
About People’s Rural Education Movement (PREM)
People’s Rural Education Movement (PREM) is a secular, humanitarian, non-political and non-governmental organization working for the development of Adivasi (indigenous), Dalit, Fisher folk and other marginalized communities of Odisha and other states of India. Registered as a Voluntary Society under the Societies Registration FCRA Act, PREM is also an accredited member of the Credibility Alliance of NGOs in India.
Our primary objectives are to spread education, improve healthcare, implement livelihood initiatives, build capacity for good governance, and promote and protect the rights of children and women among marginalized communities. We place a strong emphasis on innovation to empower and transform people by themselves.
Through a network partnership of over 150 independent voluntary and people’s organizations, PREM reaches more than 5,000,000 people in 16 states of India through various development programmes, networks and campaigns.
Dr. Jacob Thundyil
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
A Message from President, PREM's Desk...
"The journey of PREM (People’s Rural Education Movement) over its remarkable 43 plus years stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to the marginalized and oppressed communities in India. From its inception in 1982, PREM's focus has been on total transformation, aiming at the economic, social, and political upliftments of marginalized groups such as Adivasis, Dalits, fisherfolk, and landless farmers. The organization’s core belief, embodied in its mantra of Mukti and Pragati (Liberation and Development), has guided its efforts, demonstrating that liberation from socio-economic oppression must precede any true development. This dual focus on liberation and development is foundational to PREM's work and success."
- Jacob Thundyil
Our Mission
The mission of PREM is to support, empower and facilitate people’s organizations for sustainable development in education, governance, health and livelihood; for access to knowledge, resources and innovation to achieve quality of life; and for mainstreaming gender equality, child rights, social inclusion and human rights for Adivasi, Dalit, Fisherfolk and other marginalized communities of India.
Our Vision
PREM’s vision is the creation of a new social order in which the present unorganized and marginalized people have a say in decision making, where education creates awareness and develops skills and fosters the growth of talents, where culture is ever creative, where men and women are totally liberated from all dehumanizing and oppressive forces and where the decisions of individuals and communities are based on the values of social justice, equality, truth, freedom and the dignity of human life.
Our Principles
Our Core Values
Compassion
Empathy for the vulnerable guides our actions.
Integrity
Upholding transparency and accountability in all we do.
Collaboration
Working with partners to maximize our impact.
Excellence
Striving for the highest quality in our programs and results.
Our Reach
Operational Areas
Network & Historical Reach:
• Statewide: Historically covered 22 districts across Odisha.
• Nationwide: Extended reach through networks to 12 states across India, including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
How We Work
Our Approach
Rights-Based Approach
We empower communities to understand and claim their rights, ensuring they are active participants in their own development, not just passive recipients of aid.
Community-Led Initiatives
Our projects are designed and implemented in close partnership with community members, ensuring solutions are relevant, sustainable, and owned by the people they serve.
Sustainable Development
We focus on long-term impact by building local capacity, promoting environmental stewardship, and creating systems that will thrive for generations to come.
Our Governance
Our Governing Body
Dr. Jacob Thundyil
President and Founder of PREM
Dr. Jacob Thundyil is the President and Founder of PREM, He is the Governing Board Member of International Network of Alternative Financial Institutions (INAFI). He was the Board Member of Council for Advancement of People's Action &Rural Technology (CAPART) and one of the founder members of Vaoluntary Action Network of India(VANI). He is also the convener of National Advocacy Council for Development of Indegenious Communities (NACDIP).
Mr. M. Nageswara Rao
Joint Secretary of PREM
Mr. M. Nageswara Rao, Joint Secretary of PREM. Mr.Rao,an Advocate by profession, has been providing legal aid to the poor and marginalized communities for asserting their constitutional rights. He has rich experience in dealing with cases relating to human rights, especially the tribals. He is also associated with several organizations as legal Advisor
Dr. Chacko Paruvanany,
Secretary-cum-Treasurer & Co-founder of PREM
Dr. Chacko Paruvanany, Secretary-cum-Treasurer & Co-founder of PREM, Dr. Chacko worked in Germany and experienced in mass communication and community health.
Ms. V Satyabati
Member
Ms. V Satyabati, Member, Ms, Satyabati, a social worker specialized in addressing the health related issues of the women and children and now engaged in providing eye care service for the people, She heads an organization namely Jana Jagarana
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support can change lives. Whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, or partner with us, you are a crucial part of our mission.