Introduction

Dhanak of Humanity is a prominent partner project of Development Consortium (DC), encompassing a vibrant community of interfaith and inter-caste couples, and individuals dedicated to the principles of universal humanitarian values. The project, named after the Urdu word for rainbow, symbolizing diversity and rarity, operates across various Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana.

Background

Since its inception as a support group in 2004, and its formal registration in 2012 under the Societies Registration Act, Dhanak of Humanity has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality, the right to choose one’s partner, and challenging societal myths and stereotypes. The project aims to foster a society grounded in secular values and free from discrimination.


Goals and Objectives

Dhanak of Humanity is committed to:

  • Promoting the right to choose one's partner irrespective of religion, caste, or gender identity.
  • Fighting against honor-based crimes and forced marriages.
  • Educating young people about their rights and promoting a culture of acceptance and equality.

Implementation Strategy

Dhanak’s strategy involves:

  • Socio-Legal Counseling: Providing support to adult survivors of social and domestic violence, including legal protection and mental health counseling.
  • Youth Engagement: Conducting educational outreach in schools through creative competitions and interactive activities to spread awareness about gender violence and discrimination.
  • Community Outreach: Engaging the community through street plays, walks against honor killings, and other public events to discuss and disseminate information about individual rights in relationships.

Impact and Future Direction

It also emphasizes empowering government school teachers, recognising their profound impact on student's lives and society. Through collaboration with the government and partners, Abhyuday aims to establish a unified SEL vision to address social and emotional challenges in the state. 

The project also works in the realm of social outreach through offline activities such as reaching out to schools including: Govt. Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya school, Khichri Pur, J.J Colony, Delhi, Govt. Co-Ed Senior Secondary School, J.J Colony, Delhi, Government Girls school at Hodal, Palwal, Haryana, and Government Co-Ed Senior Secondary School at Hodal, Palwal, Haryana.

The project can engage with students with activities such as competitions allowing students to express their creativity and also spread awareness about gender violence and discrimination. The project also carries out other offline activities such as street plays, walks against honor killings, learning through fun activities and games and much more.

Impact and Achievements

Over the years, Dhanak has made significant contributions to the community:

  • Assisted over 5,000 couples and individuals through direct interventions and digital platforms.
  • Implemented rehabilitation counseling in collaboration with Child Welfare Committees to address issues arising from POCSO-related offenses.
  • Recognized with several awards, including the Babu Miyan Bandwale National Integration and Communal Harmony Award in 2019, the Mahatma Award for Human Rights and Equality in 2020, and the Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award in 2021, acknowledging its impact and dedication to social change.

Dhanak has evolved organically, and over the years it has emerged as a Champion organization working for an individual’s Right to Choose in matters of Marriage or Relationships, against religious conversion for the sake of marriage, against Honour-Based Crimes, and against Forced Marriages in India.

Dhanak’s unique footing, passion, and experience drive the core team. Dhanak is the only organization in India working on a spectrum of issues and challenges faced by interfaith and inter-caste couples, LGBTQIA couples, and individuals who choose to assert their autonomy.

Future Direction

Dhanak of Humanity continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact by empowering more individuals to assert their rights in choosing partners and leading lives free from discrimination and violence. The organization remains dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable society through ongoing advocacy, support, and education.

Dhanak of Humanity stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, driving change through advocacy, support, and community engagement. It continues to uphold the rights of individuals to live authentically and freely in their choice of partners and relationships, contributing profoundly to societal transformation.

Find out more - https://www.dhanak.org.in/

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