Vijaya Lawate

Vijaya Lawate, known as Vijayatai Lawate was a social worker who worked for upliftment of [...] workers in Pune. She founded an organization named 'Manavya' which primarily takes care of born HIV positive children.

Brief Summary

Vijaya Lawate or more popularly known as, Vijayatai Lawate, dedicated her 35 years to elevate the status of commercial [...] workers(CSW), and their offsprings and their health. For her long selfless and exemplary service to the weak and defenceless members of the society, she was honored with several illustrious awards, both by the government and esteemed Institutions. Some of her honors include: Bhatia Memorial Charitable Trust Award(1995), Bharatiya Stree Shakti Award(1995), Smt. Tarabai Raste Award(1996), Rotary Foundation Jean Harris Award(1997), Jansewa Award(2001) and Baya Karve Puraskar(2004).

India saw a great loss when she died Untimely in February 11, 2005. Her altruistic work, however, has been kept alive by volunteers and the trustees, spearheading the campaign she started more than three decades ago. Manavya, founded by Late Vijayatai, owing to financial difficulties and shortage of accommodation, of late, had to face management problems. To overcome this hurdle, newer efforts are being made at Manavya to collect extra funds and improve the residential quarters for the patients.