Udayani Social Action Forum

Udayani came into existence in November 1978, as Adult Education Project (AEP) through a Trainers' Training Programme organized by Bengal Social Service League, at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, under Fr. Pat Eaton, SJ as the first Co-ordinator, through National Service Scheme (NSS). It employed the methodology of Literacy combined with Functional Literary and Conscientization. The team consisted of Mr. Indu Sekhar Chatterjee, Bhanu Midday, Meghnath Bhattacharya and Ranjit Gomes.

1981 - Fr. Charles Pollet SJ becomes the Co-ordinator of AEP and the work continues from 76, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Kolkata. Since the place is called Udayani, the AEP acquires the name 'Udayani Social Centre'. Innumerable Adult Education Literacy, Post Literacy Training Programmes are organized. AEP centres run in 24 Parganas (s) and Midnapore districts under Udayani.

1986 - AEP temporary office moves to Palli Unnayan Samiti (PUS), Baruipur, since Fr. Charles Pollet became the Director of PUS in 1985.

1988 July - AEP returns to 76, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and actively works along with Seva Kendra Calcutta (SKC) and co-ordinates the AEP work in Midnapore District, through Fr. Robert D'Souza.

1990 - AEP in Midnapore is fully handed over to SKC.

1992 - Handicraft Training with Sola (Thermocol) begins. And Low Cost Latrines were constructed in 24 Parganas (S).

Fr. Pat Eaton SJ, conducting an awareness session in 1979

Fr. Charles Pollet SJ, conduting an AEP session in Santhal villages in 1980s

AEP classes in progress in the villages

1993 June - Fr. Kurian Emprayil SJ becomes the Part-time Director of AEP. A Song booklet 'Aar Nei Dur' is published, a newsletter 'Amader Khobor' is started.

1996 - Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj SJ, becomes the part-time Director of AEP. Adult Education Programmes continue in the 2 districts.

1998 - Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj SJ, becomes the full time Director of Udayani. Udayani acquires a permanent office at 75/1, Ballygunge Place. Participates in Flood Relief Work in Malda along with AICUF, St. Xavier's College. Shift of focus from AEP to holistic development of people in general. Work of Registering Udayani as a Registered Society begins.

On 11, April 2000, Udayani is registered under West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961 and acquires the name "Udayani Social Action Forum".

An AEP Training programme in progress