Welcome to Aashray
The practice of dedicating young girls to Gods and Goddesses is an ancient practice that is deeply entrenched in history, mythology, culture, religion and rituals. In Devadasi/Jogin/Mathamma/Basvi system the girls are married to the goddess ‘Yellamma’ This system is in prevalence in Telangana, Rayalaseema and Costal Andhra . In practical terms such a dedication implies that these girls cannot lead normal married lives or establish permanent relationship – but be sexually used by the men of the village.
The causes for dedication are – the Dominant Caste /Brahminical approach to exploit Dalit girls/women in the guise of religious rituals. Thus giving the system a religious-cultural sanction. There are also several superstitious beliefs linked with the making of the Jogin. These beliefs have in turn given social acceptance to the dedication of the girl to the temple. The reason why the parents of the girl dedicate is acute poverty and the burden of getting the girl married with a good sum of dowry.
Superstitions, traditions and customs are not challenged but are used by the manipulators and exploiters. The dominant caste people want this practice to continue as it serves their vested interests.
Three are around 50000 Jogins/Basvis/ Mathamma) in Telangana, Rayalaseema and Costal Andhra. 85-90% of the Jogins are Dalits. Dalits in India, especially in the rural areas are Untouchable, landless labourers and unorganized work force
During our surveys in these areas we observed that this is not only a socio-economic problem but also caste based violence. It is a systemic violation of all possible human rights of women and children. Aashray came into existence as part of several debates on this system.
Aashray is a registered, secular, non political and non profit voluntary organization working for emancipation of the most vulnerable and oppressed section of the society and build dignity to all human beings. In this process Aashray has started working with Jogins/Basvis and Mathamma in Telangana, Rayalaseema and Costal Andhra. As part of Dalit Women empowerment movement we address issues of the most oppressed women even with in Dalits- that Jogins/Basvis/Devadasis.
Our Vision
All disadvantaged women and children are liberated and empowered with self respect and self reliance.
Our Mission
Dalit women are liberated from the bondage of Jogin/Basvis/ Mathamma system and have empowered themselves with dignity and self reliance. All the dalt girl children get the best education, particularly Girl Children of most oppressed have the best education .
Our Main Objectives are
- To stop further Dedication of young Girls and young ladies as Jogins/Basvis/Mathammas.
- To bring Jognis/Basvis/mathamas into the main steam Dalit women empowerment process.
- To put that all Dalit girl children are put into school/hostels and ensure retention.
- To impart education to the girl children of jogins t par with the privileged, so that they will have a decent and dignified life in future.
- To help and promote peaceful non-violent and construct activities for social change.
Our Board
Our Board consist of members for various walks of life. The members of our board are committed to the cause of the poor and needy.
- Ms. R.Lakshmamma – President
- Dr. Vincent Manoharan – Vice President
- Ms. Grace Nirmala – Secretary
- Ms. Nalini – Jt.Secreary
- Mr. P.T. Ratnam- Treasurer
- Prof. Vinodini – Member
- Ms. Kalamani – Member
Our Senior Team
- Ms. Grace Nirmala – Director
- Ms. Manjula Mr. Nagaraj and Mr.Vijay Kumar Dist Coordinators, Anantapur
- Mr. Sheshadri – Dist Coordinator, Nellore
- Ms. Radhamma – Dist Coordinator, Chittoor
- Ms. Bhaskar – Dist Coordinator, Kurnool
- Ms. Jyothi – Dist Coordinator, Mahabubnagar
- Ms. Parijatham – Dist Coordinator, Nizamabad
- Ms. Mariyamma – Dist Coordinator, Vizianagaram
- Mr. Srinivasa Yuga – MIS Officer
JVVPS Committee
Jogini Vyavastha Vyathireka Porata Sanghatana(JVVPS) is a community based organization of women who survived social apprisation exploitation and exclusion. JVVPS is aimed at protecting the dignity of all women and girl children who went through different situations. This is a collective affect for building self esteem and self respect of women from all the sections of the women.
The community consisting of following members
- Ms. Rangamolla lakshmamma – President
- Ms. Kistamma
- Ms. Venkatamma
- Ms. Gajalamma
- Ms. Shashi
- Ms. Ashamma
- Ms. Grace nirmala mallela – convener
Our Networking Organizations
- Centre for Dalit Studies, Hyderabad
- Dalit Bahujan Front, Hyderabad
- Women in Governance, New Delhi
- All India Dalit Mahila Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM)
- National Federation of Dalit Women, Bangalore
Jogini Vyavastha
Aashray is deeply committed to eradicating the exploitative Jogini system—a traditional practice that dedicates young girls, primarily from Dalit communities, to temple service, often leading to lifelong marginalization and vulnerability.
Livelihood
Aashray livelihood initiatives are designed to foster economic independence and dignity among marginalized communities, with a special focus on women from Dalit backgrounds.
Dalit Empowerment
Aashray is dedicated to the holistic empowerment of Dalit communities, particularly women and vulnerable groups such as Basvis, Joginis, and Mathammas, who face discrimination and exclusion.