The Beginning
DBM India began its journey with a vision to create meaningful change and opportunities for underserved communities.
Foundation of DBM India
Mid-Day Meal Program launched
Born on 30 January 2008 under the Navasrushti International Trust, DBM India exists to be an enabler for under-served children, youth and women, working toward hunger-free, self-reliant communities. What began as a mid-day meal programme for 50 children in one Govandi school has grown into an integrated continuum of nutrition, education, vocational skilling, employment and empowerment across Mumbai’s M-East Ward and beyond.
Empowering the beneficiaries by creating awareness & opportunities in Education & Employment
To be enablers for the under-served children, youth and women thus aiming at "Hunger Free Communities"
Provide quality education to underserved children and quality skilling and placement to employable youth.
Our motto is Begin with self. Begin small. Begin today. Our goal is to create opportunities, develop a nurturing and conducive environment, and provide education and training for the holistic growth of children and youth
We intervene in schools and improve the overall learning and teaching conditions. We provide mid-day meals, teacher training and improve the quality of educational practices being followed. We provide vocational training to unemployed youth and help them earn livelihoods.
DBM India is a humanitarian organisation working to create lasting change for underserved children, youth and women. Operating under the legal umbrella of Navasrushti International Trust, DBM India works with communities facing poverty, inequality and limited access to opportunities.
Our approach is rooted in a simple belief: lasting change begins when people have access to Education, Empowerment and Employment. Through this integrated 3E model, we work to address the interconnected challenges of hunger, education, livelihoods and social inequality—helping individuals move from vulnerability towards self-reliance.
Our work contributes to four key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Creating pathways to skills, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
Ensuring access to nutritious meals for children and working towards hunger-free communities.
Improving access to learning, mentoring, skills and opportunities for children and youth.
Creating inclusive opportunities for communities that have historically had limited access to education, employment and growth.
From schools and study centres to skill development and employment support, DBM India works across the continuum of a person's journey —nurturing potential, creating opportunities and enabling communities to build a more secure and self-reliant future.
DBM India began its journey on 30 January 2008 in Mumbai’s M-East Ward, one of the city’s most underserved communities. What started with a simple effort to provide nutritious mid-day meals to 50 schoolchildren soon revealed a larger reality—hunger was closely connected to poverty, educational disadvantage and limited livelihood opportunities.
Over the years, DBM India evolved from addressing an immediate need to building a holistic continuum of Education, Empowerment and Employment.
2008 | Where It Began
DBM India started with a Mid-Day Meal programme for 50 children in a school in Govandi, helping children stay nourished and connected to education.
Expanding Education
The initiative grew beyond nutrition to support schools through volunteer teaching, teacher development, infrastructure, career guidance, scholarships and mentoring—creating stronger foundations for children to learn and progress
Creating Opportunities for Youth
Recognising that education alone could not break the cycle of poverty, DBM India expanded into vocational training and livelihood development. Skill Development Centres were established across Mumbai and Pune, offering courses aligned with industry and community needs.
Today, these centres provide training in areas including BFSI, ITES, CRM, Hospitality, ECCEd, Para-Nursing & Geriatric Care, Tally, Excel, Graphic Design, Hardware, Tailoring, Beautician training and other employability-focused skills, along with English communication, life skills and career readiness.
Empowering the Next Generation
DBM India continued to invest in students with initiatives such as Udaan Education Project, providing long-term mentoring and academic support to meritorious students from underserved communities, and Read to Rise, helping school dropouts pursue Class 10 and access further education or skilling opportunities.
Preparing Young Minds for the Future
In 2024, the DBM Tinkering Lab expanded the organisation’s focus towards innovation and future skills, giving children hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and STEM learning.
Building Spaces for Learning & Growth
Through initiatives such as the M-Power Library & Study Centre and the Empower Library & Study Centre, DBM India has created safe and supportive spaces where students can study, access learning resources, receive mentorship and prepare for higher education and competitive examinations.
From its beginning with 50 children in 2008, DBM India has grown into a multi-dimensional organisation working across Education, Empowerment and Employment.
Education
School support, Mid-Day Meals, volunteer teaching, teacher development, mentoring, scholarships, study centres, Udaan, Read to Rise and STEM education.
Empowerment
Mentorship, career guidance, life skills, leadership development, community engagement and opportunities that enable individuals to make informed choices about their future.
Employment
Vocational training, industry-oriented courses, employability skills, career readiness and placement support through our Skill Development Centres across Mumbai and Pune.
Through this integrated approach, DBM India continues to nurture potential, create opportunities and enable individuals and communities to move towards greater self-reliance.
Since 2008, DBM India has grown from a vision into a movement that creates opportunities, supports communities and helps individuals build a better future.
DBM India began its journey with a vision to create meaningful change and opportunities for underserved communities.
Foundation of DBM India
Mid-Day Meal Program launched
A new chapter opened with vocational training and educational resources designed to support young people.
First Vocational Training Centre started
Library launched at Govandi
300 students supported
DBM India expanded its vocational training initiatives and created more opportunities for students and women.
Trombay VT Centre started
250+ students supported
Strong women participation
DBM India's work reached more communities while gaining recognition for its commitment and impact.
Accreditation – GiveIndia and Guidestar
11 Libraries established
3.5 Million meals served
DBM India strengthened its focus on education, scholarships and long-term opportunities for students.
M-Power Library cum Study Centre inaugurated
Educational Scholarships
10 Years of DBM India
12,000+ beneficiaries
DBM India embraced change, expanded its presence and continued learning even during challenging times.
DBM India rebranded
Pune VT Centre inaugurated
Online classes launched
200+ volunteers engaged
During challenging times, DBM India continued supporting communities while expanding essential services.
New VT Centres in Khar and Chembur
COVID-19 medical support
5th Guidestar Platinum Award
New programmes were launched to create stronger educational pathways and future opportunities.
Udaan Program launched
Bhiwandi VT Centre inaugurated
6th Guidestar Platinum Award
DBM India introduced young learners to technology, innovation and future-ready skills.
DBM Tinkering Lab launched
Ration Kits – ISO NC015 awarded
Great Place to Work Certified
1st Mid-Day Meals served
The journey continues with greater ambition, deeper community impact and a stronger vision for the future.
Turbhe Centre inaugurated
7th Guidestar Platinum Award
ConnectFor Top 10 NGO recognition