Creating a path to cultural reconciliation
"Olakhaan," meaning "Identity" in the dialect of Rajasthan’s nomadic communities, captures a profound sense of self and cultural heritage. Founded in 2018 by social-political and cultural activist Paras Banjara, Olakhaan Trust is dedicated to advancing rights and entitlements for India’s most marginalized groups—Nomadic, Dalit, and Adivasi communities. With over two decades of experience advocating for social accountability and rights, Paras has grounded Olakhaan Trust in a mission to preserve and promote the unique cultural practices and artistry of nomadic and folk communities.
Olakhaan Trust addresses the critical gaps in rights access for these communities, safeguarding traditional knowledge systems, including the Banjara’s time-honored Panchayat system, which serves as a quick and effective form of local justice.
Olakhaan Trust is a non-profit organization set up under the Rajasthan Public Trust Act, 1959. I established the organization in 2018. Stemming from extensive field knowledge and my own lived experiences, Olakhaan addresses critical gaps in access to rights among some of India’s most marginalized communities, including Nomadic, Dalit, and Adivasi communities.
800+ Households Reached
Across Rajasthan, including Kumbhalgarh, Rajsamand, and Bhilwara
800+ Documents Facilitated
Aadhaar, ration cards, pensions, and caste certificates
10+ Community Centers
Safe spaces for learning, dialogue, and empowerment
We work to bridge the systemic gaps that limit access and opportunity for marginalized communities especially NT/DNT, Dalit and Adivasis. By addressing barriers rooted in inequality and exclusion, we strive to create pathways that ensure accessibility, equity, and participation for all. Our efforts focus on promoting identity, dignity, rights, sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation for creating long-term social change.
Access to Rights and Entitlements for NT/DNT and Other Marginalized Communities
Youth Leadership and Community Empowerment
Centre for People’s Library, Culture, and Citizen Dialogue (CPLCCD)
Sustainable Community Development via Natural Resource Management, and Climate-Responsive Action
Facilitating government linkage, alongside policy advocacy and social justice dialogues
Research and Documentation.
Kumbhalgarh block in Rajsamand district is home to a large population of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Denotified Nomadic communities such as Kalbeliya, Nat, Gadiya Lohar, and Banjara, who face challenges like limited access to education, infrastructure gaps, and exclusion from welfare schemes. Olakhaan Trust works here by establishing community centers and libraries, building youth leadership, promoting gender and constitutional awareness, and facilitating access to essential services such as Aadhaar, pensions, ration cards, and MGNREGA job cards. The work is carried out in collaboration with Panchayats and local governance structures, reaching over 300 households across multiple Gram Panchayats.
Sahada block in Bhilwara district includes settlements of nomadic and semi-nomadic communities such as Banjara, Kalbeliya, Bagariya, and Gadoliya Lohar, who often live without land titles and basic services. Olakhaan Trust focuses on enabling access to identity documentation, including Aadhaar, caste certificates, and ration cards, while also supporting land rights processes and linking families to pension schemes and education opportunities. Through continuous engagement with local administration and civil society networks, the initiative has supported more than 150 households in accessing their rights and entitlements.
Railmagra block in Rajsamand district faces significant challenges related to land insecurity, migration, and lack of stable livelihoods among nomadic communities such as Banjara, Kalbeliya, and Garasiya. Olakhaan Trust focuses on improving access to social security schemes like ration cards and pensions, addressing land and settlement issues, and strengthening awareness of government programs. Working in coordination with local governance institutions and advocacy networks, the initiative has engaged with more than 150 households, helping reduce vulnerability and improve access to basic rights.
Issues in Rajsamand block is characterized by caste-based exclusion, land insecurity, and gaps in access to welfare services among communities such as Banjara, Kalbeliya, Bagariya, and Nat. Olakhaan Trust works to bridge these gaps by facilitating ration cards, pensions, and identity documentation while also building awareness around rights and entitlements. The organization actively engages with Panchayat officials, Block Development Officers, and public grievance platforms to address systemic barriers, reaching over 200 households through its interventions.