Our chairperson and mentor, Mrs Vijaya Rahatkar is a Politician and a Social Activist. She hails from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) in the State of Maharashtra. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science with Physics as a major subject and a Postgraduate Degree in History, both from prestigious Savitribai Phule University of Pune.

Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, currently the National Secretary of BJP & Co In charge of Rajasthan BJP, is one of the leading politicians in the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is former National President (2014-2020) of BJP Mahila Morcha (Women Wing of BJP) and the Ex-Chairperson (2016-2021) of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. She was also Mayor (2007-2010) of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad).

As the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (Maharashtra Rajya Mahila Aayog), she initiated many programs for vast sections of women including war widows to women farmers to the girls from the poor and disadvantaged section. She took several initiatives to make Women Commission accessible (through various physical and online platforms) to every needy woman. She has also worked for self-help groups through Prajwala Scheme. She played a major role in framing laws related to Triple Talaq and exploitation in NRI marriages.

She is the founding Chairperson and mentor of the Anandi Empower Foundation. This NGO works for the education and empowerment of girl children from poorer sections through various initiatives. Smt Vijaya Rahatkar has been visionary, extremely dedicated and driven towards the welfare of people. Smt Vijaya ji has been ardent about various social causes and issues prevalent around her since her young days. She says ‘working towards improving human conditions and their betterment’ has always been her calling. Her vigour and fortitude to serve society are reflected through her relentless efforts and the initiatives she has taken, in all the past years.

She firmly believes that Anandi Empower Foundation gives her a solid platform to ‘give back to society’ in more than many ways. Through Anandi Empower Foundation, Vijaya aims to support women and vulnerable communities by exploring their opportunities for education and professional development and empowering them with the tools of education, self-confidence, financial independence and strengthening them with the overall development.