Action for Self Reliance and Alternatives (ASRA) is a public, charitable trust committed to fostering inclusion, self-reliance, and empowerment. Established in 1992 and headquartered in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi, ASRA is guided by a dedicated team of trustees, professionals, and community advocates who share a vision of creating a society where everyone can thrive with dignity.
Board Composition
ASRA upholds the highest standards of governance and ethics as the foundation of its operations. The Board of Trustees play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective functioning of ASRA, ensuring that its programs and initiatives truly make a difference in the lives of those it serves.
Born in the vibrant heart of Delhi University, Ms Vandna Mishra grew up as the youngest of six, with her father serving as Deputy Registrar. Her academic journey reflects her commitment to understanding society, beginning with a BA (Hons) in Sociology from Miranda House, followed by an MA from the Department of Sociology at Delhi School of Economics, and a Master's in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. With a career dedicated to public service, Ms Vandna has worked as a Research Officer in the Ministry of Welfare and held multiple key roles, including Assistant Information and Media Officer, before retiring as Placement Officer at PDU NIPPD. Selected by the Government of India for prestigious training under the Colombo Plan in the UK and an internship in Arizona, USA, she has always sought to expand her skills to uplift others.
Vandna's leadership at ASRA reflects her lifelong dedication to fostering self-reliance and support for those in need. Her journey as the founder and the president at ASRA has been a testament to the power of compassion, education, and commitment to community.
Smt. Vandna Mishra
Founder, President & Managing Trustee
Action for Self Reliance & Alternatives (ASRA)
Dr. Andreas Hünerwadel is the President of ASF, a position he has held for over 10 years. A lawyer by profession and a partner at Wenger & Vieli in Zurich, he was born in 1964 in Küsnacht, Switzerland. With a passion for giving back, especially to children who have faced less fortunate circumstances, Dr. Hünerwadel’s involvement with ASRA stems from his own gratitude for his family's privileges in Switzerland.
Over the past 35 years, he has witnessed India's progress and has played a key role in ASRA's expansion from supporting just 2 communities to now serving 70.
As a visionary leader, he believes in helping a community fulfill its needs before moving on to support the next one, ensuring that his work continues to uplift those in need in India.
Thank you, ASRA Team, we are very proud of you.
For all Members of the Board of ASRA Foundation Switzerland
Dr. Andreas Hünerwadel
President of ASF
Ever since my first meeting with you in Berne, during my posting as Ambassador to Switzerland in the 1990s, I have marvelled at the way in which you have built up ASRA as a great institution to provide much needed service to the less advantaged sections of society. The AIRTC is a remarkable example of the overall reach of the institution, in its concept and operations. I am sure it will satisfy a felt need in society.
I wish the AIRTC all success in its great endeavours and I also wish all the Inaugural Function on October 12 all the best.
With warm regards to you and all the dedicated staff of ASRA,
K.P. Balakrishnan
Indian Foreign Service (Rtd.)
Former Ambassador of India to Switzerland
The human spirit is one of ability, perseverance and courage that no disability can steal away!
As a Trustee, it gives me immense pleasure to congratulate ASRA on the occasion of the inauguration of 'ASRA Intervention, Recreation and Therapy Centre (AIRTC), a unique endeavor in West Delhi to provide rehabilitation services to children with disabilities of slum
communities on nominal rates. To rehabilitate the young children with special needs from the weaker economic sector and their holistic development is indeed a laudable step of ASRA which is engaged in this field for over 25 years. The multifarious programs coordinated by ASRA have enabled thousands of participants to gain skills and live with dignity.
Dr Mrs. Man Mohan Kaur
Principal
SGND Khalsa College, University of Delhi
