Vidyarthi Utkarsha Mandal (VUM) is a Non Government Organization (NGO) established on 1st April 1954 with the main object of 'All round Personality Development of Students'

> Creating Educational, Social & Culture awareness among Youths and their Parents
> Providing all types of education facilities to needy students irrespective of their caste and religion
> Build Qualified & Vibrant generation of youth for the betterment of people of India.

The organization works in South - Central Mumbai city, which is popularly known as 'Girangaon'. VUM has five branches (Vibhag) Lalbaug-Parel, Delisle Road, Byculla, Satrasta - Mahalaxmi and Chinchpokli-Arther Road.

Any student of 5th standard and above can become organization's life time member by paying membership fee Re. 1/- (Rupee One Only). He or she could be of any caste or religion.

Vidyarthi Utkarshaa Mandal is proud of its more than 10,000 members till date and its growing stronger…

Mandal has a 'Pramukh' - an executive head elected every year. He appoints an executive council comprising of 45 members. The council is chiefly responsible for the planning and organizing various programs during the year.

Computer literacy is the norm of the day. Vidyarthi Utkarshaa Mandal has started a computer academy with a mission to spread computer literacy that too at affordable rates. A course of basic skills in computer is offered at mere Rs. 500 in the academy. Hundred of students have benefited by this course.

Vidyarthi Utkarsha Mandal has two libraries. 'Sandarbha Granthalaya' is having large collection of reference books for senior college students of Arts, Commerce, Science, Pharma, Medicine, Law and Engineering. Recently it also has added section of books on competitive examination.

One can develop or one's vision only by reading rich literature of various writers. Samartha Granthalaya' has a vast collection of books related to Indian History, Teaching of our Saints, Autobiographies of well known personalities, Drama, Poetry and many more. 'Samarth Granthalaya' organizes programs like Kavi Sammelan, Discussions with well known editors, journalist and people on current issues. The library is recognized by Maharashtra Granth Sachalanyalaya with 'B' Grade. It has received "Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Best Library Performance Award" conferred by the government of Maharashtra.

Some of the students in the area can not afford to buy text books prescribed by the schools and colleges. VUM offers them complete sets of books to be used for the educational year. This facility is extended from 5th To 12th Standard Students. VUM charges nominal deposit for the scheme which is free of cost.

With Indian economy opening up, new vistas of opportunities have emerged for the youth. Vidyarthi Utkarshaa Mandal endeavors to keep its member updated about the latest trends in the industry by inviting guests to deliver lectures. Career Guidance cell at the organization organizes interesting talks and dialogues that can benefit not only members but youth in the vicinity at large.

It's fun while we learn! Every winter season members come together at an educational camp - Shaikshanik Shibir. It is organized at a place where one can rejuvenate himself internally as well as externally. During this 3 days camp we arrange brainstorm sessions on important social issues, lectures on personality games that can enhance organizational skills, outdoor activities, and physical training & yoga.

Vivekananda Vyakhyanmala is a series of discourses organized by the Mandal for past five decades. It comprises of a 5 to 7 lectures on topics of society, politics, economics and so on…

Stalwart speakers have used this dais to share their thoughts. Thousands of people attend the lecture series organized every year.

This year Vivekananda Vyakhyanmala is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. In the past 49 years, several distinguished speakers have delivered lectures. Some of them are:
Balasaheb Thackeray - Shiv Sena Chief, Sharad Pawar - Union Agriculture Minister , NCP Chief; Dr. Abhay Bang & Dr. Rani Bang - noted social reformers; Dr. Prakash Aamte - distinguished social reformer, Medha Patkar - Social Activist, Babasaheb Purandare - Author & Historian; Prof. Shivajirao Bhosle - Author & Historian; Prof. Ramesh Tendulkar; Dr. Narendra Jadhav - Economist; Dr. Anil Kakodkar - BARC Chief ; Kumar Ketkar - Chief Editor Loksatta (India Express Group); Bharat Kumar Raut - Chief Editor Maharashtra Times (Times of India Group); Pundit Hridaynatha Mangeshkar...

VUM took part in the "Polio Free India" campaign of the Govt. of India. Several members of the organization volunteered for the cause. Polio Vaccination Centre was set up at Mandal's premises.

In natural calamities, VUM has provided financial aid to government authority; during water logging and heavy rains in Mumbai

A Medical Assistance Booth by VUM helps lacs of devotees of Lord Ganesh on the day of the Ganesh Visarjan every year.

In the month of July every year we organize get together of all the members of VUM. The organization is like a family and member get to re-strengthen their bonds with each other on this occasion. VUM honours meritorious students who excel in Class 10 and other standards. An entertainment extravaganza is organized by the dramatics division of the organization. Talents from the organization's members get a platform to exhibit their skills.

This Hand-written souvenir has been a platform to exhibit literary skills for the members. Articles, Stories, Poems, Jokes, Drawing and paintings by the members are incorporated in 'Pranam'. It is published during the annual get together. Mandal has a collection of 'Pranam' since 1957 in its Library.

In the month of May and June Mandal organizes sports competition such as Cricket, Chess, Kabaddi etc. This year we are planning for a Mega Sports Event for Kabbadi and Carom on a State Level.

Since last few year's our organization is becoming prime centre for students who want to do a carrier in Acting Profession. Many of our members are successfully pursuing their careers in dramatics. Each year Mandal organizes inter division one act play competition. A drama is exhibited at the annual gathering. From direction to lighting, everything is managed by the in-house talent.

On Saturday evenings members gather for weekly prayer at the Study Centers. This meeting helps in dissemination of vital information on Mandal's activities to the student members. Informal discussions on socially relevant issues help the members in sharpening their skills of public speaking and rational thinking.

Every Friday members of the executive council assemble to decide on the strategy and execution of the ongoing activities. Brainstorming at those sessions helps in fine-tuning the activities.

Sharda Smriti is a souvenir published at the annual gathering. Articles and other important reports are published in the souvenir. Advertisements by the locals in this souvenir help in fund raising.

Vivekananda Smriti is another souvenir that Mandal publishes every year. During Vivekananda Vyakhyanmala it is published on the concluding day. Information about the Vyakhyanmala and Mandal makes it interesting. Several corporate houses have been patronizing the initiative that helps in raising funds for the organization.