Ramharsh Dandekar
Full-Stack Developer & Social Innovation Advocate
A passionate technologist with a deep commitment to social impact, Ramharsh Dandekar created JyotiSetu with the vision of leveraging technology to address systemic poverty through an integrated, user-centric approach.
With expertise in modern web technologies, AI integration, and mobile-first design, Ramharsh believes that technology should serve humanity's most pressing needs, making essential services accessible to everyone, regardless of their digital literacy or economic status.
Inspiration
Poverty is rarely a single problem, but a cascade of interconnected crises. We were inspired by the realization that while many organizations focus on solving one piece of the puzzle—food scarcity, financial literacy, healthcare access—those in need are often left navigating a fragmented and confusing system.
A person cannot plan their finances if they are worried about their next meal, and a family's savings can be wiped out by a single, preventable illness. We asked ourselves: What if we could build a single, trusted guide to navigate this complexity?
This led to the creation of JyotiSetu, which translates to "Bridge of Light." Our inspiration was to build that bridge—a digital platform that illuminates a clear, step-by-step path from immediate survival to long-term self-reliance and dignity.
What JyotiSetu Does
Annapurna (Immediate Nutrition)
A real-time, community-verified map showing locations of free food distribution. Includes SMS subscription service for users without smartphones, ensuring maximum reach and accessibility.
Adhikar-Khoj (Rights Finder)
A simple, guided tool that helps users identify and apply for government and NGO schemes they are eligible for, turning complex bureaucracy into accessible opportunities.
Dhan-Mitra (Financial Friend)
An AI chatbot that provides personalized financial literacy in simple terms. Helps with budgeting irregular income, setting small savings goals, and understanding risks of predatory loans.
Sehat-Sathi (Health Companion)
An AI-powered health assistant that helps users triage symptoms, connects them to free or low-cost telehealth consultations, and saves digital prescriptions.
How We Built It
Frontend Excellence
Next.js 15 with React, Framer Motion animations, and responsive design. Mobile-first approach ensuring accessibility across all devices.
Robust Backend
Node.js with Express server, MongoDB for flexible data management, and secure API architecture for reliable service delivery.
AI Integration
Google Gemini AI for multilingual chat support, TensorFlow for health image analysis, and intelligent natural language processing.
Key Accomplishments
🌐 Multilingual Excellence
Complete support for 8 languages including English, Hindi, Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Marathi. Both UI and AI responses adapt seamlessly to user language preferences.
🤝 Community Integration
Dynamic community verification system with support counting, verification levels, and user engagement tracking. Building trust through transparency and collective validation.
🎯 Integrated Approach
Seamless user journey from immediate crisis resolution (food) to long-term planning (financial literacy), all within a single, intuitive platform designed for dignity and empowerment.
📱 Inclusive Design
SMS alert system ensures accessibility for users without smartphones, while the web platform provides rich, interactive experiences for those with digital access.
What's Next for JyotiSetu
🌍 Geographic Expansion
Partnering with local NGOs and community leaders to roll out JyotiSetu in new districts and states, adapting the scheme database and language support for each region.
🛠️ Fifth Pillar: "Kushal-Setu"
Adding a skills bridge module focused on micro-skilling and connecting users with local, flexible employment opportunities, completing the journey to full self-reliance.
🔮 Predictive AI Alerts
Using anonymized data to identify areas with high demand for food or health services, allowing proactive resource direction where needed most.
🤝 Strengthened Community
Building tools for local support groups, knowledge sharing, and community verifiers, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem of mutual support.