Late Vijayatai Lawate, founder president, Manavya, spent 35 years serving  the cause of rehabilitating Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) and their children and their healthcare needs.
In recognition of her meritorious and selfless service to the most vulnerable section of the society she was conferred with many prestigious awards by      the Government and reputed institutes.

 She was recipient of the following awards to mention a few :

1995 - Bhatia Memorial Charitable Trust Award, Delhi

1995 - Bharatiya Stree Shakti Award

1996 - Smt. Tarabai Raste Award

1996 - FIE Foundation Award

1996 - PMC Award

1996 - Hingane Stree Shikshan Sanstha Award

1996 - Smt. Meenatai Thakare Award

1997 - Sawitribai Phule Award

1997 - Rotary Foundation Jean Harris Award

1998 - Mauli Anandi Award

2000 - Smt. Kusumtai Chaudhari Award

2000 - ‘Kesari’ Award

2001 - ‘Jansewa’ Award

2004 - Baya Karve Puraskar

Late Vijayatai Lawate's untimely death on February 11, 2005 came as a rude shock to those who worked with her closely. But her relentless work had taken roots in and among the dedicated team of fellow trustees, volunteers and many others who were associated with her in her crusade and it is they who carry her good work forward now. As envisaged by Late Vijayatai Lawate, the numbers of women and children reported to be HIV kept increasing at a galloping rate. With space and fund constraint Manavya is not in the position to accommodate all those who are keen to get treated here. However efforts are on to raise funds to expand present facilities at Manavya.