Last updated October 19, 2026
Privacy Policy — Navodayan Network
Navodayan Network (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates the Navodayan community website at navodayan.org and the Navodayan Android mobile application (together, the “Services”). This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. By creating an account or using the Services, you agree to this policy. The same policy applies to both the website and the Android app; we do not currently offer an iOS app.
- Who this applies to
This policy covers visitors to our website, users of our Android app, and members who register (including with Google), mentors, event participants, and coordinators. It does not cover third-party sites, stores (such as Google Play), or services we link to; their own privacy practices apply.
- Information we collect
Account and identity: name, email address, password (stored hashed) or Google sign-in identifiers, and email verification status. Profile: photo, school (JNV), batch years, city/region location you enter, profession/industry, current role, company, bio, education, experience, skills, phone and work contacts, and similar details you choose to add. Community activity: connections, mentorship interest, event or knowledge-session interest, contributions, feedback, and messages you send through the Services (such as contact forms). Technical and device data: IP address, browser or app version, device model and operating system, language, and basic usage or diagnostic logs needed to run and secure the Services. On Android we may also receive an app install identifier or similar device signals used for authentication, security, and reliability. Communications: emails we send you and unsubscribe preferences; if push notifications are enabled in the Android app, a push notification token for that device.
- Android app permissions
Depending on features you use, the Android app may request: Internet access (required); camera or photo/media access only when you choose to take or upload a profile photo; and notification permission only if you opt in to push alerts. We do not use continuous background location tracking. Any “location” on your profile is text you enter (for example city or country), not precise GPS from your device, unless we clearly ask for and you grant a specific location permission in a future update.
- How we use your information
We use your information to create and manage your account across the website and Android app; show your profile in the directory according to your visibility settings; connect alumni, mentors, and coordinators; run events, knowledge sessions, and community features; verify school affiliation and approve membership where needed; send service and community emails or optional push notifications; improve reliability, performance, and security; and respond to support or legal requests. We do not sell your personal information.
- Profile visibility and directory
You control who can see sensitive fields such as email and phone through profile privacy settings. Guests and the public never see email or phone. Admins and assigned JNV coordinators may still access contact details needed for legitimate school or network coordination. Other profile fields may appear in the member directory or on your public profile based on the visibility options you select. Visibility settings apply across the website and Android app.
- Coordinators and admins
School, batch, state, and other coordinators may see member information within their assigned scope to support the community. Coordinators must use that data only for legitimate Navodayan activities and must not export, sell, or misuse member data. Platform admins can access account and profile data to operate, moderate, and secure the Services.
- Google sign-in and Google Play
If you join or sign in with Google (on the website or Android app), we receive basic account information from Google (such as your name and email) as permitted by Google’s policies and your Google account settings. We use that information only to authenticate you and populate your Navodayan account. Downloading the app from Google Play is also subject to Google’s terms and privacy policy. Your use of Google services is governed by Google’s privacy policy.
- Cookies, sessions, and app storage
On the website we use cookies and similar storage (including session tokens) to keep you signed in, remember preferences, and protect the service. In the Android app we use secure on-device storage for session tokens and preferences for the same purposes. These are required for core account features. Blocking cookies or clearing app data may sign you out or limit functionality.
- Email and notifications
We may email you about account security, membership approval, password resets, and important community updates. Where optional announcements or digests are offered, you can unsubscribe using the link in those emails or account preferences when available. If the Android app offers push notifications, you can turn them off in the app or in your device settings. Transactional messages needed to operate your account may still be sent by email.
- Sharing and processors
We share personal information only when needed to run the Services: with infrastructure, hosting, and email (or push notification) providers that process data on our behalf; with coordinators and admins as described above; or when required by law or to protect the rights and safety of members and the community. We do not share member lists for unrelated marketing.
- Data retention
We keep your account and profile information while your membership is active. If you delete your account or ask us to remove data, we will delete or anonymize personal information within a reasonable period, except where we must retain records for security, dispute resolution, legal compliance, or backup integrity. Push tokens and local app data are removed when you uninstall the app or revoke notification permission, subject to normal device and server cleanup.
- Account deletion
You may request deletion of your Navodayan account and associated personal data by emailing info@navodayan.org from the address on your account (or via the Contact page on the website). We will verify the request and delete or anonymize your account data within a reasonable period, typically within 30 days, except for limited records we must keep as described under Data retention. Uninstalling the Android app alone does not delete your account on our servers; please submit a deletion request if you want your account removed.
- Security
We use industry-standard measures such as encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed passwords, and access controls. No online service is completely secure; please use a strong password and protect your login credentials. Contact us promptly if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.
- Children
The Services are intended for JNV students, alumni, educators, and supporters. If you are under the age where you can consent to online services in your jurisdiction, register only with a parent or guardian’s involvement. We do not knowingly collect personal information from young children for commercial purposes. Contact us if you believe a child’s data was provided without appropriate consent so we can review and remove it.
- Your choices and rights
You can review and update most profile information in your account settings (website or Android app), adjust visibility controls, manage notification preferences on your device, and request account deletion or a copy of your data by contacting us. Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under local privacy laws; we will respond to valid requests as required.
- Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time (for example when we add platforms or features). The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Material changes may also be announced on the site, in the app, or by email. Continued use of the Services after an update means you accept the revised policy.
- Contact
Questions about privacy, this policy, or account deletion: email info@navodayan.org. You can also use the Contact page at navodayan.org.