Our Mission
To provide care, rehabilitation and justice to underprivileged, neglected and mentally ill individuals — including orphans and the homeless — from both urban and rural areas of Maharashtra.
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Care, dignity and a way back home — since 2006
The story of one social worker's compassion, and the movement it grew into.
Our story
A young social worker, a bus stand in Rahuri, and the seed of a movement
In 2006, on his way to Shirdi, Mr. Dilip Gunjal stopped at the Rahuri bus stand in Ahmednagar District and saw a destitute, mentally ill woman sitting with her two children in tattered clothes — one child with a severe, untreated wound — while people walked past. He got them to a hospital, secured treatment, and found them shelter.
That single act of compassion became the seed of Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal, founded on 11th August 2006. Today the organisation runs the Manavaseva Project, a permanent home in Arangaon that provides shelter, psychiatric care, rehabilitation and family reunion to those society had stopped looking for.
Read the full founding story →
3,002
Homeless Persons Rescued
100
Residents Currently Cared For
10+
States Reached Across India
How we began
History of Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal
The Foundation Story
The Rahuri bus-stand encounter left a deep mark on Mr. Gunjal. He realised that homeless, destitute and mentally ill persons had no system of care or rehabilitation at the district level. Repeated discussions with government officials, and even references to the Mental Health Act, 1987, brought no concrete solution.
Faced with no alternatives, Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal was founded on 11th August 2006, under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and later registered under the Mumbai Public Trusts Act, 1950 on 24th April 2007.
Early Work (2006–2009)
Between 2006 and 2009, the organisation surveyed 1,080 homeless, destitute and mentally ill persons across the region, revealing an urgent need for shelter, medical treatment and psychosocial rehabilitation. With the support of Dr. Arvind Kshirsagar, five rooms were made available at Kshirsagar Hospital in Ahmednagar, where the Manavaseva Project was launched. Dr. Anya Kshirsagar, a psychiatrist, voluntarily treated the destitute patients without any compensation.
Struggles and Relocation (2010–2014)
As Kshirsagar Hospital underwent repairs, the project lost its space. In 2014, the organisation shifted to a rented building at Navnagapur MIDC — but complaints from locals about housing mentally ill persons soon forced another relocation.
A Permanent Home — The Humanitarian Project
In search of permanent land, Mr. Gunjal and his team approached Mr. Sanjay Shingvi, Director of Shingvi Jewelers. Moved by their mission, he generously donated 23 gunthas of land at Arangaon Shivara, near the sacred land of Avatar Meher Baba. Here, the organisation established its landmark initiative — the Manavaseva Project — dedicated to the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of homeless, destitute and mentally ill individuals, providing:
- Shelter and nutritious food
- Medical treatment and psychiatric care
- Counselling and rehabilitation
- Family tracing, reunification and follow-up (3 years of phone contact, 2 years of home visits)
Impact, Today
Since its inception, the organisation has rescued and treated 3,002 homeless persons, rehabilitating individuals across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Orissa, Kolkata and Nepal, and currently cares for 100 residents at the Manavaseva Project. What began with the compassion of one young man has grown into a dedicated movement of service — giving shelter, dignity and a chance at life to those who had been forgotten by the world.
Our mission and vision
Our Vision
To be a recognised and respected leader in mental health care and community transformation, promoting compassion, integrity and quality while ensuring inclusive development free from social stigma.
What guides us
Our Values
Dignity
Respecting every individual and building programs that protect their rights.
Trust
Working closely with communities and families to sustain long-term outcomes.
Accountability
Transparent processes and measurable impact across every program we run.
Compassion
An empathy-driven approach to care, treatment and community support.
Milestones
Our Journey
Four chapters in the growth of a one-man act of compassion into a statewide movement.
2006
Foundation & Early Rescue Work
Founded on 11th August 2006 after witnessing a destitute mentally ill woman with children at Rahuri bus stand. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Founded by Mr. Dilip Gunjal on 11th August 2006
- Registered under Mumbai Public Trust Act, 1950 on 24th April 2007
- Survey of 1,080 homeless, destitute and mentally ill persons conducted
- Manavaseva Project launched at Kshirsagar Hospital with Dr. Arvind Kshirsagar's support
2010
Struggles & Relocation Period
Faced challenges with space availability and community resistance, requiring multiple relocations before finding a permanent solution.
- Lost space at Kshirsagar Hospital due to repairs
- Shifted to a rented building at Navnagapur MIDC in 2014
- Faced complaints from locals about housing mentally ill persons
- Continued rescue operations despite infrastructure challenges
2014
Permanent Home — Humanitarian Project
Established a permanent facility at Arangaon Shivara on 23 gunthas of land generously donated by Mr. Sanjay Shingvi.
- Mr. Sanjay Shingvi donated 23 gunthas of land at Arangaon Shivara
- Located near the sacred land of Avatar Meher Baba
- Established the comprehensive Manavaseva Project facility
- Structured family tracing and follow-up model implemented
2024
Current Impact & Future Vision
Rescued and treated 3,002 homeless persons; currently caring for 100 residents, with rehabilitation reaching families across multiple states.
- Rehabilitated individuals across Maharashtra, Gujarat, MP, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, UP, Assam, Orissa, Kolkata and Nepal
- Currently caring for 100 residents at the Manavaseva Project
- 3 years telephonic contact + 2 years home-visit follow-up model
- Future plans include a 100-bed hospital and vocational centre
Timeline photos are placeholders — add real archival photos to /assets/img/about-journey-*.jpg to bring each chapter to life.
The people behind the mission
Our Leadership Team
Founder Secretary
Mr. Dilip Gunjal
BSW, MSWMr. Dilip Gunjal is a passionate social worker dedicated to the service of the most neglected and vulnerable sections of society. His journey began not in offices or institutions, but on the roads of Maharashtra, where a chance encounter with a destitute mentally ill woman and her two children at Rahuri bus stand in 2006 awakened a lifelong commitment to the rehabilitation of homeless and mentally ill persons.
Under his leadership, the organisation has led the rescue and rehabilitation of over 610 homeless, destitute and mentally ill persons across ten states, pioneered a structured family-tracing and follow-up model, and built the Humanitarian Project entirely without government grants — relying instead on community support and voluntary contributions.
Board of Trustees
Pooja S. Muthe
M.A. (Psychology)A qualified psychologist who has dedicated herself full-time to the mission for 5 years, leading with an empathetic, approachable style that prioritises the welfare of staff, volunteers and residents.
Sharada Hoshing
B.Sc. MedA professional teacher who has supported the organisation for 7 years, bringing a disciplined approach to the planning and execution of social welfare programs.
Sachin J. Deshpande
M.ComAn accounts professional with 20+ years in social work, responsible for financial planning and transparency that have strengthened the organisation's stability.
Adv. Reshma M. Vidhate
B.S.L., LL.B.A practicing advocate with 12+ years of experience, handling legal matters and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Pooja Badgujar
M.S.W.A skilled counsellor with 6+ years of experience, providing individual counselling support and championing the holistic rehabilitation of residents.
Yogesh Thorat
B.Com.A commerce graduate who leads fundraising activities, mobilising resources that sustain the Mandal's projects and support beneficiaries.
In pictures
Our Work in Pictures
Glimpses of the campus, the rescues, and the everyday care behind the numbers.
Photos shown are placeholders — replace files in /assets/img/ with real photography for the best result.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you primarily serve?
Our core campus and Manavaseva Project are based in Arangaon (Meherabad), Ahilyanagar District, Maharashtra. From there, our family reunion program has reached families across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Orissa, Kolkata and Nepal.
How can I volunteer or contribute?
You can volunteer your time, skills or professional expertise, or support us through a monetary or in-kind donation. Visit our Get Involved page for current opportunities, or write to us at shreeamrutvahini@gmail.com.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal is registered under Section 12A and Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, so donations are eligible for tax exemption. See the registration details below, or visit our Donate page to contribute.
Compliance & trust
Registration & Certification Details
Official Registration
Society Registration Act, 1860
Maha/361/2006 · 11/08/2006
Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950
F-10558 · 24/04/2007
PAN
AAITS7806A
TAN
PNES30122B
NITI Aayog Reg. No.
Maha/2011/0042509
Tax Exemptions & Certifications
12A Registration
AAITS7806AE20126
80G Registration
AAITS7806AF20215
CSR Registration
CSR00014727
FCRA Registration
083720168
LEI Number
894500XLB2BJQK4TJE11
All donations are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Please make donation cheques payable to: Shree Amrutvahini Gramvikas Mandal.