Maharogi Sewa Samiti, Warora (Leprosy Service Society) was established by the late Baba Amte with the intention of treating leprosy patients. More information about Baba Amte can be found at http://anandwan.in/baba-amte-the-journey.html.
Established in 1949 with Rs. 14, six leprosy patients and a lame cow, MSS, Warora has spread its work all over Maharashtra and many organizations have taken inspiration from Baba’s life and are working for the downtrodden across the country and even the entire world. The impact Baba Amte had across the world is immeasurable and a soul like his is a rare gem the world was lucky to have. The two main projects are Anandwan in Warora and Lok Biradari Prakalp in Hemalkasa.
More information about the current activities at these institutions can be found at their website: http://anandwan.in
Anandwan
Anandwan was established in 1949 by Baba Amte with a hope of giving marginalized people a dignified life through self-reliance and restoring a sense of belonging which they had lost due to the ill treatment at the hands of society. It is located in Warora in Chandrapur district and is a self-sufficient village of over 2,000 people. It engages in a comprehensive approach to village development addressing healthcare, education, livelihood, agriculture and environment. It is aiming to create a model for a “Smart Village” that surrounding villages can emulate.
Lok Biradari Prakalp, Hemalkasa
The Lok Biradari Prakalp (LBP) was started on 23rd December 1973 by Baba Amte for the integrated development of the primitive tribe ‘Madia-Gonds’ in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. From a humble beginning, this project has grown to include a full-service hospital, a medical clinic and a residential school for over 600 students, boys and girls. In addition, it is also engaged with villages in nearby area to improve education, healthcare and environmental issues.
More information about these and other projects of Maharogi Sewa Samiti can be found on their website.
Our Involvement
Our founder and president, Chanda Athale, has been deeply engaged with these two organizations since 2006, visiting them every year. During her visits, she has been helping in the annual surgery camps, giving training to local hospital staff and providing direct patient care. During this period, through annual fund-raising, we have provided financial support to Anandwan and Hemalkasa in various capital improvement projects in the clinics and schools. Last year, a state of art ambulance was purchased by Anandwan from the funds provided by us.
Our involvement has continued since the formation of the foundation. We have provided funds to purchase solar panels to reduce expenditure on electricity as well as reducing the carbon foot print of Anandwan. We have also provided funds to purchase hearing aids to deaf and mute students in Anandwan. In addition, REACH IN US volunteers have visited Anandwan and provided hands-on demonstrations in order to increase interest in studying science. Our volunteers have also held a training camp for the hospital Nursing staff in Lok Biradari Prakalp to improve standards of care and their professional development.
Our Plans
REACH IN US Foundation plans to provide funds for targeted projects in Anandwan and Lok Biradari Prakalp that are directed towards meeting their needs in healthcare and educational activities. We will also engage with volunteers in US who wish to visit these two institutions and provide specific assistance in specialized medical care, technical consulting in assessing their power and water resource needs and setting up programs for school students to enhance hands-on science demonstrations.