Samaj Pragati Sahayog Nidhi - an appeal Samaj Pragati Sahayog Nidhi - an appealSamaj Pragati Sahayog Nidhi - an appeal

Class

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the relation between MSS and Anandwan

Maharogi Sewa Samiti, a public charitable trust, is the parent organization under which are carried out various projects like Anandwan, Somnath, Hemalkasa and many others. Baba Amte started his work with Anandwan for the leprosy affected patients and then moved on to other projects. As Anandwan was the initial project and is the headquarters of MSS, MSS has become synonymous with Anandwan.

Q2. Why is Leprosy still a major concern for MSS?

Traditionally leprosy has represented the ultimate symbol of the loneliest order of a hierarchical social system. More than a medical disability, it has been deemed a social disability. It was symbolic of the most down trodden in society. We still receive a number of positive leprosy patients despite the intensive eradication programs by the government. Severely deformed (burnt out) patients, in severe depression, come here in search of a ray of hope to lead a dignified life. MSS believes that if leprosy patients could rise and in fact give back to society, then the message the world should get is that anyone can rise.

Q3. How can I plan my visit to Anandwan?

Our Institution Maharogi Sewa Samiti and its projects are situated in the Vidarbha region of India. Anandwan is located 110kms down south from Nagpur (Metro of Central India - Zero mile) and 90 kms from Wardha in Maharashtra State of Central India. Nearest Railhead is Wardhac (90 kms from Anandwan) or Nagpur (110 kms from Anandwan). Please refer to our Contact Us page for details.

Nearest Airport : Nagpur (100 km from Anandwan).

Anandwan, Warora is about 1.5 hours drive from Wardha and 2 hours drive from Nagpur.

Buses and taxis are available from Wardha as well as from Nagpur.

With prior intimation, taxis can be booked on our behalf.

All buses coming from Wardha or Nagpur go to Chandrapur via Warora. Anandwan is situated near Warora town. On request by the passenger, the bus stops at Anandwan Square. From the Square, Anandwan is just five minutes walking distance.

Accommodation

Charges at Anandwan: Rs. 200/- per person per day. These include full day meals and transport facilities within MSS projects.

Accommodation is available in the form of rooms, dormitories and guest houses depending on group sizes. Prior intimation is necessary.

Food served is purely vegetarian. Internet facility is also available at an additional cost.

Visit to other projects

It takes minimum four days to visit all the MSS projects.

Distances of other Projects from Anandwan:

  • Somnath: 100 kilometers
  • Hemalkasa: 250 kilometers
  • Mulgavan: 70 kilometers
  • Ashokwan: 83 kilometers
  • Nagepalli: 60 kilometers from Hemalkasa

Best Season to Visit: July to March

Climate: April to June is very hot, around 40-45 degrees Centigrade. Rest of the year it is pleasant.

In case you require any guidance/assistance, please contact Mr. Sitakant Prabhu at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q4. Is Anandwan an Ashram?

Anandwan is not an Ashram where we hold spiritual talk-shops or philosophical debates. Baba does not admit to be religious and why indeed should he when religion has come to mean meaningless rituals, division and justification of self righteousness. In the deepest and truest meaning of the term, our work is our religion, our work is our pulpit. 'Shram hi hai Shriram Hamara' (Our Work Is Our God).

Q5. Why does MSS need my donation?

The current problems we face are

  • Re-building the Anandwan infrastructure
    The buildings which are now almost 60 years old need to be urgently re-constructed, also the vehicles and other equipment which have worn-out need to be replaced, for which funds are welcome.
  • Ageing Demographic
    It is estimated that after 10 years almost 1200 leprosy patients who have been serving MSS for the last 50 years will become non-productive, but it is the responsibility of MSS to give them the best possible support.
  • Expansion of new projects and limited resources
    The philosophy of MSS has been to extend its services to all those in need and not just restrict to the leprosy patients. Hence, we have started new initiatives within Anandwan for the blind and the deaf-mute and even new projects like the Center for Social Action. After nearly 60 years of work in rural development MSS has established its own benchmark and hence, now Anandwan residents are moving out to help the socially destitute.
  • Insufficient Government Grants
    The Government grants received per person are not sufficient to provide a respectable living environment for the residents, hence MSS has to incur a per person expenditure in excess of the government grants.

Q6. How do I know MSS is a legitimate non-profit organization?

Maharogi Sewa Samiti is a registered nonprofit organization in India.

Registration Details:

  • Registered under Bombay Public Trusts Act 1950, at the Public Trusts Registration Office, Nagpur Region, Nagpur, on 13th December 1961, Certificate of Registration No. F-24(C)
  • Registered under the Registration of Societies Act XXI of 1860, at Nagpur, on 19th August 1951, Certificate of Registration of Societies No. 17 of 1949-1950

It was established in 1949 and has been recognized by many well-known groups and foundations, both in India and internationally. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has visited Anandwan, the oldest MSS community. Baba Amte has received numerous awards for his work including the Templeton Prize (1990), the Gandhi Peace Prize (1999), and the United Nations Human Rights Prize (1988).

Q7. How can I transfer funds from overseas?

We have SWIFT and FCRA codes for International Funds Transfer.

For more information please contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q8. How do I organize Swaranandwan in my town?

Swaranandwan is a group of 110 enthusiasts including physically challenged performers, system operators, cooks and helpers. We come along with our own sound and light system and also an exhibition-cum-sale unit. 98% of our team is physically challenged; hence, what we need from you is a stage for performance which should be of a minimum size of 30 X 40 feet, a barrier free environment and accommodation in case of an overnight stay. Contact Mrs. Pallavi Amte at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details. You can get more information about Swaranadwan by clicking on the Our Orchestra link.

Q9. How can I order products made at Anandwan?

Stores outside Anandwan:

Nagpur: MLA Hostel, In front of Vasantrao Deshpande Cultural Hall, Civil Lines, Nagpur.

Bombay: In the month of September an exhibition is set up for Anandwan Products at Grahak Peth, Dadar.

For further information or to Set up a stall of our products in your vicinity
Contact Dr. Sheetal Amte -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Q10. What are the various innovative ideas practiced by MSS?

  • Check Dams
  • The Multi-tier Silvipasture System
  • Plastic Reuse and Biological Waste Management
  • Biomass Bank
  • Rehabilitation of Mines
  • Rid the Weed
  • Low Cost Housing

Q11. Are there any contact points in Mumbai?

Shri Ramesh Kacholia
Chairman, Glorimex Pvt. Ltd
Address: 1F, Dhiraj Pen Compound
58-59, Andheri-Kurla Road, Near IndusInd Bank
Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 059
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shri. Dilip Narahar Herlekar
Address: A/208, Ketayun Mansion,
Shahaji Raje Marg,
Vile-Parle (East), Mumbai - 400057
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone number: +91 (22) 2522 4714
Mobile number: +91 99693 43923