Who we are

Who We Are

Our founders pioneered the movement for women’s empowerment at the turn of the 20th century. Today, over 100 years later, we are proud to continue to build on their legacy and steer Seva Sadan towards the welfare of marginalised girls. We offer them holistic upbringing and a secure childhood, equip them with education and life-skills relevant to our times, and give them hope for a brighter future.

Guddi Advani, President, Seva Sadan Society

Ahead of Their Time

It was early 20th century, an uncharitable and unjust period in India when disadvantaged women found it very difficult to survive the bigotry of Indian society. Widowed and destitute women were exploited, persecuted and lived under the harsh and repressive cultural attitudes of the times.  

Fighting against these injustices were social activists and philanthropists Shri Behramji Malabari and Diwan Dayaram Gidumal, who were determined to emancipate, educate, and empower those unfortunate women who were treated as outcasts of society. They founded Seva Sadan Society in 1908 in Mumbai as a refuge where impoverished and oppressed women of all communities could find protection, care, and a home where they could live a life of peace, respect, and dignity.

Ahead of Their Time

Diwan Dayaram Gidumal (left), Shri Behramji Malabari (right)

More than 100 years later, our founders’ vision has not only endured but continues to evolve with the needs of the times.

Dedicated to Change

Today, we care for nearly 100 girls at Seva Sadan. They live in the safety and security of our residential Home, where we provide them with clean and comfortable living quarters, balanced nutrition, and healthcare and offer professional counselling to deal with personal struggles and help them gain emotional stability. We empower them with quality education and employable skills along with maturity and confidence to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. We teach them ethical and moral values and guide them to build healthy relationships so that they grow up to be happy, self-reliant, and well-adjusted individuals.

Dedicated to Change