Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Born into a modest family, Sudhir Bhai Goyal, lovingly known as Bhaiji transformed pain into purpose, dedicating over five decades to serving the abandoned, destitute, and disabled.
What began as a childhood vow to help those society left behind has today become Sewadham Ashram, a sanctuary of compassion, care and hope for over 1,000 lives.
Guided by the mantra “Manav Sewa, Madhav Sewa” (service to humanity is service to god), Sudhir Bhai left a flourishing business in 1989 to build the ashram on barren, snake-infested land near Gambhir Dam.
The ashram began with one mud hut and one dying woman, Gulab Maa and has since become a haven for the mentally ill, disabled, elderly, terminally ill, leprosy patients, destitute women, orphaned children and many more, brought in from hospitals, streets and slums across India.
A science graduate, Bhaiji’s dream of becoming a doctor changed when Vinoba Bhave told him, “become a doctor of service.” Since then, Bhaiji’s life has been an embodiment of sewa, shiksha, swasthya, swavlamban and Sadbhav, the five values his mission stands on.
His work in leprosy rehabilitation, education for marginalised children and empowerment of the differently-abled has earned praise from Mother Teresa, Baba Amte and leaders across India. His efforts have resulted in over 178 body donations, 500 eye donations and 4,000 successful rehabilitations into mainstream society.
During the 2020 mass wedding event for differently-abled couples, he and his wife Kanta Devi performed kanyadaan for 29 brides a world record. Despite losing his son, facing opposition and financial collapse, Bhaiji never faltered. His wife and daughters now stand beside him at Sewadham.
His environmental efforts, from deepening the Gambhir Dam to planting 125,000+ trees, have safeguarded water and life for future generations. His Gaushala houses over 100 rescued, non-productive cows.
Bhaiji’s journey is one of grit, grace and relentless giving, a life lived for others, without seeking anything in return.
“Sudhir Bhai is not just an institution; he is the soul of humanity in action. His 56 years of sacrifice reflect the deepest essence of compassion and service, says president of the Association of Industries Madhya Pradesh (AIMP), Yogesh Mehta.
