Maher (NGO)

Maher's emphasis on interfaith is essential in everyday life, but shows especially during festivities and celebrations to promote peace, harmony and brotherhood.

In November 2012, Maher celebrated the Hindu festival of light - Diwali - in a special way: people from different religions recited verses and prayed together.

Today, Maher is served by a loving community of doctors, social workers, teachers, trustees, business people and volunteers, providing homes for over 10 000 full-time residents (4237 children, 4637 women and 1015 mentally ill/aged destitute men) in addition to the thousands more reached by community programs such as kindergartens, self-help groups, village libraries, and so on.

Maher and Sister Lucy Kurien have featured several times on Indian television, including the popular show Satyamev Jayate hosted by actor Aamir Khan, and also on Vatican Radio.

Additionally Maher founder, Sister Lucy, has had the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Bill Clinton on different occasions.

The children are supported in their skills and strengths as well by receiving singing-, dancing- and instrumental- such as Tabla-classes after which they can showcase their abilities when performing during festivities.

In order to educate both children and adults on the topic as well as make them aware of Maher’s steps to prevent pollution and waste regular presentations and interactive projects are prepared.

Maher therefore plans to build a house for homeless and indigent transgender-people where other members of the LGBTQ+ community can also find a welcoming home.

Other plans for the future include: The expansion and extension of old and planned houses for women, men and children Built of a Maher-Hall in Vadhu for events, Ambulances to transport patients as quickly and safely to the hospital as possible, Built of a guest-house in Vatsalyadham, Holiday home for grown-up Maher-children who want to stay with Maher for a while, Home for elderly Maher-staff And a "Youth-Hostel" in Pune City for Maher-Children who attend school/university in Pune City in order for them to have a shorter travel-journey.

The organization is led by women leaders - the Founder Sister Lucy Kurien, the president Hirabegum Mulla and the Secretary Dr. Nicola Pawar as well as an assortment of trustees, Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, Aniruddha Gadankush, Mercy Mendoca and Yogesh Bhor.