Life Has Thrown Many Curveballs My Way, But I Was Resolved To Serve The Needy

“I was heavily influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi very early on in life. My parents would tell me stories of freedom fighters, some from my own family, and I remember being in awe of their determination and sacrifice. All this stayed with me and I thought about it often. When I was 13, I decided to start a small school in the village Ajnoti near my hometown Indore. Little did I know that it was just the beginning for me.

Over the years I saw a lot of people suffering around me. My uncle suffered from a mental illness, and my grandmother too. My friend’s brother struggled with his disability but they were all helpless. I then decided that I would become a doctor. But my life’s path changed when I met Acharya Vinoba Bhave in 1976. I’ll never forget what he told me — “the soul of India is in its villages and true service to humanity lies in serving the villages.” I was resolved to help the abandoned, disabled and destitute.

Life has thrown many curveballs my way. I lost my only son suddenly, my sister was murdered by her own husband and soon my father passed away. It felt like I had lost everything I had, but I think it only made my resolve stronger.

I started Sewadham Ashram to give dying and destitute people a safe home and the love, care, and compassion they deserve. It’s been over 30 years since, and we’ve come a long way from serving our first resident and overcoming challenges of water and electricity, to helping over 10000 people get a new lease on life and rehabilitating over 4000 people. We have even conducted the last rites of people according to their individual religious beliefs. Everyone regardless of age, gender, caste, creed, and religion is welcome at Sewadham.

Today, I live with my family on the ashram premises and we’re dedicated to giving these people the best life possible. When I see them smiling at me, I see God in them.

My journey has changed me in ways I can’t describe in words. I still carry my childhood learnings with me and that every day is an opportunity to make a difference.”

- Sudhir Bhai Goyal, Founder, Sewadham Ashram