Our History
Mahaneh-Dan Fellowship began in 1989 with a simple yet powerful vision—to reach underserved communities and bring meaningful change. What started as a small training center in Mumbai with just five students has grown into a dynamic charitable organization impacting lives across India.
Registered in 1991 under the Mumbai Public Trust Act, the organization initially established five centers in Maharashtra and Gujarat, supported by a small but dedicated team. From those early efforts, the work steadily expanded into rural and underserved regions where access to education, guidance, and support was limited.
Today, Mahaneh-Dan Fellowship serves communities across 15 states in India and has recently extended its work into Nepal. With over 650 centers and community groups and more than 275 full-time workers, the organization continues to invest in people through training, education, and community-based initiatives.
A key strength of the organization lies in its commitment to developing local leadership. Many of its centers are led by individuals who have been trained through its programs, ensuring sustainable impact and long-term transformation within communities.
As Mahaneh-Dan Fellowship continues to grow, it remains dedicated to expanding its reach and strengthening its programs to serve more communities in need. Your support can play a vital role in helping extend this impact and bring lasting change to many more lives.
One of the core initiatives of Mahaneh-Dan Fellowship is the establishment of community centers in some of the most underserved regions. With nearly 90% of its work focused in remote villages and tribal areas, the organization is committed to reaching communities that often lack access to essential resources and opportunities.
A significant number of these centers are led by graduates of Mahaneh-Dan’s training programs. Equipped with skills, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose, they serve as catalysts for change—helping to build sustainable support systems and empower local communities from within.