After Protecting The Nation For Years, This Ex-Army Officer is Now Changing The Lives Of The Poor & Elderly

They say that once you join the Indian Army, the values you learn stay with you forever. A soldier never forgets the selflessness, courage, discipline and utmost love it takes to protect the nation. Their unwavering dedication and patriotism continue long after they have left the armed services. And what better example of this than Kisan Mallari Lokhande, a real-life hero who once was an army officer, participating in the Kargil War, and today continues to serve others selflessly through his NGO, Maratha Life Foundation. 

“I served in the Indian Army for seventeen years, but when both my parents suddenly fell severely ill, I had to take early retirement. My parents had always told me that even when I left the Army, I should continue serving the people of this country, especially the poor and elderly, those who have no one to call their own. Maratha Life Foundation was started with their teachings at the core of it. And today, I continue to help hundreds of people in their name.” - Kisan Mallari Lokhande, Founder

With The Help Of The Police, Kisan Has Rescued & Reunited Hundreds Of People Over The Years

Maratha Life Foundation may be known as an ashram, but for the 220+ people who live here, this is home. Everyone that comes here is given the best care. From food to medical treatment, they spare nothing to ensure these residents have everything they need to survive.

“We find out about these people from the police. Some have been missing from their homes for years, and some have no one to go back to, especially the elderly. When the police tell us about the person, we bring them in and look after them, providing them with any medical treatment they need and giving them a safe place to recover. We also work with the police to try and reunite them with their families, and over the years we’ve reunited hundreds of them.”

However, the ashram also has people who have been staying with them for 10-12 years now, many of whom are old, sick and alone.

“I started the NGO in 2006, and have come across so many helpless people over the years. But I’ve seen the difference the right care can make. A few years ago, we rescued an older man who had spent years living near the bus stand. When he came here, his leg had gangrene, he couldn’t eat or drink without throwing up and he was severely malnourished. I took him to several hospitals but everyone said he wouldn’t survive. But I knew he deserved a chance. I finally found a hospital that was willing to take him in. My son and I donated blood for him. While his leg had to be amputated, he survived. And today he is even working with us.”

Kisan has changed the lives of countless people, but for him to be able to continue his work, he needs your support.

They’re Struggling To Continue Serving Those In Need Without Regular Support

Maratha Life Foundation face uncertainty every month because they lack regular donors. This constant struggle means they need your help to provide essential groceries, hygiene items, and medicines for the well-being of the people they take in. They also need help in getting construction materials to improve their facilities, including better rooms and a dining hall, as well as obtaining an ambulance for timely medical care for their residents.

Kisan, who dedicated years to serving and protecting our nation, now needs our support to sustain his NGO. Let's stand behind this dedicated soldier's noble mission of helping hundreds of people in need.

About the NGO: Mr. Kisan Mallari Lokhande, the founder of the Maratha Life Foundation, served as an Army Officer and supported the Vijay Kargil War. He turned his parents' dream into reality by establishing the Maratha Life Foundation in Palghar, Maharashtra to continue serving our nation. The Ashram is a sanctuary dedicated to providing shelter, care, and support to those who are in need, including less fortunate individuals, animals, and parentless children. Maratha Life Foundation operates as a non-profit organization, with a special focus on accommodating senior citizens referred by different police stations.