“We’ve found these children abandoned near garbage dumps, struggling to survive on their own. Just days ago, they didn’t even know how to eat by themselves, and now they’re forced to beg on the streets, where they’re often taken advantage of,” says Anil Singh, Founder of Jeevan.

For 32 years, Anil Singh has been a ray of hope for disabled and orphaned children around the coal mines of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. When their own families gave up on them, Anil and his team stepped in, offering not just education and medical care, but the love and support these children deserve.

A deep desire to change the lives of these underprivileged children inspired him to start this organization

Back when no one understood the struggles of the specially-abled, Anil knew he had to make a difference. He pursued a Diploma in Mental Retardation, and over the years he met parents who had nowhere to turn for help. Many of these parents, underprivileged and unaware, would leave their children on their own, without any support.

In 1992, Anil founded Jeevan, a non-profit organization in Dhanbad, that became a lifeline for these children. Jeevan provided more than just a haven—it offered them a new beginning. Anil’s mission was to give these children education, healthcare, and vocational training, opportunities they had been denied because of their extreme poverty.

“All I have ever wanted was to give these children a life filled with happiness and comfort. I never wanted anyone to feel like they were a burden to their families,” Anil shares.

These children may be teenagers, but their mental age is that of a young child. They struggle with simple tasks—holding a spoon or even expressing when they need to use the washroom. The dedicated staff at Jeevan work patiently to teach them basic life skills, helping them become more independent.

Sadly, many of these children have faced terrible abuse. Anil recalls, “Rani* was intellectually disabled, always smiling. But when we saw the marks and bruises on her body, we realized she had been sexually assaulted. We did everything we could to help her. These children come to us deeply traumatized and scared, and we work hard to break through their fear with love and care.”

Help Anil continue taking care of these special children in need 

Under Anil’s care, Jeevan has transformed the lives of over 16,000 innocent children over the past 30 years. Today, Jeevan is home to 72 children, with over 30 of them living in the shelter.

This past May, heavy rains and storms caused the boys’ hostel to collapse. The building was already vulnerable because it was built over hollow land near the coal mines, and there were no funds to rebuild. Recently, more rains in Dhanbad have made things worse, causing the canteen and girls’ hostel to break down. A temporary shed has been set up, but it’s not enough. They urgently need construction materials to rebuild.

Also, Jeevan needs groceries to feed the children and stationery for their education. Anil is struggling with huge loans, and regular donors have not been able to help. Your support could make a world of difference for these children.

About the NGO: In 1992, Anil founded Jeevan, a non-profit organization in Dhanbad, that became a lifeline for hundred of specially-abled children. Jeevan provided more than just a haven—it offered them a new beginning. Anil’s mission was to give these children education, healthcare, and vocational training, opportunities they had been denied because of their extreme poverty.