Ashok Sawhney Foundation is a social initiative to make available free dignified living for the uncared elderly in a welcoming environment, providing free healthcare and wellness to the left-behind and empowering youth by providing free vocational training, enabling them to get jobs. Ashok Sawhney invested his wealth in creating infrastructure for an old-age home, health centre, and multi-skill development facility at Rangpuri, New Delhi. He donated land measuring approximately 3000 square meters for the purpose.
The Foundation focuses on projects that can transform the lives of society’s poor, neglected, and vulnerable sections. Its programs are designed to make a real difference today and serve as proven models for tomorrow. Association with partners is fashioned to urge scaling up, expanding reach, and experimenting with innovative methodologies to serve society better.
Ashok Sawhney Foundation works directly or with partner Self Help Groups, NGOs, and private & government agencies. The Foundation does not invest in businesses, for-profit organisations or even those that consider themselves social enterprises.
Ashok Sawhney Foundation is an ISO 9001-2015 certified entity. The certification is valid till June 17, 2027.
CERTIFICATE
Ashok Sawhney Foundation is a Charitable Trust registered under the Indian Trust Act of 1882, read with the Indian Registration Act of 1908. It is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) registered with the NGO partnership system of Niti Aayog, the government of India. The donations to the trust are exempted under section 80G of the Income Tax Act. The Foundation is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, for undertaking CSR activities.
• Section 80G Registration No.: ITBA/EXM/S/80G/2019-20/1017850948(1)
• PAN Card Number: AAXTS3148N
• Niti Aayog Registration ID: DL/2019/0242056
• Government Of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Registration No for
undertaking CSR Activities: CSR00051136.
Genesis of Ashok Sawhney Foundation
While visiting his property in Rangpuri, Ashok Sawhney met an elderly man in a black suit who looked lost in thought. Curious, Ashok Sawhney approached him and heard a heartbreaking story. The man had once been a respected professional and a devoted family man. After his retirement, his children betrayed him, robbing him of his savings and abandoning him to face life’s hardships alone. The loss of his wife, who died heartbroken, added to his despair, leaving him wandering, waiting for life to end.
He recited a poignant Urdu couplet:
“Jinpe nisar ki thi zamane ki nehmtain,
Un warison ne kafan mujhe kaat kar diya.”
(“For those I sacrificed all the blessings of life, They gave me even my shroud after cutting it short.”)
This impacted Ashok Sawhney, who resolved to build an old age home on the same property.
Ashok Sawhney’s journey began with extensive research—visiting existing old age homes, consulting NGOs, and seeking guidance from inspiring individuals. Motivated by insights, he devoted his energies and wealth to establishing a serene and welcoming facility. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to ensure senior citizens from all walks of life could feel at home.
This mission was rooted in Ashok Sawhney’s belief in ‘Giving while living.’ In 2015, he started Vridhashram as the foundation’s first initiative. Over time, the foundation expanded to include the Suman Sawhney Healthcare Centre and Suman Sawhney Multi-Skill Development Centre. All, are driven by his belief that true joy comes from serving others.
MISSION
• Transform societal attitudes towards neglected elderly individuals by fostering an environment that ensures dignity, care and sensitivity in their daily lives.
• Advocate for wellness by offering accessible healthcare services and encouraging a culture of healthy living.
• Empower youth to lead fulfilling lives by fostering self-reliance and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.
VISION
The Ashok Sawhney Foundation is a social initiative committed to empowering youth, providing affordable healthcare and ensuring a dignified life for neglected elderly individuals in a compassionate and supportive environment.
VALUES
• Deep commitment to serving society with energy and dedication.
• Treating everyone with respect, free from biases of gender, colour, creed, or social class.
• Embracing innovation to enhance service quality by adopting best practices and modern technologies.
• Integrity as the foundation of all actions, with transparency and strict adherence to regulations guiding every endeavour.
• Build partnerships with civil society organisations, governments, and like-minded individuals to achieve shared visions and goals.
KEY INITIATIVES
The Foundation’s key initiatives include: –
• Vridhashram/Old Age Home: A haven for abandoned senior citizens, offering free accommodations, meals, and medical care. The focus is on
fostering a dignified and fulfilling life within a friendly community of peers.
• Suman Sawhney Healthcare Centre: Provides free outpatient treatment services and diagnostic tests to promote wellness and easy healthcare
accessibility.
• Suman Sawhney Multi-Skill Development Centre: In collaboration with NIIT Foundation, National Skill Development Council (NSDC) partner, Ashok Sawhney Foundation offers advanced facilities and a supportive learning environment for the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned courses. Trained, employable youth are provided placement support.