Matru Sewa Sangh: Nagpur’s Century-Old Caregiver
- thenewsdirt
- Jan 22
- 6 min read
Nestled in the heart of Nagpur, Matru Sewa Sangh stands as a living testament to the power of human empathy and determination.
Its foundation, laid over a century ago, whispers stories of quiet revolutionaries who redefined societal norms through simple yet powerful acts of service.
For those who step into its history and its ongoing journey, the Sangh is a narrative of unwavering hope and care.
Humble Beginnings, Mighty Aspirations
In 1921, amidst the streets of Sitabuldi in Nagpur, Matru Sewa Sangh took its first steps under the stewardship of a determined young woman, Kamalatai Hospet.
Kamalatai’s journey to establishing this institution was as remarkable as the Sangh itself. Born Yamuna Krushna Mohoni in a small village in Maharashtra, she was married off at the tender age of 12, only to face widowhood three years later.
At an age when many succumbed to the rigid societal expectations of early 20th-century India, Kamalatai chose an unconventional path that would change countless lives.
Widowhood in that era came with significant social stigma, often stripping women of opportunities and autonomy. However, Kamalatai defied the limitations placed upon her. With unwavering resolve, she pursued a career in nursing, enrolling at the Dufferin Hospital in Nagpur.
Her experiences there, as a young widow navigating a predominantly male-dominated environment, ignited a profound sense of purpose within her.
Witnessing the lack of adequate healthcare for Indian women, particularly during childbirth, planted the seeds of her vision of a haven for women where dignity and care were not privileges but fundamental rights.
The idea of creating such a maternity home became Kamalatai’s calling. She found a kindred spirit in Venutai Nene, a social reformer equally passionate about addressing the needs of women.
Together, they laid the groundwork for Matru Sewa Sangh. The organisation’s mission was clear, to offer maternal care to women irrespective of caste, creed, or financial means.
The first maternity home was set up in a modest space in Sitabuldi. It was not grand, but it was driven by a grand vision. The facility catered to women who had long been neglected by mainstream healthcare systems.
In its early days, the maternity home functioned with limited resources, yet it quickly became a refuge for expectant mothers in need of care. Kamalatai’s personal involvement, be it nursing patients, managing operations, or offering emotional support, exemplified the ethos of the Sangh.
Every service provided was a testament to her belief that compassionate care could uplift and empower even the most marginalised.
Matru Sewa Sangh began to gain recognition within the community. Women who previously feared medical institutions, often due to discrimination or neglect, found solace within its walls.
This growing trust among women and their families was a defining moment in the Sangh’s history. It wasn’t merely a maternity home, it became a place where societal norms were quietly challenged, and where women’s health and dignity were prioritised.
The Sangh’s early days were marked by challenges that could have deterred many. Limited funds, societal scepticism, and the sheer scale of the task ahead were obstacles.
However, Kamalatai and her team persevered, fuelled by their shared belief in the importance of their mission. Their determination to create a space for women where quality healthcare was not a privilege but an accessible service became the cornerstone of Matru Sewa Sangh’s legacy.
By laying the foundation of the Sangh, Kamalatai and Venutai initiated a ripple effect that would extend far beyond the walls of that small maternity home in Nagpur.
The Sangh’s roots were not merely in bricks and mortar but in the selfless vision of its founders, whose efforts ensured that every woman walking through its doors was met with dignity, care, and respect.
Evolution of a Mission
From its humble origins, Matru Sewa Sangh grew into a network of service-oriented initiatives aimed at uplifting the vulnerable sections of society.
The maternity home in Sitabuldi expanded its scope to offer comprehensive healthcare services, including antenatal care, family planning, and neonatal support. It now houses a well-equipped facility with 75 beds and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), catering to modern medical needs while retaining its commitment to affordability.
The organisation’s reach extended beyond healthcare. Recognising the interconnected nature of social issues, it ventured into education and social welfare, embodying its belief in holistic community upliftment.
Each initiative was a step closer to addressing the myriad challenges faced by women, children, and the elderly.
In 1958, Matru Sewa Sangh Institute of Social Work was established, furthering the Sangh’s vision of empowering individuals through education.
Affiliated with Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, the institute offers graduate and postgraduate degrees in social work. Its commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its accreditation by NAAC with a ‘B++’ grade.
The institute doesn’t just churn out degree holders; it nurtures compassionate change-makers who carry forward the Sangh’s legacy. Students are equipped to address real-world challenges, working in sectors like child welfare, community health, and women’s empowerment.
Caring for the Vulnerable
Matru Sewa Sangh’s compassion extends to the elderly and differently-abled. Panchawati Vruddhashram, a residential home for senior citizens, offers a sanctuary of comfort and dignity.
Established in 1961, the home provides nutritious meals, healthcare, and companionship, ensuring a life of respect and warmth for its residents.
Similarly, Snehangan, a residential school for differently-abled children, exemplifies the Sangh’s inclusive approach. The school not only imparts education but also provides medical care, enabling these children to lead more fulfilling lives.
The Foundling Home, started in 1982, is another significant chapter in Matru Sewa Sangh’s story. This facility cares for orphaned and abandoned children, providing them with a nurturing environment and facilitating adoption processes.
Each child here is a reminder of the Sangh’s unwavering belief in second chances and the right to a brighter future.
Continuous Innovation
The Sangh’s capacity for growth and adaptation has been one of its greatest strengths. Over the years, it has consistently expanded its services to meet the evolving needs of the community.
A recent example is the addition of eye and dental departments at its Mahal branch, a 97-year-old establishment known for maternity and gynaecological care.
These new facilities were inaugurated in January 2025, showcasing the Sangh’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
The organisation’s dedication to medical advancements is also evident in its Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs. A session on the management of Rh-negative pregnancies, held recently, highlighted its focus on staying at the forefront of healthcare innovations.
Matru Sewa Sangh’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Kamalatai Hospet, its co-founder, was awarded the Padma Shri in 1961, and the organisation received the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 1980.
The Sangh has also been a favourite of prominent leaders. From Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi, many have lauded its pioneering efforts in community service. These endorsements have further cemented its reputation as an organisation built on principles of fairness and inclusivity.
As Matru Sewa Sangh celebrates over a century of its existence, it is not just an institution but a living embodiment of its founders’ dreams.
The challenges it has faced and overcome have only strengthened its resolve. Whether it’s the smile of a newborn’s mother, the gratitude of an elderly resident, or the success of a young social worker, Sangh’s impact resonates in countless lives.
The journey of Matru Sewa Sangh is far from over. With every new service and initiative, it reaffirms its commitment to a world where care, dignity, and opportunity are not privileges but rights.
The Sangh continues to inspire with its ability to adapt to modern needs while staying rooted in its core values.
Matru Sewa Sangh in Nagpur is a symbol of compassion and a reminder of what determined individuals can achieve when they come together for the greater good.
References
Matru Sewa Sangh. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://matrusewasangh.com/about-us/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Matru Sewa Sangh. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matru_Sewa_Sangh
Times of India. (2025). Matru Sewa Sangh Mahal adds eye and dental departments ahead of centenary. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/matru-seva-sangh-mahal-adds-eye-and-dental-departments-ahead-of-centenary/articleshow/117361738.cms
Times of India. (2024). Emotional reunion: Ingrid returns to her roots at Matru Sewa Sangh. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/emotional-reunion-ingrid-returns-to-her-roots-at-matru-seva-sangh/articleshow/115124570.cms
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