Founded in 1919 by visionary medical pioneers Dr Mhaskar and Dr Tilak, The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society has been a pillar of community support for over a century. Despite its initial successes, by 1985, the organization faced severe financial challenges and was on the verge of shutting down. In this turbulent period, Dr Madhav Sathe, a dedicated anesthesiologist affiliated with Bombay Hospital and Breach Candy Hospital, was reluctantly entrusted with the role of Joint Honorary Secretary.
Dr Sathe’s leadership journey began under difficult circumstances, with the trust grappling with financial instability and operational hurdles. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he and a committed team of supporters embarked on a mission to rejuvenate the organization. Dr Sathe took decisive steps to restructure its operations, introducing thoughtful management strategies and fostering a culture of long-term planning.
Despite the formidable challenges, including labour disputes and limited resources, Dr Sathe’s resilience and strategic foresight proved transformational. Through disciplined financial stewardship and innovative initiatives, he not only saved the trust from collapse but positioned it as a self-sufficient, purpose-driven entity recognized as a “Not for Loss” organization.
Under Dr Sathe’s inspiring leadership, the trust revitalized its commitment to serving the community, honouring the legacy of its founders while adapting to changing societal needs. Today, the Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society stands as a beacon of hope and perseverance, a testament to Dr Sathe’s unwavering dedication and the enduring power of visionary leadership.
A Remarkable Journey of Social Welfare
The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society stands as a pillar of support, dedicated to uplifting communities across Mumbai, Pune, and Sangli districts through impactful social initiatives.
In Mumbai, the organization operates a low-cost hospital in South Mumbai, equipped with advanced medical technology to deliver accessible healthcare. It also manages two convalescent homes, providing residential care for cancer patients undergoing treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital. To support working parents, it runs three daycare centers that offer a safe and nurturing environment for children.
In Pune’s Rajgurunagar Taluka, the society focuses on holistic community development. It operates a rural hospital, providing quality healthcare to villagers. Additionally, it promotes health, hygiene, and nutrition for women and children across 92 tribal villages. Partnering with the government, the society has introduced e-learning in tribal schools and installed solar power resources to provide electricity to schools and communities. A mobile education van equipped with computers brings education to remote areas.
Women’s empowerment remains central to the organization’s mission. Through vocational training programs, over 5,000 women have gained skills such as tailoring, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to their family’s income.
In Sangli district, the society extends its healthcare efforts by managing a rural hospital to meet essential medical needs.
Through its comprehensive and compassionate initiatives, the Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society continues to transform lives, embodying the true essence of social welfare.
Compassion and Purpose-Driven Transformation
The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society stands as a symbol of compassion and goodwill, leveraging its resources and community support to make a meaningful impact. Recognizing the need for organizational transformation, Dr Sathe made strategic decisions to optimize the society’s assets for greater community service.
One of the pivotal changes involved repurposing a struggling low-cost hospital into a supportive care center for cancer patients visiting Tata Memorial Hospital. For over four decades, this center has been a lifeline, offering affordable accommodation and essential amenities like private rooms and communal kitchens, easing the burden on patients and their families.
This innovative move marked the society’s journey toward sustainability and expanded service offerings. As societal demographics evolved, the hospital adapted by transforming into a modern healthcare facility equipped with advanced technology and staffed by compassionate professionals.
By lowering costs and enhancing care quality, the hospital earned patient trust and loyalty. Dr Tilak Hospital, as it is now known, has become a preferred healthcare destination, a testament to the dedication of its medical team and the organization’s commitment to service.
Through thoughtful initiatives and unwavering compassion, The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society continues to embody its mission of serving the community with innovation, care, and integrity.
Social Innovation through Rural Development
The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society has been at the forefront of social innovation through rural development, addressing the evolving needs of communities with creativity and compassion. Recognizing the challenges faced by working women, particularly those from middle-income households, the society expanded its existing creche facilities to provide a holistic environment for children while their mothers were at work. The extension of creches in Vile Parle, Goregaon East, and Lower Parel offered physical care and nurturing environments enriched with storytelling murals, hobby classes, tuition support, and cultural education. This innovation not only eased the burden on working parents but also provided a supportive space for the growth and development of over 700 children.
In addition to urban initiatives, the society has prioritized rural development, recognizing the importance of extending its services to marginalized communities. The renovation of the Rajgurunagar Hospital in 1996 marked a significant milestone in this endeavour, transforming a modest healthcare centre into a comprehensive facility equipped to address the diverse healthcare needs of rural residents. Despite the financial challenges inherent in rural development, the society’s commitment to social welfare led it to collaborate with the central government’s RCH program, enabling it to gain firsthand insights into the pressing issues facing rural communities.
Through their involvement in the RCH program, Dr Sathe, as the organisation’s secretary, gained invaluable experience in grassroots development and identified solutions to address the unique challenges villagers face. This proactive approach to rural development exemplifies the society’s dedication to serving society’s most vulnerable populations and its willingness to innovate and adapt to meet evolving needs. By leveraging its resources and expertise, the Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society continues to impact the lives of individuals and communities in urban and rural areas.
Driving Grassroots Transformation: The Impact of The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society
The Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society has been a transformative force, bringing meaningful change to rural communities. Dr Sathe’s insightful, bottom-up approach to policy development has allowed the organization to address villagers’ needs effectively, resulting in enduring positive outcomes.
Education has been a key focus area for the society. Recognizing that conventional teaching methods were ineffective in engaging rural children, the society introduced technology-driven learning solutions, including animated digital curriculums and projector-based teaching. These innovations sparked a newfound enthusiasm for learning, leading to increased school attendance and participation. Initially launched in 72 schools in 2013, the program has since expanded to 600 schools, benefiting 30,000 students.
Healthcare initiatives have also made a significant impact. The society’s door-to-door services offer critical medical assistance, vaccinations, and nutritional guidance. Programs such as nutritional support for malnourished children and fruit tree plantation projects have improved health outcomes while promoting sustainable livelihoods for families.
Investing in human capital has been another cornerstone of the society’s success. Despite limited formal education, employees have demonstrated loyalty and a strong commitment to growth. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowerment, the organization has cultivated a dedicated workforce that champions social change.
Through its holistic approach, the Bombay Mothers and Children Welfare Society continues to empower communities, enhance health and education, and drive sustainable development, standing as a beacon of hope across Maharashtra.
