Nitya Saarthi Foundation · Palghar, Maharashtra
Let’s give every tribal child a fair chance at life
In the villages of Vikramgad, Wada, Jawhar and Mokhada, bright children study on stairs, by torchlight, after walking kilometres to school. We stand beside them, with free coaching, clean water, safe classrooms and healthcare.
Every one of them deserves a Saarthi.
असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.✺विद्यां ददाति विनयं विनयाद्याति पात्रताम् । पात्रत्वाद्धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम् ॥Knowledge gives humility; humility makes one worthy; worth brings prosperity; prosperity, right action; and from that, happiness.✺कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन । मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥Your right is to the work alone, never to its fruits. Do not work for reward, nor turn away from work.✺अन्नदानं परं दानं विद्यादानमतः परम् । अन्नेन क्षणिका तृप्तिः यावज्जीवं च विद्यया ॥Giving food is a great gift; giving knowledge is greater. Food satisfies for a moment, knowledge for a lifetime.✺दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥A gift given because giving is right, to one who cannot repay, at the right place and time, to the right person: that is a pure gift.✺सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see goodness, and may no one suffer.✺असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.✺विद्यां ददाति विनयं विनयाद्याति पात्रताम् । पात्रत्वाद्धनमाप्नोति धनाद्धर्मं ततः सुखम् ॥Knowledge gives humility; humility makes one worthy; worth brings prosperity; prosperity, right action; and from that, happiness.✺कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन । मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥Your right is to the work alone, never to its fruits. Do not work for reward, nor turn away from work.✺अन्नदानं परं दानं विद्यादानमतः परम् । अन्नेन क्षणिका तृप्तिः यावज्जीवं च विद्यया ॥Giving food is a great gift; giving knowledge is greater. Food satisfies for a moment, knowledge for a lifetime.✺दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥A gift given because giving is right, to one who cannot repay, at the right place and time, to the right person: that is a pure gift.✺सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥May all be happy, may all be free from illness, may all see goodness, and may no one suffer.✺
When the power goes, the studying doesn’t.
Exam season at camp in Vikramgad.
Hours every day, just to carry water.
Until the village got its own well, pump and taps.
Diwali, together.
Far from home, but never alone.
Joy, every single day.
Music, dance and festivals are part of camp life.
About us
Real service begins when we start seeing people as teachers
At Nitya Saarthi Foundation, we have always believed that real service begins when we stop looking at people as beneficiaries and start seeing them as teachers. Every child we meet, every village we work in, and every challenge we encounter reminds us that purpose is found in presence, not in recognition.
We work alongside deprived and often ignored communities in Palghar, from education and infrastructure to mentorship and long-term capacity building, so that change is sustainable, not short-term relief.
Our impact
What you have made possible
Nitya Saarthi’s work moves a whole village forward: a child’s schooling, the family’s water, the school’s walls, everyone’s health.
5000+ studentsShiksha — Education
Students directly impacted through education.
3000+ villagersJal — Water
Villagers impacted due to water initiatives.
6000+ studentsShala — Schools
Students benefited from infrastructure projects.
Every child, a reason to keep going.
500+ familiesSwasthya — Health
Families benefited from healthcare projects.
500+ studentsGanit — Abacus
Students enrolled for Abacus Learning.
2000+ treesVriksha — Trees
Trees planted till date.
Most students secure more than 85% in their 10th grade, and most are pursuing higher professional education in Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Nursing from reputed institutes of Maharashtra.
From our camps
Moments that keep us going
Meals shared at camp, books in new hands, numbers on an abacus: everyday moments from the villages and schools we work with.
Give with purpose
How do you want to help a child today?
Every gift reaches the ground. Choose what you want your support to do — and see it happen.
100% reaches the project · 80G tax benefit · Visit anytime
Education
Sponsor a student
Free stay, food and coaching for a tribal student in Class 10, 11 or 12.
Books
Books for a batch
Textbooks, guides and stationery, so no one studies from a borrowed page.
Water
Water for a village
A well, a solar pump and taps, so girls carry books instead of pots.
Nutrition
Meals at camp
Nutritious meals for children who study from dawn to night.
Health
Health cards for families
Door-to-door Ayushman Bharat registration: hospital cover up to ₹5 lakh.
Trees
Plant a tree
Our students have planted 2,000+ trees across Vikramgad.
Sponsor a student
Choose how you want to help
Every gift goes to the residential programme for bright students from deprived villages: stay, food, coaching and care.
₹2,000
Books for a student
Textbooks, guides and stationery for a full year.
₹5,000
A month of meals
Nutritious meals at the residential camp for a month.
₹30,000
Sponsor a student for a year
One student’s residential programme for a full year: stay, food, coaching and care.
A journey, mile by mile
The Nitya Saarthi Roadmap
From three broken classrooms in 2018 to hundreds of children every year — this is the road we have walked together.
The journey of Nitya Saarthi Foundation began on the ground. In 2018, we stepped into Chhatrapati Vidyalaya and witnessed classrooms in urgent need of care and safety. That year marked our first act of service, renewing and refurbishing the school, creating a safer, brighter space for children to learn and grow. Change begins by showing up.
2018
We Came. We Saw. We Built.
Our first act of service: Chhatrapati Vidyalaya renewed and made safe.
In 2019, education became a central focus. MBA students from Jamnalal Bajaj and MET volunteered to teach children from the villages, laying the foundation for structured learning. Later that year the programme evolved into a more systematic teaching model, with regular classes and consistent engagement. 2019 also marked the first-ever Mumbai Darshan trip.
2019
Education Takes Root
MBA volunteers start teaching, and the first Mumbai Darshan trip.
Access to water was a daily struggle for nearby villages. Children and adults walked long distances every day to fetch water from far-off wells. We implemented a water well and pipeline project, ensuring reliable water supply reached villages directly. It restored dignity, health, and opportunity, especially for children who could now focus on education instead of survival.
2020
We Supply. We Connect.
A water well and pipeline bring water directly to the villages.
The years 2020 and 2021 brought unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. But education did not stop. Nitya Saarthi Foundation ensured that learning continued despite restrictions, adapting methods, supporting students, and staying connected through every possible means. These years tested resilience and strengthened commitment.
2021
Learning Through Uncertainty
Learning continued through COVID-19.
In 2023, we took a significant leap forward. For the first time, Nitya Saarthi Foundation launched a fully integrated two-year full residential education programme, focused on preparing students for JEE, NEET and CET examinations. This marked a shift from support-based learning to long-term academic transformation.
2023
A New Chapter in Education
The first two-year full residential programme.
Building on the residential programme, 2024 focused on refining systems, structure, and academic processes to enhance outcomes. It also witnessed the largest Mumbai Darshan trip till date, giving students broader exposure, inspiration, and a deeper belief in what is possible.
2024
Strengthening Systems & Expanding Exposure
Stronger systems and the largest Mumbai Darshan trip till date.
In 2025, the foundation continued to strengthen its educational initiatives, with yet another large-scale Mumbai Darshan trip, reinforcing consistency and scale. By now, the journey was no longer about starting; it was about sustaining and growing with intention.
2025
Continuity, Scale, and Confidence
Another large-scale Mumbai Darshan trip.
Nitya Saarthi Foundation aims to establish a Skill Development Centre on approximately four acres of land, creating pathways for vocational training, employability, and long-term self-reliance, because education must lead to empowerment, and empowerment must lead to independence.
2026
Looking Ahead: Skill & Self-Reliance
A Skill Development Centre on about four acres of land.
Year by year
How the journey grew
Hover over a year (or tap it on your phone) to read what happened. Use the arrows to step through.
Education Takes Root
In 2019, education became a central focus. MBA students from Jamnalal Bajaj and MET volunteered to teach children from the villages, laying the foundation for structured learning. Later that year the programme evolved into a more systematic teaching model, with regular classes and consistent engagement. 2019 also marked the first-ever Mumbai Darshan trip, opening young minds to possibilities far beyond their villages.
We Supply. We Connect.
Access to water was a daily struggle for nearby villages; children and adults walked long distances every day to fetch water from far-off wells. We implemented a water well and pipeline project, ensuring reliable water supply reached villages directly. This intervention restored dignity, health, and opportunity, especially for children who could now focus on education instead of survival.
Learning Through Uncertainty
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. But education did not stop. During this period, Nitya Saarthi Foundation ensured that learning continued despite restrictions, adapting methods, supporting students, and staying connected through every possible means. These years tested resilience and strengthened commitment.
A New Chapter in Education
In 2023, we took a significant leap forward. For the first time, Nitya Saarthi Foundation launched a fully integrated two-year full residential education programme, focused on preparing students for JEE, NEET and CET examinations. This marked a shift from support-based learning to long-term academic transformation, nurturing ambition, discipline, and confidence.
Our work
Our Work
Education first, and everything a child needs around it: water at home, a safe classroom, health cover, and a world bigger than the village.
Education
Free stay, food and coaching for Class 10–12, and a two-year residential programme for JEE, NEET and CET.
Water
Wells, solar pumps and village taps, so girls carry books instead of pots.
Schools
Unsafe classrooms rebuilt in 30 days — 5,000+ students have learned in them since.
Health
Door-to-door Ayushman Bharat and ABHA registration in 13 villages.
Abacus
Abacus classes for 400 children in four schools.
Trees
2,000+ trees planted by our students across Vikramgad.
Impact in action
Results that make us proud
SSC results of Nitya Saarthi students, 2022–23 to 2025–26. Every student who stayed with us through the year passed.
216/216
Students passed — 100%
74
Scored above 80%
123
Scored above 75%
4 / 4
Years of taluka toppers
From classrooms to campuses
Our students, now in higher education
Most students are pursuing higher professional education in Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Nursing from reputed institutes of Maharashtra.
Jatin Bhoir
Mechanical Engineering
Harshal Satvi
Computer Engineering
Mayuri Wagh
Computer Engineering
Darshan Nimse
Computer Engineering
Sanika Dabke
Computer Engineering
Vidya Govind Wagh
Civil Engineering
Prerna Deshmukh
Horticulture
Jatin Patil
Fine Arts
Saniya Rao
Civil Engineering
Pranav Patil
Mechanical Engineering
Achyut Patil
IT Engineering
Yamini Bhoir
Fishery
Yadnesh Khandagale
Civil Engineering
Vidya Rajesh Wagh
B.Sc. Mathematics
Riya Pandav
Computer Engineering
Punam Lahange
Civil Engineering
Krupa Mahale
B. Pharmacy
Aditi Babar
Horticulture
Mayur Patil
Zoology (B.Sc.)
Snehal Dhapasi
Computer Engineering
The journey, in their own words
Meet the children, the teachers and the volunteers behind Nitya Saarthi.
About the magazine
Saarthi: the journey of education, empowerment & hope
Saarthi is our magazine, published in January 2026. It is not a record of achievements; it is a reflection of belief. It brings together the stories, photographs and results behind every project, written so that anyone can see exactly what their support has made possible.
Inside the magazine
- Founder’s note, our team and the Nitya Saarthi roadmap
- We Came, We Saw, We Built · We Supply, We Connect · We Teach, We Empower
- Tree plantation, Teachers’ Training, Abacus learning and healthcare
- The Nitya Saarthi gallery and student stories such as Vidya Wagh’s
- SSC results, “From classrooms to campuses” and testimonials
Life at camp
Not just a classroom. A family.
Study circles on the veranda, revision under the trees, meals shared together, Diwali far from home. When the camp ends, the goodbyes are tearful — and many come back as teachers.
Student story
From a small village to chasing big dreams
From a small village, Vidya Wagh has journeyed to Pune, where she is pursuing engineering at Vishwakarma Institute of Technology. Her Head of Department speaks very highly of her hard work, discipline, dedication and commitment towards her studies.
“From a small village to an engineering campus in Pune, Vidya’s story is a testament to what happens when determination meets opportunity.”
Every morning at camp begins like this
असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥
Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.
Our people
The people behind the purpose
Bankers, engineers, chartered accountants and teachers who give their weekends, their summers and their hearts to tribal children.
Jayesh Kirange
Founder & Chairman
Engineer, CFA and FRM who teaches finance at top MBA colleges — and spends his summers teaching at camp in Vikramgad.
An engineer, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Financial Risk Manager (FRM), and a senior leader in the corporate world who works closely with some of the world’s leading banks and financial institutions, and teaches core finance at premier MBA colleges. Repeated visits to remote villages showed him children whose futures were shaped not by ability, but by access. It was here that the idea of Nitya Saarthi Foundation was born.
Uma Sheth
Co-founder
CA, CPA and CFA with 25+ years in asset management. She came home to give back.
A Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 25+ years in the asset management industry in India and the United States. Driven by a deep love for the nation and a desire to give back, Uma returned to India to contribute meaningfully to society. She believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and decide their own future.
Dr. Sandesh Kirkire
Mentor
Former CEO of Kotak Mahindra AMC and co-founder of Apasarjanam Foundation.
An engineer with an MMS from JBIMS and a PhD from Mumbai University, with over 25 years in financial services. He served as CEO of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company for over nine years and is a director on many corporate boards. As Co-Founder of Apasarjanam Foundation, he closely mentors and guides Nitya Saarthi Foundation in implementing water and education projects.
Priya Garud
Mentor
Chartered Accountant building English-learning tools for tribal children.
A Chartered Accountant with nearly two decades of experience in global hedge fund administration, deeply invested in education-led social change. She advises Nitya Saarthi Foundation on education, mental well-being, women’s empowerment, rural upliftment and skill development, and builds tools to improve English learning for tribal children.
Parag Mehta
Mentor
Founder of Component Masters; champions education and community upliftment.
Owner and Founder of Component Masters, he brings an entrepreneurial outlook alongside a strong commitment to social responsibility. Actively engaged with Nitya Saarthi Foundation, he contributes to initiatives promoting education and community upliftment.
Shashwat Belapurkar
Mentor
Chief Representative Officer – India, ING; guides strategy and fundraising.
Chief Representative Officer – India at ING Nederland, and previously CEO of JM Financial Credit Solutions, with expertise in capital markets, structured finance and fixed-income securities. As part of Nitya Saarthi’s strategy team, he guides organisational growth, execution of social initiatives, and fundraising.
Rahul Bamb
Official Advisor
Founder of Parth Electronics; member of the Rotary Club.
Owner and Founder of Parth Electronics Corporation, he combines business leadership with a strong commitment to social responsibility. He is actively associated with Nitya Saarthi Foundation and is a member of the Rotary Club, supporting education and broader social causes.
Piyush Shah
Official Advisor
Co-founder of Aurochem; founder of the Nishit Education and Welfare Foundation.
Co-Founder of Aurochem Laboratories (I) Pvt. Ltd. and Aurochem Pharmaceuticals (I) Pvt. Ltd., with over four decades in pharmaceutical manufacturing. As Founder of the Nishit Education and Welfare Foundation, he supports education for underprivileged children, care for physically and mentally challenged individuals, and the Indian Armed Forces.
Anjali Kirkire
Official Advisor
Associate Professor at TSEC and co-founder of Apasarjanam Foundation.
Co-Founder of Apasarjanam Foundation and an Associate Professor at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Mumbai. Through Apasarjanam she supports Zila Parishad schools across interior Maharashtra, strengthening access to quality education, and mentors Nitya Saarthi Foundation in its educational initiatives.
Dharmesh Ratanghayra
Official Advisor
Chartered Accountant; SVP Finance at a health-tech start-up.
A Chartered Accountant who lived and worked in London for over a decade, serving as Finance Director at a US–UK tech company later acquired for USD 250 million by an NYSE-listed company. Now SVP Finance at a health-tech start-up, he brings insights into business, sustainability and innovation.
Kalpesh Patil
Chief Academic Officer
Leads teaching and academic planning for the residential programme.
Tanuja Jadhav
Chief Operating Officer
Runs the residential programme and the camps day to day.
Hanmant Biradar
Chief Mentor
Walks beside students from Class 10 to Class 12.
Testimonials
In their words
Come and see it for yourself
Visit a camp. Sit in a class. Share a meal.
Our doors are always open to donors, volunteers and friends. A few hours from Mumbai, in the hills of Vikramgad, you can meet the children your support reaches.
- Vikramgad, Palghar
- A few hours from Mumbai
- Summer & Diwali camps
- Donors always welcome
Questions people ask us
Before you give, you should know exactly where your support goes.
Where does my money go?
100% of donations go to the projects. No salaries and no admin costs are taken from donors’ money, and you are welcome to visit.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Gifts qualify under Section 80G (AADTN4032C23MB02). We need your PAN to issue the receipt.
How are students chosen?
Every year Class 9 students from our partner tribal schools sit a test, and the selected students join the residential programme, free.
Can I give books, kits or my time?
Yes. Books, stationery, abacus kits, laptops and rations help, and volunteers teach, mentor and travel with the children.
Can my company partner with you?
Yes. We are CSR-1 registered (CSR00039141) and report on every project milestone.
Gallery
Life at Nitya Saarthi
Be a Saarthi
Hold a hand. Change a life.
A child in Vikramgad is waiting for someone to believe in them. It can be you — today.
Registered and accountable
Trust Registration
E-34664(M)
12A Registration
AADTN4032C23MB01
80G Registration
AADTN4032C23MB02
CSR-1 Registration