List of Top 10 Anath Ashram in India

List of Top 10 Anath Ashram in India

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List of Top 10 Anath Ashram in India: India, with its vast population and diverse socio-economic landscape, has always upheld the values of compassion and care. Among the many institutions that reflect this spirit are orphanages, or Anath Ashrams, which serve as havens for children who have lost their families or have been abandoned due to unfortunate circumstances. These institutions not only provide shelter and basic necessities but also play a crucial role in offering emotional support, education, and opportunities for a better future. Across the country, several Anath Ashrams have emerged as beacons of hope, dedicated to nurturing the lives of underprivileged children with love, dignity, and security.

These organizations are run by government bodies, private trusts, religious groups, or dedicated individuals, and many of them have gained recognition for their outstanding service and transparent operations. From major metropolitan cities to rural corners of India, these ashrams serve thousands of children, helping them lead dignified lives and integrate successfully into society. This article presents a carefully curated list of the Top 10 Anath Ashrams in India, highlighting their mission, impact, and contributions. These homes stand as a testament to the nation’s enduring spirit of care and resilience, inspiring others to support and uplift those in need.

List of Top 10 Anath Ashram in India

List of Top 10 Anath Ashrams (Orphanages) in India known for their commitment to the welfare, education, and holistic development of orphaned and destitute children. The list includes location, key features, and address.

1. SOS Children’s Villages of India

  • Founded: 1964

  • Services: Family-based care, education, healthcare, vocational training

  • Specialty: Operates 32 villages across India

Head Office Address:
Plot No. 4, Block C-1,
Institutional Area, Nelson Mandela Marg,
Vasant Kunj, New Delhi – 110070
📞 +91-11-43239200

2. Udayan Care, New Delhi

  • Founded: 1994

  • Services: Orphan care homes (Udayan Ghars), higher education, vocational training for youth

  • Specialty: Family-style homes with mentor parents

Address:
Udayan Care
E-43, South Extension – Part I,
New Delhi – 110049
📞 +91-11-46548105

3. Snehalaya, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

  • Founded: 1989

  • Services: Shelter, education, healthcare, and rehabilitation

  • Specialty: Support for children of sex workers, HIV-positive children

Address:
Snehalaya, Opp. L.I.C. Office,
Nimblak Road, Ahmednagar – 414001, Maharashtra
📞 +91-9158888777

4. Bal Asha Trust, Mumbai

  • Founded: 1985

  • Services: Residential care, adoption, therapy for differently-abled children

  • Specialty: Focus on rehabilitation and adoption

Address:
25, Vithalbhai Patel Road,
Charni Road (W), Mumbai – 400004, Maharashtra
📞 +91-22-23867194

5. Shishu Bhavan (Missionaries of Charity), Kolkata

  • Founded by: Mother Teresa

  • Services: Shelter, medical care, and adoption support

  • Specialty: Caring for abandoned children and infants

Address:
78, A.J.C. Bose Road,
Kolkata – 700016, West Bengal
📞 +91-33-2249-7115

6. Vatsalya Trust, Mumbai

  • Founded: 1983

  • Services: Orphanage, adoption, education, and child development

  • Specialty: Runs multiple community welfare programs

Address:
Vatsalya Trust, Plot No. 7, Sector-7,
Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai – 400709
📞 +91-22-27541064

7. Arya Anathalaya, New Delhi

  • Founded: 1917

  • Services: Orphan care, free education, shelter, medical facilities

  • Specialty: One of the oldest orphanages in North India

Address:
Pataudi House, Darya Ganj,
New Delhi – 110002
📞 +91-11-23272536

8. Childline India Foundation

  • Founded: 1996

  • Services: Rescue and rehabilitation, 24×7 helpline (1098)

  • Specialty: Nationwide outreach program for children in distress

Head Office Address:
Childline India Foundation
2nd Floor, Nana Chowk Municipal School,
Frere Bridge, Low Level, Nana Chowk,
Mumbai – 400007
📞 +91-22-23881098

9. Jeevodaya Ashram, Nagpur

  • Services: Shelter for destitute children, education, food, healthcare

  • Specialty: Rehabilitation and education for slum/orphaned children

Address:
Jeevodaya Ashram, 151,
Anant Nagar, Hingna Road,
Nagpur – 440016, Maharashtra
📞 +91-712-2223445

10. Don Bosco Ashalayam, Kolkata

  • Founded: 1985

  • Services: Shelter homes, education, skill development for street children

  • Specialty: Operates multiple centers in West Bengal

Address:
52, B.T. Road,
Kolkata – 700002, West Bengal
📞 +91-33-25572380

FAQs

Q1. What is an Anath Ashram?
A: An Anath Ashram is an orphanage or shelter home in India that provides care, shelter, education, and basic necessities for orphans, abandoned children, or children in difficult circumstances.

Q2. Who can stay in an Anath Ashram?
A: Typically, children who are orphaned, abandoned, destitute, or come from extremely poor or abusive backgrounds are admitted to an Anath Ashram.

Q3. Are Anath Ashrams run by the government or private organizations?
A: Both. Some are operated by state governments, while many are run by NGOs, charitable trusts, and religious organizations.

Q4. How can a child be admitted to an Anath Ashram?
A: Admission usually involves:

  • An application by a guardian, social worker, or child welfare officer.

  • Verification by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

  • Submission of relevant documents (if available).

Q5. Is there an age limit for admission?
A: Most ashrams accept children from infancy to 18 years of age. After 18, they may be shifted to aftercare programs.

Q6. How long can a child stay in an Anath Ashram?
A: Until they turn 18, or until they are adopted or placed in foster care.

Q7. What facilities are provided in Anath Ashrams?
A: Common facilities include:

  • Shelter & food

  • Education (formal or informal)

  • Healthcare

  • Counseling & emotional support

  • Vocational training (in some ashrams)

Q8. Are children allowed to attend regular schools?
A: Yes. Many ashrams send children to nearby government or private schools.

Q9. Can a child from an Anath Ashram be adopted?
A: Yes. Adoption is governed by CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority). Only recognized and licensed institutions can place children for adoption.

Q10. Is it legal to directly adopt from an Ashram?
A: No. All adoptions must go through legal procedures via CARA or the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act to ensure child safety.

Q11. Can I donate to or volunteer at an Anath Ashram?
A: Yes. Most ashrams accept donations (money, clothes, food, books) and allow volunteering after background verification.

Q12. Are donations tax-deductible?
A: If the Ashram is registered under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, donations are eligible for tax benefits.

Some well-known orphanages include:

  • SOS Children’s Villages (pan-India)

  • Ramakrishna Mission Orphanages

  • Snehalaya (Maharashtra)

  • Udayan Care (Delhi)

  • Missionaries of Charity (Kolkata & other cities)

Q13. Are Anath Ashrams and Child Care Institutions (CCIs) the same?
A: Functionally yes. Under the JJ Act, all orphanages, children’s homes, and shelters are referred to as Child Care Institutions and must be registered.

Q14. How to report an abandoned child or orphan?
A: You can:

  • Call Childline 1098 (24×7 helpline).

  • Contact local police or child welfare officials.

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