"The sight of that little girl, rummaging through garbage with not a thread on her body, changed me forever. At that moment, I knew my life wasn’t meant for designing clothes. It was meant for giving these children the love and care they were deprived of. Since then, every abandoned child has become my own. I am their Mumma, and they are my world."- Manan, tearfully

Manan’s journey began 26 years ago when, as a 19-year-old fashion design student in Delhi, she encountered a young girl rummaging through garbage for food. The sight of a small girl child, who didn’t have a single piece of clothing on her, deeply moved her and prompted her to question her purpose in designing clothes.  She started small – visiting slums in Jaipur, teaching art to underprivileged children, and using her earnings from freelance designing to support them. 



Over time, as more abandoned children were left in her care, she turned her home into a shelter. When space ran out, she rented a place, but societal resistance forced her to move multiple times before she could finally establish Surman Sansthan. For 26 years, she has battled against odds - financial constraints, societal judgment, and personal hardships - transforming Surman from a humble home to a sanctuary for hundreds of children in need.


‘This vicious cycle of neglect and crime against children makes me question – do they deserve this?’

“One of the hardest cases I’ve dealt with was a three-year-old girl who had been gang-raped and left to die. She was so fragile, physically and emotionally, that it broke my heart. I cared for her like I would my own daughter, nursed her back to health, and ensured she received the surgeries and psychological support she needed. It’s heartbreaking to see such young souls suffer. Their parents, often trapped in poverty, don’t even know what happens to them.”- Manan

Today, Surman Sansthan is home to 120 children – 60 girls and 60 boys – who are housed in separate homes. These children, many of whom have been rescued from traumatic circumstances, are provided with comprehensive care, including education, medical attention, clothing, and psychological counseling.

“They are given hot meals, a safe roof over their heads, and, most importantly, a homely environment where they can heal and thrive. Whenever possible, I try to reunite them with their parents, ensuring they have a chance at a stable family life. But for those who have nowhere else to go, they stay with me, and together, we become one big, happy family. They aren’t just children in my care – they are my family, my heart, and my greatest purpose in life."- Manan

Manan’s dedication extends far beyond meeting their basic needs

She ensures the children receive a loving environment, opportunities for growth, and hope for a brighter future. Several have gone on to pursue higher education, earning degrees in fields like M.Com, MBA, and Architecture.

Many of the girls have grown up, gotten married, and started families, yet they continue to see Surman as their home and Manan as their mother. To take care of her children well, Manan has taken innovative measures such as producing theater productions, selling handmade greeting cards, and creating magazines on social issues. She has even set world records in painting to raise awareness and support.

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure my children are safe and cared for. During the pandemic, I even sold chocolates to make sure we had enough for their needs. They are my life, my everything. When I look at them, I see my purpose, and I know I will keep going no matter what.”- Manan

Despite her best efforts, the financial challenges are immense - ‘I cannot do it all alone’

Manan is currently raising funds to support Surman Sansthan’s daily operations, which include providing essential care and services for over 110 children. These efforts ensure access to education, medical care, nutritious meals, and a safe, nurturing environment. The organisation also needs funds for recurring expenses such as buying cleaning supplies, paying electricity bills, remunerating staff, and for recreational activities.

“I started my journey by selling my own mattress for 6,000 rupees. Over time, I have done my best to make money to make sure my children are living good lives, but I cannot do it alone. In addition to regular expenses, we also need money to promote the physical development of girls through dedicated spaces for activities and sports. I dream of providing a larger, more suitable space to enhance the growth and well-being of these children. This is their basic right, and it cannot be achieved without your support. Please contribute generously to help secure a brighter future for these children – because if we don’t, who will?” - Manan

Click here to contribute.

EIN 20-5139364