Women
Livelihoods and self-reliance
Skill training and self-help groups, so women can earn and make their own decisions.
Women · Children · Elders
Care across every age
Maheshwara Foundation is a new charitable foundation serving women, children and elders. We believe care means dignity, not charity from a distance, so we work hand in hand with local communities to make it real.
About us
The meaning behind our name
Maheshwara, “the great lord”, is one of the names of Shiva. The stories told about him are, at heart, stories about care.
When the river Ganga descended from the heavens, her force would have shattered the earth. Maheshwara caught her in his matted hair and let her flow down gently, so she arrived as a river that feeds fields and villages. When the moon was fading, he gave it shelter and wore it as a crescent on his head. When poison rose from the churning of the ocean and threatened all creation, he held it in his own throat so others would be safe. And as Ardhanarishvara, half woman and half man, he reminds us that neither half of humanity is complete without the other.
Maheshwara Foundation takes its name from these ideas: taking in what is fragile, softening hardship, and carrying some weight so others don’t have to. Our symbol, a crescent holding a drop, is that promise in one shape.
We serve women, children and elders of every faith and background.
What we stand for
Our vision and mission
Our vision
Communities where the young are nurtured, women are empowered, and elders are honoured.
Our mission
We support women to become self-reliant, help children learn and grow, and make sure elders are cared for and respected, working hand in hand with local communities.
Our work
Three pillars of care
We are starting small and close to home, with a focus for each group we serve.
Children
Education support and vocational training
Help with schooling and studies, and practical skills training for older children, so young people can learn, grow and build a future.
Elders
Health check-ups and support
Regular health check-ups, and everyday support with care, company and access to pensions, so no elder is left alone.
Support our launch
Be one of our first supporters
We are just getting started, and early supporters shape what we become. If you would like to donate, fund a programme or partner with us, including through CSR, write to us and we will share our plans with you.
Get involved
Give your time, your skills or your support
Volunteer
Teach, mentor, help at a health camp or spend time with elders. A few hours a month makes a difference.
Donate or fund a programme
Help us launch our first programmes for women, children and elders.
Partner with us
Schools, clinics, companies and community groups: let’s work together.
Email us
maheshwarafoundation@gmail.com