Learn about the inspiring life and work of Dr. Madhuri Bharadwaj, a remarkable Indian social worker, and the incredible journey of Apna Ghar, a home for the homeless she co-founded.
Wiki/Biography
Dr. Madhuri Bharadwaj was born on Friday, June 29, 1973 (age 46 as of 2019), in a village within the Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh. Agra is her hometown. Following her schooling, she pursued a BAMS degree in Aligarh.
Husband: A partner who shared her dream
Dr. Madhuri Bharadwaj met her husband, Dr. Brij Mohan Bharadwaj, while attending school in Aligarh. He was a college student at the time. Their shared bus rides led to unexpected conversations. Instead of typical teenage chatter, they discussed their shared dream of dedicating their lives to helping others. This mutual vision solidified their bond.
Eight years later, in December 1993, they married. They consciously chose not to have children, focusing their energy entirely on their mission to serve the sick and homeless. Both becoming doctors, they began bringing abandoned individuals from the streets into their care.
Apna Ghar: A roof for the homeless and destitute
Seven years after their wedding, on June 29, 2000 – Madhuri’s 27th birthday – they established “Maa Madhuri Brij Varis Sewa Sadan, Apna Ghar” in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Apna Ghar provides refuge for the homeless, destitute, sick, and lost.
Today, the network encompasses 21 ashrams spread across India (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi), offering shelter and support. Apna Ghar Sewa Samitis volunteers operate helplines providing immediate assistance, and over 30 ambulances work tirelessly transporting individuals to the ashrams.
Funding & Expenditure
While many ashrams rely primarily on public support, the Kota and Ajmer locations receive partial funding from the Rajasthan government. Each ashram displays its daily needs, often met through visitor donations. The organization also actively utilizes crowdfunding to secure necessary resources.
| Ashram Location | Primary Funding Source | Approximate Number of Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Kota, Rajasthan | Public & Government (Partial) | 50-75 |
| Ajmer, Rajasthan | Public & Government (Partial) | 40-60 |
| Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | Public Donations | 75-100 |
In Popular Media
The extraordinary work of Dr. Brij Mohan and Dr. Madhuri Bharadwaj has garnered significant recognition from both the public and government. Numerous media outlets have featured their story. A notable appearance was on October 25, 2019, on the popular Indian game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), during a special segment called “Karamveer.”
Their dedication serves as an inspiration, highlighting the transformative impact of compassion and unwavering commitment to those in need.
