Foundation

A Foundation for Life.

Rehabilitation Livelihood Special Needs Water Security Decarbonization Rehabilitation Livelihood Special Needs Water Security Decarbonization Rehabilitation Livelihood Special Needs Water Security Decarbonization

Numbers we don't take lightly. People we know by name.

Each figure represents lives reshaped through dignity, education and opportunity.

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Beneficiaries

Adults, children and families reached through our integrated programs.

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Years of working

Continuous, on-the-ground presence since our founding in 2017.

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Partners

Government bodies, institutions and corporates working in alignment.

Our initiatives

Five frontiers. One continuous commitment.

— 01

Rehabilitation of adult orphans & protection from human trafficking

SDG No: 3, 4, 5 & 10

— 02

Livelihood Improvement & Income Enhancement

SDG No: 1, 2 & 8

— 03

Capacity Building to help people with Special Needs

SDG No: 16

— 04

Access to water for drinking & agriculture & groundwater recharge

SDG No: 6 & 14

— 05

Decarbonization through environmental initiatives, including afforestation

SDG No: 13 & 15

Flagship Initiative Vaibbhav Ashray facility

— Kamshet, Pune

Vaibbhav Ashray.

A 2,00,000 sq. ft. residential aftercare facility designed to support 900 adult orphans — 450 young women and 450 young men — transitioning from childcare institutions. Currently home to 200 residents, it offers education, life skills, emotional support and protection. The campus includes classrooms, hostels, vocational training centres, an amphitheatre and a 300-seat auditorium, empowering youth toward self-reliance and dignity.

0 Sq. ft. campus

0 Capacity

0 Current residents

Read the full story

Testimony

Words from those we’ve walked with.

Motilal Oswal @MrMotilalOswal

Today, my wife and I had the privilege of visiting Vaibbhav Ashray by the Ashok Goel Foundation near Kamshet and came away deeply inspired…

5:46 PM · Jun 14, 2026 View on X

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Reach out

Let's start a conversation.

Office

14th Floor, Times Tower, Kamala Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India — 400013

CIN

U65990MH2010NPL206213

Phone

+91 22 6856 9301

contact@vagfoundation.org.in

In memory of

Vaibbhav Goel.

18 Oct 1989 — 12 Jan 2014

Established as a tribute to a life that continues to inspire change.

A foundation for life

Not charity. Long-term solutions, built with empathy.

Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation acts as a parent to disadvantaged sections of society — taking up the responsibility of giving them support, skills and means to become self-sufficient.

The most marginalised members of society do not need charity. They need long-term solutions created with empathy — solutions that can make them financially independent and build the foundation for their integration into society.

At VAGF, we facilitate willingness to learn and work by equipping people with skills, building capabilities, and creating the conditions for a meaningful life.

Message from trustee

Towards a sustainable and inclusive change.

They don't need charity — they need solutions that let them thrive with dignity.

At Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation, we see ourselves as guardians to those on the margins — offering not just aid, but a path to self-reliance. The most vulnerable members of our society don't need charity; they need compassionate, long-term solutions that empower them to thrive with dignity.

In 2024–25, we strengthened our mission by enabling learning, skilling, and livelihood opportunities that build resilience and restore hope. Our work remained closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with focused efforts in Rehabilitation and Protection, Livelihood and Income Enhancement, Support for Persons with Special Needs, Water Access and Conservation, and Environmental Sustainability and Decarbonization, with a focus on Capacity Building.

Together with our partners for the last-mile delivery, we continue to build systems of support that transform lives and foster inclusive growth. I extend my gratitude to all who make this journey possible — including the volunteers who give their intellectual capital and dedication, particularly for Vaibbhav Ashray.

Warm regards, Ashok Kumar Goel Trustee · Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation

Our Impact

Inclusive, resilient, sustainable communities.

Our work is rooted in creating change that lasts — across six focus areas, all aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A commitment to social impact and environmental stewardship that builds a more equitable future for all.

SDG 3 · 4 · 5 · 10

Rehabilitation of adult orphans & protection from human trafficking

By providing education, safe accommodation, healthcare and psychological support for adult orphans and trafficking survivors, VAGF promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Rehabilitation includes vocational training to build skills for independent living. We also focus on protecting and empowering girls — helping marginalized individuals reintegrate into society, reducing inequality and social exclusion.

Vaibbhav Ashray

One of the flagship initiatives of the VAGF is the establishment of a large-scale residential facility named “Vaibbhav Ashray” in Kamshet, Pune. This project is designed to provide comprehensive aftercare services to 900 adult residents—450 girls and 450 boys, who have spent their formative years in childcare institutions or orphanages. Strategically located along the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Vaibbhav Ashray offers excellent connectivity via local trains from both Mumbai and Pune. While the facility currently houses around 200 residents, it is being developed to accommodate up to 900 young adults in gender-segregated residential blocks.

The core mission of Vaibbhav Ashray is to empower these individuals by equipping them with essential life skills, building their confidence, and nurturing their aspirations so they may become self-reliant, responsible, and productive members of society. The program also provides a safe and supportive environment that protects residents from vulnerabilities such as human trafficking, exploitation, and forced marriage. The entire infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives are fully funded by VAGF, reflecting the Foundation’s deep commitment to enabling dignified, independent futures for adult residents.

Vaibbhav Ashray: Facility Overview

Vaibbhav Ashray is thoughtfully designed to support the holistic development of its residents and comprises three distinct blocks with a total usable area of 2,27,000 sq. ft., distributed as follows:

Boys’ Hostel: 1,01,000 sq. ft.
Girls’ Hostel: 1,01,000 sq. ft.
Administrative Block: 2,5000 sq. ft.

A classroom session at Vaibbhav Ashray — One of eight classrooms in the Administrative Block and Interaction Centre.

Administrative Block and Interaction Centre

Centrally located, this block serves as the administrative hub and a dynamic space for resident engagement. It facilitates various activities such as counselling sessions, online classes, and virtual interactions with experts.

Construction of the admin block is complete; interior work is currently underway.
The administrative office is operational, along with 8 classrooms.
The block includes a 5000 sq. ft. multi-purpose auditorium and play area for indoor activities and gatherings.

The indoor multi-purpose play area — The multi-purpose auditorium and indoor play area.

Hostel Blocks

The residential facility comprises two separate hostel buildings—one for boys and one for girls—each constructed as stilt plus seven floors above a podium.

Each hostel has independent access and operates separately, ensuring privacy and focused care.
The infrastructure supports a safe and nurturing environment for adult residents.

A resident studying in a furnished hostel room — A furnished hostel room, where a resident studies at their desk.

Training Centre and Workshops

A dedicated skill development centre is being established to provide vocational training in:

IT/ITES, Industrial Electronics, Mechanical, Painting, Carpentry, Plumbing, Welding, Fashion Design, and Beauty & Dermatology.
Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the centre will offer practical, hands-on training aligned with current organizational and industry standards & needs making them employable immediately.

Residents browsing the library — The on-campus library supports study and self-learning.

Additional Facilities

A 300-seat capacity multi-purpose hall is included for seminars, training sessions, and cultural events.
An open-air amphitheatre will serve as a vibrant space for cultural expression and community engagement.
Vaibbhav Ashray is more than a residential complex—it is a transformative space designed to empower adult residents by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and community support necessary for a self-reliant and dignified future.

SDG 1 · 2 · 8

Livelihood improvement & income enhancement

Livelihood and income support programs help vulnerable individuals escape poverty and achieve financial stability. Initiatives include modern methods like micro-irrigation to improve crop productivity, livelihood improvement, skill development and entrepreneurship — creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Empowering Nursing Education for Disadvantaged Youths

Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) has supported the development of a new building for Dr. Hedgewar College of Nursing, strengthening its infrastructure to ensure continued delivery of quality education and training for aspiring nursing professionals. Operated by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vaidyakiya Pratishthan, the college is dedicated to nurturing compassionate, skilled nurses from disadvantaged backgrounds, rooted in strong values and committed to excellence in healthcare.

Inauguration at the Dr. Hedgewar College of Nursing building site — The new building for Dr. Hedgewar College of Nursing.

Solar Powered Drip Irrigation System at Nishet, Palghar

Empowering Tribal Farmers through Sustainable Irrigation

Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) and co-sponsorship, a solar-powered drip irrigation system was successfully implemented in partnership with Keshav Srushti Gram Vikas Yojana (KSGVY) in Nishet, a tribal village in the Wada block of Palghar district. To address water scarcity after the monsoon, solar pumps were installed to draw water from the nearby Vaitarna River, which is stored in tanks located on the riverbank. From there, wide-diameter pipelines carry water to the village, where smaller distribution pipes supply water to 32 acres of farmland belonging to 32 farmers. The adoption of drip irrigation has enabled efficient water usage and allowed farmers to cultivate multiple crops annually, significantly improving agricultural productivity and enhancing livelihoods.

Solar panels powering drip irrigation over farmland — Solar pumps feed drip lines across 32 acres at Nishet, Palghar.

Revitalizing Himalayan Agriculture through Sustainable Tools

VAGF partnered with Sewa International to promote 100% organic farming in the Himalayan region by introducing modern tools like poly houses, drip irrigation, fencing, tool kits, and STFR units to enhance efficiency and tackle resource challenges.

Farmers working terraced fields in the Himalayan region — Organic farming with modern tools in the Himalayan region.

SDG 16

Capacity building for people with special needs

Promoting inclusive societies and protecting the rights of people with special needs. This includes advocacy, capacity building, and ensuring equal access to services and opportunities — meeting individuals where they are and building pathways to independence.

School Building for the inclusive Education of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

The Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) has supported the construction of two classrooms in Suryoday Trust’s new school building in Vasai and has adopted two classrooms, supporting around 16 beneficiaries for two years. Suryoday Trust, based in Vasai and Bhayandar, focuses on education, therapy, and skill development for children and young adults with intellectual disabilities.

A classroom activity at Suryoday Trust — An inclusive classroom session at Suryoday Trust, Vasai.

A Special Care Facility for Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) funded the construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. facility for “Samvedana” Cerebral Palsy Vikasan Kendra in Harangul (Bk), Latur, Maharashtra, recognizing the complex physical, mental, and emotional needs of children with special needs. Completed in FY 2020–21 despite pandemic challenges, the centre is dedicated to providing individualized and specialized care for children across a wide spectrum of disabilities.

The Samvedana Cerebral Palsy Vikasan Kendra building — The Samvedana facility at Harangul (Bk), Latur.

Creating a Residential School for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

With the support of the Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF), Vishwas Charitable Trust (VCT) is developing a residential school for children with intellectual disabilities in Karjat, Maharashtra. The project is planned on a 30,000 sq. ft. area, and will include residential facilities, classrooms, a kitchen, visitor spaces, and other essential infrastructure to create a safe and supportive environment for the children. The land has already been acquired, and the 7/12 extract along with Non-Agricultural (NA) approvals are underway. Construction will commence upon receiving final clearances.

Skill-development activity with Vishwas Charitable Trust — Skill-building sessions supported by Vishwas Charitable Trust, Karjat.

One-Stop Center for Hearing Disabilities

The Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) supported the establishment of a fully equipped one-stop center for hearing disabilities at Ekvira Multipurpose Foundation in Akola, Maharashtra, by donating essential equipment including an OAE screening kit, acoustic booth, speech therapy system, hearing aids, and interactive panels. The center offers screening, diagnosis, and therapy to empower deaf and hard-of-hearing children through early intervention and support for mainstream integration.

A hearing assessment in an acoustic booth — Early screening at the one-stop hearing centre, Ekvira Multipurpose Foundation, Akola.

SDG 6 · 14

Water for drinking, agriculture & groundwater recharge

By developing safe drinking-water infrastructure, irrigation systems and groundwater recharge, VAGF improves water security and hygiene at the community level. Sustainable water management also protects aquatic ecosystems by reducing pollution and conserving wetlands.

Water conservation — Conserving water, preserving life

An excavator deepening a canal — Deepening and desilting work under the “Go Blue” campaign in Vikramgad.

Sustainable Water Access in Tribal Villages

Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) supported a comprehensive water conservation initiative in partnership with the VAYAM organization across 23 villages in the Jawhar and Mokhada tehsils of Palghar district. Aimed at strengthening livelihoods in tribal communities, the project ensured sustainable year-round water access through the construction of 31 spring cordons, 22 mini wells, and 13 open dug wells. Spring cordons were built to convert temporary monsoon springs into reliable water sources using concrete watershed structures, while various types of bunds were implemented to slow rainwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and recharge groundwater. Traditional open dug wells further enhanced water availability by tapping underground reserves and decreasing dependence on seasonal rainfall. Two permanent water bodies were also created in Navapada and Pendharshet villages, directly supporting agriculture, cattle care, and household nutrition, and providing a foundation for improved incomes and more secure livelihoods for local Tribals and their families.

Construction of a water-storage structure with community labour — Building water-harvesting structures with the VAYAM organization in Palghar.

Deepening and Desilting of Canal – Vikramgad

Reviving Water Bodies under the Go Blue Campaign

In association with My Green Society. Based in Mumbai, the NGO focuses on sustainable development through water conservation, waste management, and community empowerment. Under its “Go Blue” water conservation drive, with support from VAGF, has desilted canals in Uthavali (900m) and Vasuri (3.5km) villages of Palghar’s Vikramgad Taluka. Each canal, 10m wide and 3m deep, will store substantial water and recharge groundwater, ensuring year-round supply. This will reduce farmers’ migration during dry months and promote sustainable agriculture in the villages.

SDG 13 · 15

Decarbonization through environmental initiatives including afforestation

Afforestation, renewable energy and carbon-reduction efforts help mitigate climate change. Tree planting, habitat restoration and soil conservation protect ecosystems and biodiversity. In tribal areas, these initiatives also support biodiversity conservation by restoring fast-disappearing vegetation and enabling forest-dwelling communities to sustainably harvest nutrient-rich, biodiverse plant resources.

Tribal-Led Afforestation and Eco-Restoration

VAGF supported a plantation drive in Palghar and Nashik districts, enabling key activities like species selection, nursery setup, drip irrigation, and plantation. Led by Vayam, grassroots NGO, the initiative promotes sustainable resource management in tribal communities through the Jan Van By supporting in these efforts, VAGF has contributed to strengthening local governance, advancing rights-based development, and fostering community-led conservation for long-term ecological and social resilience.

Tribal community members planting saplings — A tribal-led plantation drive with Vayam through the Jan Van model, Palghar & Nashik.

Decarbonization through Sustainable Gaushala Management

Under decarbonization and environmental conservation efforts, VAGF has supported Dhyan Foundation’s Gaushala in Guwahati, Assam, enhancing its capacity to shelter rescued animals, especially those saved from illegal trafficking along the India–Bangladesh border. This initiative not only safeguards animal welfare but also reinforces VAGF’s commitment to ecological balance and humanitarian values through impactful partnerships.

Dhyan Foundation Gaushala in Guwahati, Assam — Dhyan Foundation’s Gaushala in Guwahati, Assam, shelters rescued animals.

Multi-SDG

Special projects

In addition to our core focus areas, we support need-based projects that — while not central to our mandate — complement and reinforce the UN SDGs. This flexible approach lets us respond to emerging community priorities and expand our positive impact where it's needed most.

Rishihood University: Pioneering Impact and Leadership or India’s First Impact University

Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) has played a key role in advancing Rishihood University’s mission by supporting infrastructure development, establishing the Ashok Goel Library, and providing scholarships. Located in Sonipat, Haryana, Rishihood is India’s first Impact University, co-founded by Mr. Ashok Goel, and is dedicated to nurturing future leaders through interdisciplinary education rooted in self-leadership, mentorship, and experiential learning.

Inauguration of the Ashok Goel Library at Rishihood University — The Ashok Goel Library at Rishihood University, Sonipat, Haryana.

Academic Offerings:

Rishihood offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Key offerings include:

Post Graduate Diploma in Public Leadership – Prepares leaders for public sector innovation.
Executive Programme on Public Policy – For professionals enhancing their policy expertise.
Policy Boot Camp – Intensive training in policy analysis and strategy.

Pandemic Relief: Local Response to a Global Pandemic

Mass Distribution of Meals and Medical Aid during the Pandemic

VAGF led a comprehensive COVID-19 relief effort by partnering with BMC, Mumbai Police, and NGOs to support vulnerable communities. From March 2020 to July 2021, VAGF distributed over 7.5 lakh ready-to-eat meals and 200 tonnes of grains across areas like Borivali, Charkop, Colaba, Worli’s Poddar Hospital, and tribal pockets in Uttan. Meals were hygienically prepared and packed by EsselWorld Park staff. Additionally, VAGF produced and distributed 1 lakh face masks to help curb the virus’s spread in underserved Mumbai communities.

COVID-19 relief ration distribution — COVID relief ration distribution across Mumbai, March 2020 – July 2021.

Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai: Construction of new tower to increase capacity

Expanding Specialized Care for Cancer and Gastroenterology Patients

VAGF has contributed to the construction of a new tower at Breach Candy Hospital. The new tower will consist of a stilt and 11 floors, offering a useable area of 76,300 sq. ft. It will house an OPD centre, an Operation Theatre Complex, Intensive Care Units, a Chemotherapy Ward, an Endoscopy Department, a Kidney Centre, and patient wards. Approximately 80 beds will be added to the existing capacity of 220 beds. Operated by Breach Candy Hospital Trust, the hospital’s Charity Wing offers free or subsidized treatment to underprivileged patients.

VAGF representatives at Breach Candy Hospital — Supporting expanded specialized care at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai.

Taking India Forward Foundation

Empowering Young Indians Through Leadership and Inclusion

India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.), a youth-led non-profit under the Taking India Forward Foundation organizes across India to foster leadership, communication, and civic engagement among high school students. These three-day conferences feature debates, role-plays, yoga sessions, and inspirational talks. To promote inclusivity, the ‘+1 Conference’ initiative sponsors 100 underprivileged students in each city, offering them equal access to leadership opportunities. The Vaibbhav Ashok Goel Foundation (VAGF) extended financial support to facilitate the successful implementation of this impactful initiative.

An I.I.M.U.N. youth leadership conference under the Taking India Forward Foundation.

Spreading Knowledge and Values through the Bhagavad Gita

VAGF supported ISKCON’s Vidya-Daan program by contributing to the distribution of the Bhagavad Gita in multiple languages, furthering ISKCON’s mission of promoting Bhakti yoga and its initiatives in education, animal care, and tribal welfare.

A classroom supported through ISKCON's Vidya-Daan program — ISKCON’s Vidya-Daan program supports education and values-based learning.

Our Partners

The hands that carry the work forward.

Our partners are the last-mile delivery system for everything we do — government bodies, institutions, and on-the-ground organizations that turn intent into outcomes. Each one shares the same long-horizon commitment.

Our valued partners