Learn about the inspiring life and work of Dr. Brij Mohan Bhardwaj, the founder of Apna Ghar, a remarkable organization providing refuge and care to thousands across India.

Wiki/Biography

Dr. Brij Mohan Bhardwaj hails from Sahroi village, Khair city, Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he was deeply affected by poverty and suffering, often contemplating the plight of those lacking basic necessities like food and shelter. After completing his schooling in Aligarh, he pursued a BAMS degree. A lifelong devotee of Lord Krishna, his compassion shaped his life’s purpose.

Wife: A partner who shared his dream

During his college years, he met Dr. Madhuri Bharadwaj, his future wife. They connected over a shared vision—a life dedicated to helping those in need. Their early conversations on the bus, while Madhuri was still in ninth grade, centered on this powerful, shared dream. Their commitment to this mission solidified their bond. Eight years later, they married on December 8, 1993. They consciously chose not to have children, dedicating their lives entirely to their humanitarian work. Both became doctors, actively rescuing and caring for abandoned and sick individuals from the streets.

Inspired By a Baba

A poignant childhood experience profoundly impacted Dr. Bhardwaj. The death of Chiranjee Baba, an elderly destitute cowherd in his village, left a lasting impression. The lack of timely help, despite community awareness of his need, highlighted the crucial role of responsibility and collective action. This experience, though occurring when he was just five years old, ignited a lifelong commitment to helping the sick and vulnerable.

Apna Ghar: Where Humanity Lives

In 2000, seven years after their marriage, Dr. Brij Mohan and Dr. Madhuri Bhardwaj established Maa Madhuri Brij Varis Sewa Sadan, Apna Ghar, on Madhuri’s 27th birthday. This home for the homeless and destitute has expanded significantly. Today, Apna Ghar operates 21 ashrams across India (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi), providing shelter and care to thousands. Dedicated volunteers manage helplines and a fleet of over 30 ambulances ensures prompt rescue and transport to the ashrams.

The organization’s commitment to immediate aid is commendable. The swift response of the ambulances and the readily available helplines exemplifies their dedication to addressing immediate needs.

Funding & Expenditure

While many ashrams rely on public support, some, like those in Kota and Ajmer, receive partial government funding from the Rajasthan government. Each ashram publicly displays its daily needs, often met through visitor donations. The organization also actively utilizes crowdfunding to secure necessary resources.

In Popular Media

The exceptional work of Dr. Brij Mohan and Dr. Madhuri Bhardwaj has garnered significant recognition. Numerous media outlets have highlighted their story, and in 2019, they appeared on the popular Indian game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), as part of a special segment called “Karamveer,” celebrating selfless individuals.

Apna Ghar Ashram Locations and Capacity