Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, announced on Sunday the establishment of 'Anant Ashray,' a sprawling 100-acre residential township in Karjat, near Mumbai. This not-for-profit institution is designed to offer lifelong accommodation, comprehensive healthcare, and robust support to more than 5,000 vulnerable individuals, including orphaned children, senior citizens, and people with developmental disabilities.
The ambitious project, named Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray, envisions supporting a community of approximately 15,000 people, encompassing residents, caregivers, medical professionals, and their families. Ambani performed the Bhumi Pujan and groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, marking the official commencement of the project, which will be developed in phases, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
A Community-Focused Approach to Lifelong Care
Speaking at the ceremony, Nita Ambani emphasized that the initiative extends beyond mere accommodation, aiming to cultivate a supportive and inclusive community. She stated, "For me and my family, Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray is a beginning very close to our hearts. It is a step towards building a loving home for people with disabilities, children who need a home and seniors who seek care and comfort."
The vision for Anant Ashray is a place where compassionate care and medical support integrate seamlessly with the warmth of family life. Residents will be surrounded by nature and offered opportunities to learn, work, make friends, and participate in community celebrations.
Eight Residential Villages for Personalized Living
The proposed township will feature eight distinct residential villages, each named after a sacred river of India. To aid residents in independent navigation, every village will possess a unique color, symbol, and sensory garden.
Rather than conventional institutional accommodation, residents will live in smaller, family-style homes with dedicated house parents and caregivers. These homes are designed to provide familiarity and personal space, allowing residents to personalize their rooms with photographs, colors, and other belongings.
Beyond the residences, the township's master plan includes residential streets, expansive gardens, playgrounds, farms, workshops, a temple, and a state-of-the-art hospital. Reliance Foundation has committed to providing each resident with an individualized care and development plan, covering essential aspects such as healthcare, education, skills training, employment opportunities, and personal well-being.
Specialized Facilities for Holistic Support
A critical component of the Anant Ashray project is a specialized hospital offering a wide range of medical services, including developmental medicine, epilepsy care, special-needs dentistry, and palliative care. Complementing this, advanced rehabilitation facilities will provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and hydrotherapy.
The township will also foster an inclusive educational ecosystem, integrating dedicated special education facilities with a mainstream school for the children of staff members. This comprehensive approach is tailored to support individuals with developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and complex medical conditions requiring continuous specialist care.
Further planned amenities include modern sports and recreation centers, spaces for music and art activities, vocational training workshops, a bakery, café, and craft studios, all designed to enrich the lives of the residents and foster a vibrant community spirit.