For the last decade, Dr Abhijit Sonawane and Dr Manisha Sonawane have worked to help the homeless in Pune by providing them with medical care and livelihood opportunities. They have rescued children from the streets, ensuring they receive an education, and have rehabilitated elderly beggars by providing them with shelter and support. They have helped more than 300 beggars, helping them start small businesses such as vegetable stalls, tea shops, footwear stores, electronics shops, and tattoo parlours.
However, they said a major hurdle remained — the lack of a dedicated employment centre where beggars could receive training and earn a stable income. “For years, we struggled to find a place for this initiative. No one was willing to give us space,” said Dr Abhijit, 50. “But then, Danishbhai Shah stepped in and made this dream a reality.”
The couple said they have started a rehabilitation and employment centre for beggars at the 2,500 square feet space donated by Shah, a 55-year-old businessman and owner of Sanghar Company, in Bibwewadi. Named Aami Madhyaratriche Surya (We Are the Midnight Sun), the project aims to help those forced into begging by providing them with employment.
Apart from offering the land, Shah also funded the infrastructure needed to set up the employment centre.
“People often donate money at temples or religious places, but here, Danishbhai has donated something even greater,” said Dr Manisha. “He has given people the ability to stand on their own feet.”
The centre was inaugurated on March 30, Gudi Padwa, in the presence of Shirish Sardeshpande, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Anti-Corruption Bureau), Mamata Shinde, Assistant Commissioner Beggar Prevention Branch, Women & Child Welfare Department, and Suvarnatai Pawar, Joint Commissioner, Mahatma Gandhi Training Institute.
“For the past 10 years, we have dreamed of establishing a dedicated employment centre for beggars. Seeing so many kind-hearted individuals come forward to support this cause is beyond our expectations. I will remain indebted to them for life,” said Dr Abhijit.
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Transforming waste into opportunity
According to the couple — widely known as ‘Doctors for Beggars’ — the initiative will not only create jobs but also help reduce floral waste, preventing it from polluting rivers and public spaces.
They said the centre will focus on recycling discarded flowers collected from streets and religious sites, turning them into natural dyes for pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. Beggars will be employed to collect these flowers and will be paid per kilogram. The elderly and homeless individuals at the centre will then process the flowers into organic powders, which will be sold to various industries.
“This is not just about employment; it’s about restoring dignity,” said a 55-year-old beggar who now works at the centre. “For years, I was invisible. People would look away when they saw me begging. Now, I have work. I earn with my own hands. I see a future where I don’t have to beg anymore. I run a tea stall, and it is a life-changing step that I’ve got with the help of Dr Abhijit Sonawane.”
The project is supported by Century Enka Private Limited, which has provided the machinery, and Big Bucks Financial Services Pvt Ltd, which has covered additional expenses.
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‘I belong somewhere’
Apart from flower recycling, the centre also offers training in sewing fabric bags, handicraft production, and manufacturing liquid soaps and cleansers. The revenue generated from these activities will go entirely toward paying the workers at the centre.
Mehta Soap Company and Dr Bharati Pandurang Sonawane have volunteered their expertise and technology to support the project.
“For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong somewhere,” said a 47-year-old beggar who has started working at the centre. “I used to collect scraps and earn just enough to eat for the day. Now, I am learning a new skill and getting paid. I don’t have to rely on people’s pity anymore. It feels like a new beginning.”
Dr Abhijit said the centre has helped 1,100 beggars receive medical care, provided shelter to 92 elderly individuals, and ensured that 52 children forced into begging could go to school.
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“Instead of giving alms, we need to give people opportunities,” said Dr Manisha. “Beggars are not helpless; they have just been denied a chance. With proper guidance and support, they can contribute to society rather than being seen as a burden.”
