Our History

The work was pioneered in 1997 by Ton Snellaert who after visiting Delhi in 1996 was challenged and inspired by Isaiah 58 to establish a rehabilitation centre for the poorest of the poor suffering on the streets of Delhi.

The initial work was located in Yamuna Bazaar, where Ton would literally pick up the destitute of the streets and provide them emergency healthcare and take them into a loving and caring environment.

The work and team continued to grow and in 2000 Sewa Ashram was established in Narela.

Isaiah 58 continues to be our source of inspiration as partner with the ultra poor on their journey of transformation, and not only connect them with emergency healthcare, but education, skills training and microfinance.

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”