The inspiration for this project was provided by Kamalatai’s mother who wanted Kamalatai to start a home for aged workers and nurses who had served the MatruSewa Sangh all their life. Panchawati Vruddashram was established in 1961. On Kamalatai’s request, well-known philanthropist of Nagpur Shrimant Rajabal Chitnavis donated three acres of land and a sum of Rs 10,000/- to Matru Sewa Sangh. A home for the aged was constructed at Dighori and was named Laxmi Smruti in the memory of Late Laxmibai Chitnavis, wife of Shri Rajabal Chitnavis.
Admission of senior citizen are taken at the age of 50 years and above. Bed- Ridden admission of senior citizen are not provided.
The old temporary construction, which had become dilapidated over the years, has since been pulled down and a new building has been constructed on the same premises. Built at the cost of 14 Lakhs this building accommodates hundred people, with separate quarters for men and women. Independent cottages are also provided to senior citizens. The ashram also allows senior citizen to construct separate units on its premises which goes back to the ashram after their death. Sharing room, Single seated room and common hall are provided.
The ashram strives to provide a homelike atmosphere to its residents. Along with comfortable residential accommodation, the ashram provides its residents with nutritious and wholesome food and primary healthcare facilities. Other needs and problems of the residents are addressed by engaging the services of social workers and counsellors. Religious and cultural programs, excursions and various other activities are organized to improve the quality of life of the inmates at Panchawati Vruddhashram.
Since its establishment in 1961, a number of changes have been introduced in the policies and management of the ashram to accommodate the changing needs of society. Panchawati Vruddhashram now caters to the need of senior who can pay for their lodging and boarding. There is one Ram Mandir in the premises where senior citizens gather to hear religion lectures, bhajan, kirtan etc.
Administration is looked after by a manager and a lady warden along with other domestic staff. A few inmates pay full amount for the services offered by the ashram, while others are subsidized by social welfare Department of Govt. of Maharashtra and by Matru Sewa Sangh.
Donations in cash and kind received from all sections of the society are a major source of revenue for the ashram and have allowed it to carry on providing its exemplary services for more than five decades. Regional Grand Lodge of Western India has helped this Panchawati old age home by Constructing Cottage for Senior Citizen as Corporate Social Responsibility.Mr.Gangaprasad Mishra, Shri Baburao Gharad, Mr. Govind Bharade have given donations to build separate blocks for senior citizens.
Matru Sewa Sangh pays its tribute to Founder Padmashree Late Kamlatai Hospet on her death anniversary and Co-Founder Late Venutai Nene on her birth anniversary which falls on same date i.e 15 th of November every year. A program is being held at the old age home of Matru Sewa Sangh Panchawati Vruddhashram, Umred Road, Nagpur by paying homage to these great outstanding personalities who have rendered their selfless services to the lower strata of women and children of the society. On this occasion a prestigious award is being conferred to women who are socially and selflessly committed to the society in social work. The award is titled in the name “Kamlatai Hospet and Venutai Nene Sansthapika Dyvay Puraskar”.