“People from six countries gathered at the Maher centre. All of us wore caps with the writing ‘Love is My Religion and ‘Be the Change you want to see in the world’. It was indeed heartening when representatives from across different religions sat together in prayer and meditation,” Kurien added.

While Maher Day will be celebrated on February 3, an annual day event is scheduled for February 4. Maher, which started on February 2, 1997, in Pune as a single shelter home for women in need, quickly expanded over the last two decades to accommodate an influx of underprivileged children in need of help. The primary aim of the organisation is to provide shelter and support to destitute, exploited, and battered women, men, and children.

“Our mission is to create secure and loving homes and enable them to discover the power within them and develop self-reliance,” Maher office bearers added. This United Nations registered Non-Governmental Organisation has established several satellite centers across Maharashtra and expanded its reach to different states, including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Bihar.