About MANAS Foundation
Dedicated to empowering widows and divorced women through compassionate support and meaningful connections
About Us
Manas Foundation was established from the vision of Mr. D.S. Lahane. From his childhood, having witnessed the suffering of widowed sisters, his mother, and his aunts at home, as well as injustices in society, he resolved to work in this field.
In 2022, while preparing for a district council election candidacy, he organized for the first time at the district level a Rakshabandhan program specifically for women, in which a large number of widowed women participated. Building on that social commitment, he then began work toward the remarriage of widowed, divorced, and separated women.
To date, he has played a vital role in guiding hundreds of women, providing them with employment, training, and a renewed start in life.
Our Mission
To empower widows and divorced women by providing dignified pathways to remarriage and companionship, creating a supportive community that breaks social stigmas and promotes healing, hope, and new beginnings.
- To give new life and hope to widowed, divorced, and abandoned women in society.
- To free women from traditional constraints and make them economically, socially, and emotionally self-reliant.
- To provide all necessary opportunities, guidance, and support for women to lead a renewed life.
- To help them gain dignity and respect in society through the path of remarriage.
Our Vision
A society where every woman, regardless of her past circumstances, has the opportunity to find love, companionship, and support in a judgment-free environment.
- To transform societal attitudes by eliminating the stigma around widowhood and remarriage.
- To build an inclusive society where every woman, regardless of her marital status, can live with respect and purpose.
- To ensure systemic and policy-level support for the empowerment and welfare of single women.
- To make remarriage a socially accepted and celebrated norm that restores identity and equality to affected women.
Our Story
A journey of empowerment and transformation
Widow Women Rakshabandhan Program, Buldhana
Organized to celebrate Rakshabandhan with widowed women, fostering emotional support and social bonding.
Entrepreneur & Business Meet, Buldhana
Aimed at creating employment opportunities and business connections for single women.
Widow Women Parishad, Buldhana
A district-level gathering where widowed, divorced, and abandoned women voiced their concerns in a safe space.
Remarriage Ceremony, Sindkhed Raja
A dignified group remarriage event held with community participation and traditional celebration.
Community Remarriage Ceremony, Buldhana (2nd event)
Another collective remarriage event conducted in Buldhana, continuing the mission with equal enthusiasm.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated leaders behind our mission
Dattatraya Lahane
Ganesh Nikam
Shahina Pathan
Meena Lahane
Our Programs & Initiatives
Empowerment Through Skills
Skills training program helping women develop employable skills
On-Ground Assistance & Support
Practical help to address challenges from in-laws, family, and societal pressures
Matchmaking Platform
Secure online platform for meaningful connections
Legal Aid Support
Legal assistance and guidance for critical matters