In a country where millions still grapple with poverty, lack of education, and abandonment in old age, the emergence of organizations dedicated to social welfare is nothing short of a lifeline. One such lighthouse of hope is Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust, led by its passionate and determined founder, Gopalsingh Solanki.
Today, Gopalsingh Solanki stands tall at the age of 49, but his journey into the world of social entrepreneurship began 14 years ago, at the age of 35. His motivation wasn’t rooted in ambition or personal gain—it was born from raw, personal experience and a lifelong exposure to the struggles of the underserved.
Humble Beginnings
Born in a modest village, Gopalsingh’s early life was shadowed by poverty and struggle. The daily battles he witnessed among the poor and helpless etched deep marks on his young mind. “I saw people suffering without medical help, children roaming the streets without parents, and elderly people left alone to fend for themselves,” he recalls. “It always made me think—what can I do to help?”
The seed of compassion sown in his childhood steadily grew, and when the time came, he turned this empathy into action. Fueled by his desire to make a meaningful difference, he established Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust on 13th February 2014, in Mira Road East, Mumbai.
With little capital but an abundance of purpose, he began a journey that would later impact thousands of lives.
The Birth of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust
Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust was registered under The Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 (Registration No: E-30149), and from its inception, it had a clear mission—to support the underprivileged, marginalized, and neglected sections of society.
The trust quickly became a sanctuary for those with nowhere else to turn. From educating orphaned children to providing a home for abandoned senior citizens, the organization functions on the simple but powerful principle: If you can help even one person, you create a ripple of kindness that multiplies.
What started as a vision soon transformed into a robust platform for social development. Today, Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust operates across various sectors, including:
- Education for poor and orphaned children
- Shelter homes for orphans
- Old-age care homes
- Vocational training programs
- Women empowerment and health initiatives
- Legal and social awareness programs
A Force for Social Change
The impact of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust goes beyond statistics—it has created stories of transformation, dignity, and renewed hope. Migrants, victims of abuse, dropouts, and lonely elders now find support, education, and a sense of family through the trust.
But like all meaningful ventures, the journey hasn’t been without its struggles.
Gopalsingh faced serious financial challenges in the early days. “We invested everything we had to start the NGO. At times, there were no funds even to buy basic necessities for children or the elderly,” he shares. However, his resolve never wavered. Through community engagement, donor outreach, and transparent operations, he gradually built a network of generous supporters.
Despite the monetary struggles, Gopalsingh’s strong leadership and grounded values ensured that no one was ever turned away for lack of resources. “We believe that help will always find a way. We approach our donors with sincerity, and they rarely say no,” he says with a smile.
Driving Principles and Unique Approach
When asked what sets his organization apart, Gopalsingh says without hesitation: “Authenticity and empathy.”
The USP of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust lies in its deep-rooted community approach, built on compassion rather than commercial motivations. Their model is sustainable, community-driven, and transparent. The trust does not just distribute aid—it builds long-term support systems to uplift lives permanently.
A unique feature is how the organization encourages social responsibility at every level. “We teach people to help others. When someone is helped, they are more likely to help someone else. That’s the chain of change we want to build,” he explains.
Professional Inspiration
Behind every compassionate act is a driving force. For Gopalsingh, that force was his mother. “She always told me—if you’re alive in this world, make a difference. That stayed with me. Her wisdom was simple, but it shaped the man I became.”
He channels that wisdom every day, whether comforting an elderly woman abandoned by her family or celebrating a child’s first school uniform. His mother’s teachings continue to echo in every corner of the Trust.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any entrepreneur, especially in the not-for-profit sector, Gopalsingh had his fair share of hurdles—fund shortages, lack of initial support, societal indifference, and at times, emotional burnout. “It’s not easy to hear stories of pain every day and not get affected,” he admits.
But he learned to turn every hardship into a stepping stone. “Every challenge taught me something. When you work at the grassroots, you realize how resilient the human spirit is. That’s what inspires me to keep going.”
Building for the Future
Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust is not just about providing temporary relief; it’s about building a better future. The organization is currently working on expanding its reach through digital awareness, more structured fundraising programs, and partnerships with corporate CSR wings.
Gopalsingh envisions building more shelter homes, mobile medical units, and education centers across Maharashtra and beyond.
“The need is vast,” he says. “And we are only just beginning.”
Recognitions and Awards
The success of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, it has received multiple accolades, including:
- 🏆 INDIAN CSR AWARD – Best NGO of the Year 2024
- 🏆 THE EXCELLENCY ICONIC AWARD – Best NGO in the Education Sector
- 🏆 MAITHIL MITRA SANMAN 2022 by Maithil Vikas Pratishtan
- 🏆 Most Helping and Socially Active NGO – Abhinav Vidyamandir, Bhayander
- 🏆 Participation Recognition – District Legal Services Authority, Thane
These awards not only honor the Trust’s contribution but also serve as motivation to keep growing and serving with integrity.
Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
To those embarking on their entrepreneurial journeys—especially in the social sector—Gopalsingh offers a piece of advice rooted in experience:
“Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start small, start with heart. Your intent matters more than your resources. If your goal is to help people, everything else will fall into place.”
Lessons from the Journey
Reflecting on over a decade of impact, Gopalsingh shares a poignant insight: “If you have health and a heart to give, you already have enough.” This simple philosophy has guided him through every challenge, shaping both his personal and professional life.
He believes entrepreneurship—especially in the NGO space—is not just about ideas and execution, but about empathy, grit, and the will to keep going.
Today, Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust is more than just an NGO—it’s a symbol of how one person’s determination can change hundreds of lives. Gopalsingh Solanki’s story is a testament to the fact that true success is not measured in profits, but in the number of lives touched.
In a world often chasing fame, power, and fortune, his story reminds us that the greatest legacy we can leave is the one built on kindness.
“Helping others is not charity, it’s humanity,” says Gopalsingh. And through the work of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust, humanity shines a little brighter every day.
