Mulund resident Ashish Goyal grew up watching his father organise and take part in philanthropic activities. Brought up with the principles of paying it forward and helping others in any way possible, Goyal transformed his childhood learnings into tangible impact by founding the Umang Foundation in 2009.
### Spreading Joy Through Umang Foundation
The NGO was established with a simple mission embedded in its name—to spread *umang*, or joy, in people’s lives. The organisation focuses on creating positive change by mobilising individuals who are passionate about giving back to society. With the support of a strong army of volunteers, Goyal has been conducting a variety of initiatives such as blood donation camps, clothes collection drives, eye care and eye donation pledges, as well as providing educational support by distributing books and stationery.
“The neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Mumbai don’t even have the basic necessities in their schools,” says Goyal. “So we started a stationery drive providing items like bags, pencils, erasers, pen boxes, and writing pads so children can have the resources they need to study regularly.”
### Making a Tangible Difference in Schools
Since its inception, Umang Foundation has renovated more than 100 Zilla Parishad schools, tailoring improvements to each school’s specific requirements. These upgrades have included installing galvanised sheet roofing, POP ceilings, and borewells; internal and external painting; constructing toilets; and setting up smart classrooms. Other enhancements involve garden development, new flooring, electrical fittings, furniture, water filters, tube lights, and fans.
“Before these efforts, the schools were in a condition that did little to inspire children. After we implemented these changes, students feel motivated and encouraged to attend school regularly,” remarks the 41-year-old founder, reflecting on the visible transformation.
### Record-Breaking Community Outreach
The scale and impact of Umang Foundation’s work have been widely recognised. The organisation secured a place in the Limca Book of Records for five consecutive years (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) for conducting the country’s largest single-day stationery distribution drive.
Goyal adds, “We have reached lakhs of villages by distributing supplies collected from both citizens and corporates.” Donations, which include clothes, toys, medicines, and educational materials, are delivered to tribal villages around Mumbai. “Most people in these communities cannot afford even basic necessities, so we ensure they receive what they need.”
### Empowering Communities with Education and Awareness
Driven by community philanthropy and supported by a dedicated volunteer network, Umang Foundation has impacted the lives of around 500,000 people. Beyond material aid, the NGO has conducted awareness sessions on crucial topics such as financial literacy, ‘good touch and bad touch’, and menstruation to educate and empower children.
### Testimonial from Unmesh Sharma, HDFC Securities Ltd
Unmesh Sharma, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Equities at HDFC Securities Ltd, shares his perspective:
“I have known Ashish for over 15 years and have witnessed his commendable journey from a small set-up to a full-fledged NGO. I have seen him conduct large-scale stationery drives for children from under-resourced communities even with just a handful of volunteers. During my visit to the schools in Shahpur where his NGO operates, I saw the real impact of his work. Many students struggled to continue their education due to the lack of basic school supplies. Although education was free, the absence of materials created a barrier. Ashish’s initiatives have ensured that these children not only attend school but also have the resources they need to study effectively.”
*Disclaimer: The views expressed by Unmesh Sharma are his personal opinions.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/angels-of-mumbai/umang-foundation-renovating-schools-supporting-villages-changing-lives-video
About the Author
