Narayan Seva Sansthan’s founder and managing trustee, Dr. Kailash Chandra Agarwal, popularly known as Kailash Manav, has a journey marked by a deep commitment to humanity and transformative service.
Born on January 2, 1947, in the small town of Bhindar, Udaipur district in Rajasthan, Kailash Manav’s early life was shaped by the values instilled by his parents his father, a businessman with a heart for the needy, and his mother, a devoted homemaker.
Interactions with social workers and saints during childhood impressed upon him the essence of compassion and truth in life. “Service to mankind is service to God. This belief formed the foundation of my life’s work,” Kailash Manav often reflects.
What began as individual acts of kindness gradually expanded into a formidable organisation the Narayan Seva Sansthan founded in 1985 which now operates across India and globally, supporting thousands of underprivileged and differently-abled individuals through medical care, vocational training, and rehabilitation.
Humble Beginnings Rooted in Service
Kailash Manav’s drive took shape amid personal experiences and social realities. Early on, he collected daily donations of grains, medicine, and money from local households, forming a small but consistent support system for those in need.
This grassroots approach matured into the creation of the Chainraj Polio Hospital in 1997, specialising in free corrective surgeries for polio victims and other disabled patients. The hospital has since performed over 421,250 surgeries, restoring mobility and independence to countless individuals.
Manav highlights, “The goal is to empower the differently-abled to stand on their own feet and live with dignity.” This vision was comprehensive, extending beyond surgery to offer free medical camps, rehabilitation centres, and vocational training in skills such as tailoring and computer literacy, enabling beneficiaries to contribute economically to their families and society.
Expanding the Reach: Innovations and Social Programs
Narayan Seva Sansthan’s impact lies not only in healthcare but also in its expansive social initiatives. One standout program is the mass marriage ceremonies for disabled and underprivileged couples a poignant effort to restore social dignity to those often excluded.
The 44th such event was held in 2025, exemplifying the trust’s continued commitment to holistic rehabilitation. Kailash Manav believes, “True service uplifts every aspect of life from health to social acceptance.”
The Sansthan now has 480 branches in India and 49 abroad, serving people across socio-economic strata with free wheelchairs, prosthetics, and support services. Its innovative prosthetic camps have benefitted tens of thousands across India and internationally, emphasizing accessibility even in remote rural areas.
Awards, Recognition, and National Influence
Dr. Kailash Manav’s efforts have been recognised at national and global levels, reflecting the broad impact of his work. He received the Padma Shri award in 2008, one of India’s highest civilian honours, for outstanding social service.
Other accolades include the National Award for Excellence in Disability Services presented by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and the recent Laxmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Award in 2023–24 for community upliftment, awarded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The organisation’s scale is impressive: to date, it has treated over 540,000 patients, distributed 350,000 wheelchairs, and conducted thousands of free corrective surgeries. Manav’s foundational motto, “Seva hi Paramo Dharma” (Service is the highest duty), remains the guiding principle inspiring a vast cadre of volunteers and staff.
The Logical Indian Perspective
Kailash Manav’s life and work present a powerful narrative of how individual compassion, combined with organisational vision, can create lasting social change. His story reminds us that service rooted in dignity and empowerment is essential not just charity.
The Logical Indian believes that true social progress comes from building inclusive communities where all members are valued and supported. As India progresses, organisations like Narayan Seva Sansthan illustrate the extraordinary impact of grassroots activism paired with scalable models for healthcare and social inclusion.
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