The history of the “Home for Aged and Handicapped,” formerly known as the “Poor House,” in Untkhana, Nagpur, is a story of generosity, perseverance, and compassion. In 1890, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation approached Monsignor Alexis Riccaz, the first Bishop of Nagpur, to care for the abandoned lepers and cripples, as other institutions had declined their request. Bishop Riccaz, however, wholeheartedly accepted the task and entrusted the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (SMMI), led by Mother Marie Gertrude and her companions, with this act of kindness.
The best service we have provided.
(8th February 1890: Dispensary ; First work of Mercy taking care of sick and destitute
(Sr. Madelline, Mother Marie Gertrude, Mother Marie de Kostka, Sr. Joseph)
The nuns took on the challenge of providing shelter and care for up to one hundred men, women, and children in need at the Poor House. Despite facing limited resources and deplorable, decaying housing conditions, they were able to preserve the institution with the help of friends, contributions, and their own savings. Once a year, the Municipal Corporation would provide each resident with one article of clothing. The residents and nuns persevered in these conditions for nearly seventy years.
MOTHER MARIE GERTRUDE
FATESINGHRAO RAJE BHONSALE
The land for the poor house was donated by Fatesinghrao Raje Bhonsale to the Catholic Mission. In a letter to the Directress General, Mother Marie Gertrude described the simple installation requested by Bishop Pelvat, consisting of only “two little mattresses, a small table, a few chairs, and two canteen trunks (for travel).” With increased global awareness of human rights and needs, a generous donation from Mr. Anaceto D’Souza of Congo-Africa, the support of Archbishop Eugene D’Souza, and the persistent efforts of Sister Solange and her colleagues, new structures were built to better accommodate the people.
BISHOP RICCAZ
Shri Ratanchand Daga
Mother Juliette
Fr. Gregory Noronha
The Department of Social Welfare in Maharashtra also gave assistance, and Shri Ratanchand Daga, a renowned social worker in Nagpur, was able to secure recognition and funding for the institution in 1963. The sections that provided care for the elderly and specially-abled were the first to receive recognition and aid, followed by those that offered skilled-based training and education for specially-abled youth and children.
Thus, the history of the Poor House in Nagpur is a testament to the selfless spirit of those who dedicated their lives to serving the less fortunate members of society. The missionary work that began with Mother Marie Gertrude and her companions in 1889 continues to touch the lives of countless people to this day.
In 1966, the poor house received a significant boost in support through the generous help of Misreor. With this support, new constructions were built and the following year saw the establishment of a well-equipped Physiotherapy Department, equipped with the latest in Electrotherapy and Hydrotherapy technology. Additionally, new wings were added to the children’s section and Prosthetic Workshop, further expanding the reach of the Home’s care for those in need.
In the 1970s, despite limited funding, the Home continued to provide essential rehabilitation and medical care for children and youth affected by polio. However, recognizing the need for increased support, Fr. Gregory Noronha reached out to friends in Germany and formed the association “Aktion Untkhana“. With their generosity and support from other dear friends, benefactors, and well-wishers, the Home was able to modernize its facilities and continue its important work of providing compassionate and loving care for those in need in our society.
| Name of the Services | Sanctioned Capacity | Date of Recognition |
| 1) KRIPASADAN | 100 | 20-02-1963 |
| 2) PRERANALAYA | 50 | 08-04-1964 |
| 3) SNEHASADAN | 125 (Orthopedic) | 03-08-1964 |
| Orthopedic -75, Cerebral Palsy – 50 | 06-01-2012 |
Guardians of Progress: Honoring our Past Secretaries
Sr. Solange
15/03/1963 to 18/07/1968
Sr. Clare Agnes
02/09/1969 to 06/07/1986
Sr. Elsy Augustine
06/07/1986 to 05/05/1990
Sr. Merlyn
06/07/1988 to 02/09/2009
OUR PRESENT PRESIDENT
Most Rev. Dr. Elias Gonsalves
27/1/2019
OUR PRESENT SECRETARY
Sr. Benedicta Irene
02/09/2009
The Present Governing Body
| OFFICE | NAME | |
| 1 | President | Most Rev. Dr. Elias Gonsalves |
| 2 | Vice President I | Rev. Fr. Anthony D’souza, Vicar General |
| 3 | Vice-President II | Sr. Alice Joseph |
| 4 | Manager | Sr. Divya Joseph |
| 5 | Secretary | Sr. Benedicta Irene D’Mello |
| 6 | Joint secretary | Sr. Veronica Rappai |
| 7 | Treasurer | Sr. Hansa Vaghela |
| 8 | Expert Member I (Trustee) | Sr. Ida Joseph |
| 9 | Expert Member II (Trustee) | Sr. Lincy Kurian |