NEW DELHI: Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani has announced the establishment of Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray, a 100-acre township near Mumbai's Karjat, envisioned as a lifelong home for more than 5,000 people, including orphaned children, senior citizens and persons with developmental disabilities.

Nita Ambani performed the Bhumi Pujan and groundbreaking ceremony at the proposed project site on Sunday. The not-for-profit initiative will be developed in phases, subject to necessary approvals, and aims to create an inclusive residential community offering comprehensive healthcare, specialised care facilities, education, rehabilitation and opportunities for personal growth.

Rooted in Reliance Foundation's philosophy of 'We Care', the initiative is designed to provide residents with a secure and supportive environment where they can live with dignity, independence and a sense of belonging. Alongside more than 5,000 residents, the township is expected to support a wider community of approximately 15,000 people, including caregivers, medical professionals, support staff and their families.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nita Ambani said the initiative was a deeply personal commitment to building a loving home for people with disabilities, children in need of a family and senior citizens seeking care and comfort. She envisioned a community where medical support and compassionate care would come together with the warmth of family life, allowing residents to learn, work, build friendships and participate in festivals and celebrations.

She also highlighted the concerns of parents who worry about the future of their children with disabilities and expressed hope that the initiative would provide families with peace of mind by ensuring lifelong care and support for their loved ones.

The proposed township will be developed as a vibrant residential community rather than a conventional care institution. It will feature eight residential villages, each named after a sacred Indian river, with distinct colours, symbols and sensory gardens to help residents navigate their surroundings more easily.

Residents will live in small, family-style homes supported by dedicated house parents and caregivers. Each individual will have a personalised care and development plan covering healthcare, education, skills, employment and overall well-being. A dedicated key worker will coordinate support, with care plans reviewed at least once every six months to address changing requirements.

The township will also include a specialised hospital offering developmental medicine, epilepsy care, special-needs dentistry, palliative care and other medical services. Advanced rehabilitation facilities will provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and hydrotherapy.

Other proposed facilities include inclusive sports and recreational spaces, music and art programmes, sensory experiences, special education facilities and a mainstream school for children of staff members. An animal companionship farm, developed with the expertise of Vantara, is also planned to encourage interaction between residents and animals.

A key component of the initiative will be creating opportunities for vocational training and meaningful employment. Facilities such as a bakery, café and craft studios will enable residents to develop professional skills, earn wages and experience the dignity and independence associated with work.

Beyond its residential facilities, Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray is expected to serve surrounding villages and communities. Its hospital, temple, sports facilities and cafés are envisioned as shared resources for neighbouring areas. Around 1,000 people from the region are expected to benefit from therapy, education and employment opportunities, while outreach programmes, family respite homes and mobile medical clinics will extend support to communities in nearby districts.

The project will also feature a national training academy aimed at strengthening India's disability-care workforce through specialised training and capacity-building programmes. A dedicated hospice wing and garden of remembrance are planned to provide compassionate end-of-life care in a peaceful environment.

The initiative seeks to address the shortage of specialised, long-term residential care facilities, particularly for people living with cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and complex medical conditions requiring continuous support. It also aims to assist families who have limited access to specialised healthcare, rehabilitation and respite services.

Through Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray, Reliance Foundation aims to create an inclusive ecosystem where individuals across age groups and abilities can access lifelong care, develop their potential and live with dignity, security and a sense of purpose.