Founder

Late Ms. Mrinal Kanta Saxena (Meenu Didi)
[07.03.1957  -  03.08.2022]

Ms. Mrinal Kanta Saxena, was born on 07 March 1957 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Her life's path serves as proof of the enormous influence that one person's everlasting commitment and compassion can have on the lives of the under previleged. Growing up, Meenu was deeply influenced by her parents' love and care. Her mother's affection and her father's love led to her being named "Mrinalini Priyadarshini". However, her path took a turn when she began working as a radio announcer, and people started calling her 'Meenu'. This name would later become synonymous with her dedication to serving others, especially children, who affectionately referred to her as 'Meenu Didi'. Meenu's incredible path of selfless devotion began in 1987 under a tree not far from her Janakpuri home and finally resulted in the founding of Prerna Niketan Sangh, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping the community. She turned down marriage proposals when she was in college because she wanted to be alone. Prioritizing her job for the children she helped and her family, she was devoted to both. 

Early Life and Family

Meenu Didi's parents' tender love helped to mould her early years. She was the eldest child and the daughter of an Indian Navy officer. Life indeed presented no mean challenge for her. Tragically, her father passed away suddenly while she was a ninth-grader. Her mother lost her mental balance and her family was in chaos. The responsibility of taking care of her family fell on her slender shoulders. Meenu was keen about making sure her siblings had a good life and an education despite overcoming many obstacles. She adopted the roles of mother and sister, assisting her younger siblings in achieving better futures. She completed her studies, ensured her siblings had an education and got them married, deciding to remain unmarried herself.

Education and Career

Meenu was a hardworking student who finished her schooling with unwavering determination. At the reputed Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, she pursued her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Business Administration, Management, and Operations Research. She continued her passion to study by taking an advanced course in Russian language and literature at Delhi University and finishing an intensive course in Russian at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi.

Meenu began a profession as a Career Counselor at Delhi University's Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) after completing her studies. As a counselor, she had the opportunity to mentor and direct young people as they choose their careers. Even in her professional life, she was committed to helping others.

Initiation in to social service

In the age when small girls play with dolls, Meenu didi had something else in her heart. She was always anxious to do something for the helpless. Her mission began with injured little puppies, left moaning in dust and muck. Small Meenu would take them home and do whatever she could. Her father would often get upset with her. 

One day, Meenu was faced with a mountain of troubles: the ninth standard girl lost her father. He left behind Meenu, her two younger sisters, a brother and his ailing wife. Carrying on with her duties towards her family and others, Meenu didi was no less than Mother Teresa when it comes to serving the helpless and needy. 

It was a chance meeting with the watchman of her colony that was to change her perspective radically and become an initating point for her in to the rehabiliation of polio affected chilren.

   

“I saw the watchman holding a not-so-young girl in his lap. I learnt that the girl had polio and could not stand on her feet. I told him to take her to a hospital and he said that he could not afford to make frequent trips to hospital since he had a job to do besides taking care of his other three children. ‘Is it not enough that I have kept her alive,’ he asked,” she used to recall.

Founding Prerna Niketan Sangh 

Prerna Niketan was founded in 1987 as a result of Meenu Didi's profound compassion and her wish to lessen the suffering of polio-affected children. She started off by giving advice and helping 11 polio patients under a tree not far from Janakpuri near her house. She was inspired to do more after seeing the difference she could make in their lives. The initiatve was registered under the Society Registration Act on 23 Nov 1998 to serve the larger community. The main goal of this organization when it was founded was to help polio patients and other disadvantaged people in society. Meenu didi's activities were dictated by her unshakeable conviction in Sai Baba's teachings, which placed a strong emphasis on helping those in need.

It was in 2002 when Meenu didi was operating from a temporay accommodation of a temple in Muncipal Ward No. 17 (Janakpuri) when suddenly they were asked to vacate. Meenu didi met Shri Sanjay Puri the then Muncipal Councillor of Janakpuri who immediately got in touch with J.J. and Slum Department of MCD and as a reuslt of his efforts and persuations, the department alloted a new premises to Prerna Niketan Sangh in a record two months time at Basti Vikas Kendra, Dwarka Sector 3. Not only that, the Councillor also made a contribution of Rs. 11,000/- to the NGO keeping the noble cause we were engaged in. Thus Prerna Niketan started its activities on 17.09.2002 at the Sector 3 Dwarka Community Centre.

Challenges 

Meenu's journey was far from easy. She faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints and skepticism from various segments of society. However, her dedication and belief in her mission never wavered. She tirelessly worked towards her vision and provided support to polio victims, often collaborating with experts like Dr. Vidur Kumar Jain, an orthopedic surgeon who played a pivotal role in treating the children.

One of Meenu's key principles was to ensure that she personally contributed to the cause. On the strength of her savings and contribution from friends, well wishers and without any help from the government, Meenu didi tirelessly worked for the empowerment of persons with physical disabilities all her life so that the disabled children can pursue their studies and get treatment while enhancing their self-belief. 

She channeled her salary, first as a career counselor and later her pension she received after retirement from FMS, Delhi University, into Prerna Niketan Sangh's mission. She exemplified the principle that one's own resources should be used for the betterment of society.

Meenu's dedication and commitment, many wellwishers joined the carvan.  Yogi Ashwini, whose organisation Dhyan Foundation significantly contributed by offering much-needed financial assistance and assisting to cover costs for necessities like milk and veggies for children in need. Many others joined her effort, Dr. V.K. Jain (Orthopedic surgeon), Smt Shanti Devi, Mrs. Anjli Aggarwal, Bhajan singers Saxena Bandhu, Mr. Saini, Sh. SM Bagai of Bani Jagatyani Trust, to name a few.

Meenu didi's life story is a powerful illustration of the impact that acts of generosity and sacrifice can have on one person. She wanted the children whom she supported to develop a sense of independence; her goal went beyond just giving them a place to live and an education. She helped them find employment possibilities so they could live happy lives according to their own choices.

Meenu Didi's started to think beyond the scope of her original goal. She started to plan to extend her assistance to old people and orphaned children, giving them the love and attention they require at Prerna Niketan. 

Recognition & Awards: 

Meenu Didi's outstanding dedication to helping those in need was recognised by the society. She was acknowledged and honored, winning the highly regarded "Lala Satyanarayan Garg Award for Human Welfare" in 2009. These honors highlighted the importance of her work and demonstrated her steadfast commitment.

Demise

Meenu didi unfortunately died on 03.08.2022, after a brief illness and left a huge legacy to the Prerna Team that she built. She continues to be a constant source of inspiration for everyone who hears her tale, and her life acts as a monument to the transformational power of kindness.

Meenu Didi's ambition for the future was unwavering: to carry on with her altruistic devotion and significantly improve the lives of people in need. Her path is a good example of what it means to serve people with love, compassion, and devotion. Meenu Didi's life is a wonderful illustration of how one person's dedication can positively impact numerous lives.

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