Manav Mandir Mission Trust

His Holiness Pujya Acharya Shri Roop Chandra Ji Maharaj, the lifetime President and Founder of the Manav Mandir Mission Trust, is a revered spiritual leader, scholar, philosopher, poet, and humanitarian. Born on 22 September 1939 in a distinguished Jain family in Sardarshahar, Rajasthan, Acharyashri displayed an extraordinary spiritual inclination from childhood—something even foretold by astrologers who proclaimed him a yogi by birth.

Despite growing up in a prosperous family, he was naturally drawn towards detachment, spirituality, and the search for higher truth. At the age of 13, he received Jain monk initiation from Acharya Shri Tulsi, under whose guidance he embarked on an expansive life of sadhana, study, and service.

Acharyashri travelled over 50,000 kilometres across India and Nepal on foot, engaging deeply with eminent thinkers and spiritual masters such as Acharya Rajneesh (Osho), Jiddu Krishnamurti, the Dalai Lama, and Mother Teresa. His scholarship spans Jain philosophy, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, English, Gujarati, and several other languages, and his work draws from diverse disciplines including philosophy, psychology, science, and social thought.

A tireless advocate of peace, non-violence, universal brotherhood, and human development, Acharyashri's contributions have received international recognition. He was honoured as Man of the Year - 2004 by the American Biographical Institute (USA) and has been felicitated by Amity Humanity Foundation and NACO for his efforts in promoting holistic health and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Acharyashri's personality embodies the compassion of a saint, the sensitivity of a poet, the vision of a philosopher, and the inspiration of a social reformer. His teachings continue to guide countless individuals, and his life mission—to cultivate humane, compassionate, and awakened human beings—forms the very foundation of the Manav Mandir Mission Trust.

The Manav Mandir Mission Trust (est. 1989) is a registered, non-profit public charitable trust founded by Acharyashri with the vision of building a sect-free social order and promoting social service rooted in spiritual practice. Since its inception, the Mission has emphasised sadhana (spiritual discipline) alongside dedicated service, nurturing both inner growth and collective well-being.

Drawing from his profound experience of monastic life and traditional spiritual disciplines, Acharyashri observed that while increasingly magnificent temples continue to rise across streets, towns, and cities, the formation of true human beings is often neglected. Places of worship have multiplied, yet many have also become sites of conflict in the name of religion. In this process, the living, conscious human being—the very essence of society—is being overlooked.

Acharyashri believed that wherever humanity itself is revered, that alone is a true temple. To cultivate a humane person is the highest form of worship. Without authentic, compassionate individuals, how can a noble society or a strong nation emerge? Without the flowering of humanity, how can divine qualities manifest?

It is therefore essential that a human being first becomes truly human. With this conviction, the Manav Mandir Mission was conceived as a transformative laboratory for shaping individuals. The Mission sought to demonstrate the broad relevance of religion by uniting spiritual practice with social responsibility. From this foundational spirit, several meaningful initiatives and programmes gradually took form.

The Mission’s headquarters are located in New Delhi, from where many of its activities are coordinated. Additionally, two permanent centres operate in Hisar (Haryana) and Sunam (Punjab). Over time, the Mission’s outreach has expanded across various Indian states and internationally, including the United States, Canada, Sweden, and other parts of Europe.

Sharnarthi Seva Prakalp is an initiative of the Manav Mandir Mission Trust (MMMT), established in 1989 by Pujya Gurudev Acharya Shri Roopchandraji Maharaj to uplift the marginalized through Jeevan Nirman—the holistic development of individuals and communities.

With a longstanding commitment to serving underserved populations across India—including children from disadvantaged backgrounds, elderly women without support, and now Pakistani Hindu refugees—the Trust works with unwavering dedication, compassion, and a deep sense of service.

The Sharnarthi Seva Prakalp began at the Majnu Ka Tilla refugee settlement and later expanded to a second centre at Signature Bridge. As more displaced families arrive in search of safety, dignity, and rehabilitation, the initiative continues to grow in both scale and impact.