“Like the sun’s rays, his warmth bathes everyone. He lives on as an ideology, an institution. Like a banyan tree, he continues to shelter the needy…”
Founded by his wife Manju and their children Dhruba, Arundhati, and Swati, the Mihir Foundation (A Charitable Trust Registration No. 622) has helped hundreds of vulnerable and marginalised children in Rourkela.
Established in October 2005 in Rourkela, Odisha, in fond memory of Mihir Mukherjee, the Foundation has carried forward the legacy of social and philanthropic commitments of Mihir Mukherjee. He worked to provide equitable access to education to children across socioeconomic strata.
His drive was to integrate the children into the mainstream. Carrying forward his purpose-driven endeavour, the team of volunteers on-board children; some as young as toddlers, to provide them with a safe and secure environment.
“This is just the beginning. Our aim is to mentor and educate as many children as we can. Education is the only tool that will give them continuity, security, and stability.” Over the years, Mihir Foundation has created opportunities within systems, and communities to facilitate adolescents’ transition from learning to civic engagement.
Hundreds of delinquent children have transformed from being social misfits to gainfully employed citizens. In gratitude, some of these children often come back to support the Foundation work.
Going forward, the Foundation plans to expand its operations and establish rural outreach programs. It plans to return to the rural/tribal block of Bonai where MB Mukherjee commenced his social activities. It will also take forward its social impact activities to the tribal districts of Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj which have poor access to education.
Remembering baba:
Swati Mukherjee
Baba—as I fondly called my father was my friend first and foremost. Our conversations varied from the umpteenth weight loss ideas to philosophy, from playing bridge and chess to mathematics, from growing vegetables to social impact. We had many heated discussions. He left a lasting impression on anybody he met.
On a warm Rourkela day (the day he passed away), I met people from every walk of life and social strata. Strangers (to me) were distributing water bottles to people who had queued up in the heat for his last darshan as we were taking him to the Brahmani ghat for cremation. It is a sight I will never forget. It was a spontaneous outpour from a mass who loved him—whose lives Baba had touched over the years.
The teary-eyed people bid farewell to their beloved Sir. They had lost their mentor. I learnt a lot about my baba that day. The people recounted stories about how Baba touched each one’s heart and how he cared for them, and the anecdotes ranged from emotional to inspirational to downright funny.
There were many accolades, but what struck me the most was the bond of simplicity, love, and loss that the assembled people felt for Baba. He certainly knew how to make people his own. His commitment to children, education, outdoor adventures, and the arts was almost fanatic. Perhaps he knew he was going to die young. Generations will hear his stories – he is folklore now!
Mrs Manju Mukherjee
A soft-spoken, strong-willed and overflowing with determination, Mrs Manju Mukherjee is the torch bearer of the Foundation. The soft demure transforms into fierce determination when it comes to getting things done.
The younger generation who enters the social sector must emulate the passion and enthusiasm she works with. She walks the extra mile to adopt and implement things for underprivileged children, even as a septuagenarian, which is admirable.
Mrs Swati Mukherjee
A girl born to the first-generation refugees, Swati Mukherjee, is a poster child for the importance of education. She started working for the Foundation to foster her father’s vision of using education to build an equitable world.
She is the first woman of colour to hold the title of interventional cardiologist among the 17 female interventional cardiologists in ANZ. She is a global leader in promoting gender parity in medicine, actively influencing the policies of top medical organizations to empower women and promote equity.
Mr Prabir Majumdar
Prabir Majumdar has been involved with Mihir Mukherjee’s philanthropic work from his early youth days in Rourkela. He volunteered with Zila Saksharta Samiti under the National Literacy Mission in 1988.
Currently, he is an advisor to the Foundation. His primary role involves developing tests and innovative education programs and designing activities for children of all age groups. In addition to this, he also nurtures stakeholder engagements and government relations. In simple words, he creates pathways from education to employment.
Mr Rajesh Ranjan Prasad
Rajesh has been a dedicated member of the Mihir Foundation for the past three decades. He is a crucial pillar in advancing Mr. Mihir Mukherjee’s vision. Thanks to his engineering academic background, he plays a key role in empowering marginalized children.
He creates a platform through arts, culture, sports, and awareness programs to instil a healthy lifestyle and bring out the best in young people. He is the go-to person for a sizable group of neighbourhood kids.