Mr. Gopalsingh Solanki, the Founder of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust, who today is transforming countless lives through his relentless compassion, determination, and leadership.
At the age of 35, when many people are seeking stability in their careers or building wealth, Gopalsingh chose a path less traveled. Motivated by memories of growing up amidst deprivation and social neglect, he decided to dedicate his life to those who society often forgets — orphaned children, abandoned elders, destitute women, and underprivileged families. In 2014, he laid the foundation of Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust, headquartered in Mira Road East, Mumbai. What started as a dream powered by a small investment and strong moral conviction has today grown into one of Maharashtra’s most impactful grassroots NGOs.
The Man Behind the Mission
Now aged 49, Gopalsingh Solanki reflects on his journey not with pride but with gratitude. “I come from a very small village. I have seen the pain of people who are poor, unable to get medical treatment, orphaned children roaming on streets, and old parents left behind by their children. These images never left me. I always knew I had to do something,” he says.
He wasn’t driven by fame, funding, or recognition — only by the belief that humanity should never be optional. His biggest inspiration? His mother. “She always said, if you are alive, your purpose should be to help someone else live better. Without that, life loses meaning.”
From Seed to Shelter: The Birth of Riddhi Siddhi
The NGO officially came into existence on 13th February 2014, under The Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, with Registration No. E-30149. Armed with a small startup fund and boundless willpower, the journey began with outreach efforts, one child at a time, one old soul at a time.
In the beginning, the challenges were overwhelming. “We faced severe financial difficulties. Sometimes, it was tough to even arrange basic essentials for the kids or the elderly we supported. But giving up was never an option,” says Gopalsingh.
Slowly but steadily, donors began to believe in the cause. Volunteers joined in. Word-of-mouth amplified their credibility. Today, Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust proudly operates a free shelter home for orphaned children, a fully functional old-age home, and runs educational programs, vocational training, women empowerment initiatives, and much more.
A Beacon of Hope: Activities and Impact
The trust doesn’t just serve — it transforms. With dedicated programs in the areas of:
- Child Education and Shelter
- Senior Citizen Care
- Women Empowerment and Skill Development
- Health Camps and Medical Aid
- Legal Awareness Initiatives
- Environmental Sustainability
— the organization stands tall as a lighthouse for the marginalized.
In a society that often overlooks its weakest members, the trust teaches a vital lesson: If you help one person, that person will someday help another. It’s a ripple effect of kindness that continues to multiply.
The organization caters to migrants, abused women, school dropouts, and neglected children. It has become a sanctuary for those who’ve lost faith in society, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
When asked about what makes Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust different, Gopalsingh answers without hesitation:
“We are not just an organization. We are a family. We live with the people we serve, we cry with them, we celebrate their small wins, and we treat each one like our own.”
What sets the Trust apart is its personal involvement, transparency, and grassroots approach. Every donor knows where their contribution goes. Every volunteer is empowered to lead. Every beneficiary is treated with respect and not pity.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals
With a vision rooted in compassion and eyes set on expansion, Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust has ambitious plans for the future:
- Establishing a larger, permanent facility for orphans and seniors under one roof.
- Launching mobile medical vans for remote areas.
- Building a vocational training hub for women and youth to ensure livelihood generation.
- Partnering with corporations under CSR initiatives to scale up operations.
The organization also intends to digitize its operations, improve fundraising infrastructure, and expand to other states across India in the coming years.
Hardships and Lessons
Starting a non-profit is no easy task — it involves facing the harshest realities of society and your own self-doubt. Gopalsingh shares, “There were nights when we had no money for food or medicine. I have gone door to door to ask for help, not for myself, but for those depending on me.”
From these struggles, he learned that success isn’t in comfort, but in consistency, community support, and self-belief. His personal sacrifices and deep understanding of people’s pain have helped him grow as both a person and a leader.
Entrepreneurial Insights
Many view entrepreneurship as a corporate pursuit, but Gopalsingh’s story redefines the term. He believes an entrepreneur is anyone who identifies a need, creates a solution, and brings positive change — whether it’s a business or a social cause.
What makes him a unique entrepreneur?
- Empathy-led decision making
- Persistence in adversity
- Grassroots wisdom
- Willingness to lead by example
He believes that leadership is not about standing ahead, but standing with. And that has earned him trust from both his team and the communities he serves.
Key Learnings from the Journey
Some of the greatest lessons Gopalsingh has learned through this journey include:
- “What you have is enough. Good health is wealth.”
- “You don’t need a fortune to start — just the will to begin.”
- “When you give with genuine intent, help finds its way to you.”
Recognitions and Awards
Over the years, Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust has received multiple prestigious awards, including:
- Indian CSR Award – Best NGO of the Year 2024
- The Excellency Iconic Award – Best NGO in Education Sector
- Maithil Vikas Pratisthan – Maithil Mitra Sanman 2022
- Abhinav Vidyamandir Bhayander – Most Helping and Socially Active NGO
- District Legal Services Authority Thane – Participation in Law Awareness Camp
These accolades, while deeply appreciated, are not the goal. “The true award is the smile on a child’s face when they start learning, or when an elderly person says they feel at home again,” he says with heartfelt humility.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
To those considering starting their own business or nonprofit, Gopalsingh offers this advice:
“Start small, but start today. Don’t wait for the perfect time or big money. If your intention is right, support will follow. And always remember — every act of help counts, no matter how small.”
A Life Well Lived in the Service of Others
In a world that’s often driven by self-interest, Mr. Gopalsingh Solanki stands as a reminder that true greatness lies in service. Through Riddhi Siddhi Charitable Trust, he has changed thousands of lives, and in doing so, changed the definition of what success truly means.
With eleven years of dedication, compassion, and leadership behind him — and many more ahead — he continues to be a voice for the voiceless and a home for the homeless.
As he often says with quiet conviction:
“We may not be able to help everyone, but we can help someone. And that is enough to change the world.”