The Helpers of Mary came to Uttan Pali, a suburb of Mumbai, in 1975 at the invitation of Fr Serulo Vaz, parish priest of Uttan.  Initially they were provided a small house from where they conducted health education, nursery classes, tailoring classes for girls, medical aid for the poor, etc.

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As the house became too congested, a plot of land was donated to SHM. Surya Niketan consists of a residence for the sisters and a maternity home cum dispensary.

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In 2014 social activities were taken up by the parish CCO under Centre for Social Action, and a social worker sister was placed in charge. Various trainings for the target groups and need-based activities are organized and conducted. A Child Rights Protection Committee has been formed in the village.

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In 2019 Surya Niketan formed a group for persons with disabilities as well as for widows of farmers and helped them obtain government livelihood and pension schemes. The community has also enabled farmers and fisherfolk to secure income generating projects. On 1 October 2020 the sisters started a nursery which is being managed successfully.

POSTAL ADDRESS

Surya Niketan, P.O. Uttan, Uttan Pali, Dt. Thane 401 106, Maharashtra