The journey of Deepstambh began in 2005, when Yajurvendra Mahajan returned to his hometown of Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after completing his post-graduation.
Deeply inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and driven by a belief in the transformative power of education, he began working with talented students from rural and tribal communities who lacked access to opportunities. As he travelled across rural Maharashtra, he listened, learned, and sought to understand who had been left furthest behind and why.
This journey demanded more than commitment—it required sacrifice. Choosing purpose over comfort, he left behind the opportunities of city life, sold his ancestral property, opted for a simple registered marriage, and dedicated his personal resources to building what would become Deepstambh Foundation.
Formally established in 2009, Deepstambh began by providing career guidance and educational support to rural youth. As the work evolved, it became clear that many young people from marginalized communities lost access to education after the age of eighteen. This led to the creation of Manobal—an inclusive residential initiative supporting persons with disabilities, young people from orphan backgrounds, economically disadvantaged communities, and transgender individuals.
Today, with campuses in Jalgaon, Pune, and Delhi, Deepstambh continues to grow as a movement committed to ensuring that no individual’s future is limited by their circumstances.