who we are
The Delhi Christian Friend-in-Need Society is an inter-denominational Christian charitable organization committed to serving humanity with compassion, dignity, and unwavering dedication. Established on 14 October 1959, the Society has grown from a small group of deeply committed individuals into a trusted and community-backed institution that uplifts the needy and cares for elderly citizens who lack family support.
Our Society was born from a heartfelt desire to create a unified platform where churches in Delhi could jointly support the deserving poor. What started as an initiative to help needy Christians soon expanded its arms to embrace people of all religions, communities, and backgrounds, making our organization one of the most inclusive and socially committed NGOs in Delhi.
Our Founding Inspiration
In the late 1950s, Mr. Samson Daniel, a compassionate and dedicated social worker, recognized the urgent need to support elderly individuals and financially challenged families across Delhi. Moved by their condition, he convened a meeting of Ministers and representatives of all the churches in Delhi on 14 October 1959. This historic meeting marked the official foundation of the Society.
A provisional committee was formed with:
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The Bishop of Delhi – Chairman
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Mr. Samson Daniel – Honorary Secretary & Treasurer
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Mr. W. A. Baid – Member
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Mr. A. P. Newton – Member
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Mrs. Moon – Member
This committee immediately began the work of forming a constitution, raising funds, and identifying the first group of needy individuals who required support.
Our Identity as an Inclusive Organization
A landmark decision in 1974 changed the trajectory of our work. The Society resolved to serve everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, or community. This decision strengthened our vision of humanity as one family and established us as a truly secular, people-focused NGO.
Today, our Home for the Aged in Fatehpur Beri welcomes senior citizens from all walks of life, offering them shelter, compassion, and dignity.
What We Stand For
At our core, we stand for:
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Human dignity
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Compassionate service
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Transparency and accountability
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Inclusiveness
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Faith-driven action
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Care for the elderly and needy
Our guiding principle is simple yet powerful:
“Service to humanity is service to God.”
This is the foundation upon which our work, our values, and our mission continue to grow.
Our history is not just a chronological record — it is a journey of faith, compassion, community support, and the tireless dedication of individuals who believed in creating a better world for the needy and the elderly.
1959 – The Beginning of a Vision
In October 1959, Delhi was home to many elderly individuals who had no support system and many families who struggled to provide even basic amenities. Recognizing this deep social need, Mr. Samson Daniel gathered Ministers and representatives of various churches across Delhi on 14 October 1959.
This gathering gave birth to the Delhi Christian Friend-in-Need Society — a collaborative effort of the Christian community, united not by denomination but by their shared commitment to serving humanity.
1960 – Constitution, Formalization & First Members
After multiple meetings, the provisional committee drafted a constitution for the Society. On 28 January 1960, this constitution was unanimously approved by representatives from all churches.
The first official members of the Society included distinguished leaders such as:
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The Rt. Rev. F. R. Willis
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Rev. Moti Lal
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Rev. A. Beni Prasad
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Rev. Phillip J. Santram
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Rev. A. W. Francis
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Shri V. A. Baid
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Shri B. K. Singh
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Shri Solomon David
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And others
Each of these early members played a crucial role in strengthening the foundations of the Society.
1960–1973 – Building Dreams Brick by Brick
Over the next decade, the Society focused on fundraising through:
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Christmas gift distribution
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Fetes
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Sponsored walks with schools
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Donations from churches and individuals
Funds collected during this period were dedicated to the dream of building a Home for the Aged — a safe haven for senior citizens needing care.
1973 – Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
A major milestone came on 10 November 1973, when the foundation stone of the Home for the Aged was laid at Fatehpur Beri, beyond Mehrauli.
The ceremony was unique and spiritually rich: leaders from various Christian denominations collectively laid their hands on the foundation stone after it was blessed — symbolizing unity, love, and shared purpose.
1975 – First Phase Completed
With support from schools — each collecting over ₹5,000 through sponsored walks — and churches, the first 8 rooms of the Home for the Aged were completed. On 20 April 1975, the Home was officially blessed and inaugurated.
Five rooms were entirely funded by different schools, and one by the Green Park Free Church. Their principals proudly inaugurated their respective rooms.
1981–1982 – Expansion Completed
The second phase added the upper floor, increasing accommodation to 20 residents.
On 20 December 1982, the expanded Home was formally opened.
1984 – Silver Jubilee Celebration
On 14 October 1984, the Society celebrated its Silver Jubilee at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption.
A thanksgiving service, followed by a banquet and slideshow, highlighted the Society’s accomplishments.
Post-1990s – Renovation and Modernization
Challenges emerged as the road outside the Home rose above the floor level, causing waterlogging and seepage. With support from Helpage India, Green Park Free Church (CNI), and individual donors:
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The entire roof was rebuilt
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New septic tanks and soak pits were constructed
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All toilets were remodeled
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Doors and windows were replaced
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Flooring was redone
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RO systems were installed
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Submersible pump added for continuous water supply
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A beautiful lawn was developed
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Security grills and walls were strengthened
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A new gate and wider stairs were constructed
Today, the Home stands strong, clean, and comfortable — a living testament to decades of love and support.
To serve the needy with compassion by offering a safe, caring, and dignified home for the elderly who require shelter, support, and love. We are committed to uplifting lives through empathy, service, and a genuine sense of responsibility toward humanity.
To expand our reach and develop additional Homes for the Aged, ensuring that every elderly person has access to care, comfort, and respect. We aspire to create a community where no deserving individual is left without support, protection, or the warmth of companionship.
Compassion, Dignity, Inclusiveness, Transparency, Service, and Faith guide us to care with empathy, honor every life, welcome all communities, act with integrity, serve selflessly, and uphold Christian principles that strengthen trust, unity, fellowship, and shared purpose.
The Society is committed to helping deserving and needy individuals across Delhi by providing safe accommodation and compassionate care through its Home for the Aged. We strive to offer comprehensive spiritual, emotional, and physical support to all our residents while maintaining a clean, comfortable, and respectful living environment. Through active collaboration with various organizations, we work to bring essential medical and welfare programs to those in need. With a focus on transparency and accountability in every operation, the Society also envisions expanding its Home and services in the future to reach and support even more individuals requiring care and assistance.
REGISTRATION & LEGAL STATUS
The Delhi Christian Friend-in-Need Society is officially registered under: Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 (Punjab Amendment, 1957) The Income Tax Department recognizes our Society as a charitable institution, and all donations are eligible for tax relief under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.