Makodiya is a picturesque village situated along the banks of the Hathed River, between Itarsi and Seoni Malwa in Madhya Pradesh. Known for its historic connection to the British era, this fertile land is home to approximately 400 families, of which around 50 belong to the Christian faith. The people of Makodiya primarily depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihoods, cultivating seasonal crops such as wheat, soybean, rice, maize, and moong.

It was in 1986 that the late lamented H.G. Dr. Stephanos Mar Theodosius, the former Metropolitan of the Calcutta Diocese, purchased a historic British bungalow in Makodiya with a deep pastoral calling to serve the poor and neglected. This marked the humble beginning of what would later be widely known as the Makodiya Mission. Over the past four decades, the mission has emerged as a vibrant center for community development, spiritual nourishment, and social transformation under the banner of Abhaya Niketan.

Our Vision

To realize the dream of H.G. Dr. Stephanos Mar Theodosius a self-sufficient, spiritually grounded, and socially empowered village where every individual, regardless of background, has access to education, healthcare, dignity, and hope.

Our Foundation and Growth

Registered in 2000 as the Abhaya Niketan Health and Literacy Promotion Society, the mission began with a strong focus on education, health, and empowerment. Despite limited resources, Abhaya Niketan has steadily expanded its reach and impact across surrounding villages through dedicated humanitarian efforts.

Major Milestones

Education Initiatives

• Established 35 balwadis (pre-schools) across Seoni Malwa and Kesla to provide foundational education to rural children (later handed over to the government).
• Founded M.G.M. School in Dhawakala (1994) to offer affordable and quality education to underprivileged children.

Healthcare Outreach

• Set up a rural clinic (1991) to provide primary medical care in an area where no hospital existed within a 25 km radius.
• Launched the CARE Project (2000) to train villagers in maternal health, nutrition, and newborn care.
• Introduced the CHAI-TB Project (2011) to combat tuberculosis across 100 villages in Kesla and Seoni Malwa.

Women Empowerment

• Started the ‘Kudumba Stree’ initiative (2003) to support self-employment for women through tailoring, training, and small enterprise development.

Disaster Relief

• Launched a Disaster Management Project (2008) to provide immediate aid during natural calamities.

Current Activities

Abhaya Niketan Clinic

Established in 1991 and renovated in 2022, the clinic now offers regular medical consultations, subsidized medicines, and seasonal health camps. With the support of generous donors, an MBBS doctor serves the community. Regular medical camps are conducted in various villages.

Tailoring & Self-Help Units

• Our women’s tailoring group now fulfills church orders (e.g., Kameez, Shushrusha Kupayam, Black Loha) and liturgical items. Training for more complex garments like Oorara and Haimenikya is underway.
• Charity Programs Throughout the year, Abhaya Niketan distributes essentials like winter clothing, school bags, and daily-use items collected through churches and well-wishers.

Scholarships & Educational Support

Scholarships are provided by T.G.M. Foundation (Jabalpur) and MGOCSM Central Unit, covering school fees for children at M.G.M. School. Sponsors from Bhopal have also step in to support students.

Sustainable Agriculture

• The mission cultivates wheat, moong, maize, and seasonal vegetables. A kitchen garden and diverse fruit-bearing trees including jackfruit, mango, litchi, banana, and hybrid coconut contribute to food self-sufficiency.
• Poultry & Livestock Farming A small-scale poultry farm now has over 40 hens producing eggs and poultry for sale. The dairy unit, although currently small with one buffalo, supplies fresh milk for mission use and nearby villagers.

Spiritual Formation & Fellowship

• Vacation Bible School (VBS) Held annually, brings together children for a week of Bible learning, songs, activities, and spiritual growth.
  Cordial Relations with Friends Church: Abhaya Niketan maintains close ties with the Friends Church in the village. We conduct and also participate in prayer meetings, carol rounds, marriage, and funeral services.
• MGOCSM Camp and youth camps are hosted at the mission center.

Join Us in the Mission With God’s grace and the support of kind-hearted partners, we continue to serve with compassion and commitment. Whether through prayer, volunteering, or support, you are welcome to be a part of the Abhaya Niketan, Makodiya Mission family.