by Suman Gupta
“From Seva to Angdaan — the values of a mother continue through the mission of her son.”
Mathura, 22 September 2026: *Rotarian Lal Goel, Founder & Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International (RCODI) and Chairman of Organ Donation India Foundation & GYAN, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Mrs Swarajya Lata Goel, on her birth anniversary, remembering her extraordinary life of courage, compassion and selfless service to humanity.*
A distinguished social worker, freedom fighter, educationist and humanitarian, *Mrs Swarajya Lata Goel devoted her life to serving society and restoring dignity* to the vulnerable and neglected.
For Rotarian Lal Goel, her greatest legacy was the values she instilled in him—compassion, kindness, empathy, humility and the spirit of Seva. These values became the foundation of his own mission to promote organ donation* and the gift of life.
A Life of Courage and Service
Mrs Swarajya Lata Goel was a freedom fighter who demonstrated remarkable courage during India’s struggle for independence. In 1942, she hoisted the national flag at Holker College, Indore.
Her dedication to education was equally remarkable. In 1948, she topped Agra University in MSc Chemistry and was awarded a Gold Medal for her academic excellence.
FICCI nationally recognised her contributions when it honoured her with the Best Social Worker Award in 1998* for her selfless service.
Maa Dham — Restoring Dignity to Widows
Among her most enduring contributions was her work to restore widows’ dignity and support their rehabilitation.
Along with renowned social worker Mrs Mohini Giri, she helped establish Maa Dham at Vrindavan, providing shelter and support to widows from different parts of India, irrespective of cadste, creed or background.
QMaa Dham offered much more than food and accommodation. It sought to restore what many women had lost—dignity, respect, security and a sense of belonging.*
The humanitarian work at *Maa Dham also received international appreciation. Oprah Winfrey, during her visit to Maa Dham in 2012, was deeply impressed by the social work* being carried out there.
*From Her Seva to His Mission of Angdaan*
For *Rotarian Lal Goel, his mission of organ donation awareness is a continuation of the values he learnt from his mother.*
*“Mummyji taught me that the true purpose of life is to serve others. She dedicated her life to giving dignity to those who had lost hope. My mission of organ donation is my humble effort to carry forward her legacy of Seva by giving people the opportunity to give life to others.”*
Her legacy lives not merely in *memories, photographs or awards, but in the lives she touched and the values she passed on.*
Some souls leave memories.
Great souls leave a legacy.
Mummyji left both.
Her journey of *Seva continues through the mission of Angdaan—from serving those in need during her lifetime to inspiring* the gift of life beyond it.
🎥 A Special Video Tribute
A special video tribute celebrates the life, memories, achievements and enduring legacy of Mrs. Swarajya Lata Goel (Mummyji).
“A life dedicated to Seva.
A legacy built on compassion.
A mother whose values continue to give life.”*
Watch the Special Video Tribute
https://share.google/1NYR1v8RuEhM6yiD8
