About / History & Founder
A garden planted in 2014
Gulistan E Mehdi was inaugurated in Lucknow on Tuesday, 14 October 2014, on the initiative of its founder, the late Er. Mazhar Abbas Rizvi. Fourteen orphans were admitted on the first day.
Who we are
Welcome to Gulistan E Mehdi

Gulistan E Mehdi Orphanage was established on 14 October 2014, admitting 14 orphans. The prime aim of the committee is to equip each child to stand on their own feet by acquiring modern as well as religious education, and expertise in a professional or vocational trade. At present, one of the students is pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science at a government university, and the remaining students are continuing their schooling at reputed schools in Lucknow. They are provided with all facilities, such as food, accommodation, clothes, medical treatment and learning materials, free of cost. Some of the children have neither father nor mother nor any near relations.
Our founder
In memory of Er. Mazhar Abbas Rizvi
He asked for so little and gave so very much. A handsome gentleman with a soft heart and a pleasing smile, he was a source of encouragement for all. He was a man of his word who listened and followed through. He believed in simple living and high thinking. His deeds, love and care, not only for his family but for the society he lived in, will always be remembered. He was a superb son who took great care of his parents, a loving husband and a hero to his children. He was a broad-minded and progressive man, a man of values. He believed that education is the only means to prosper, and his children and grandchildren proudly follow in his footsteps.
He devoted his life to the well-being of the poor and the orphans. He selflessly believed in supporting and fulfilling the needs of the needy as his religion. In his lifetime he laid the foundation of the orphanage Gulistan E Mehdi to groom and support orphans, which is now looked after by his son Meesum Abbas. It is for these reasons that he is still recognised and remembered. He will always be missed by all.
Milestones
Our journey so far
- 2014
Inauguration
Inaugurated on Tuesday, 14 October 2014 by Maulana Nisar Ahmad Sahab of Lucknow. Founder: Er. Mazhar Abbas Rizvi. Fourteen orphans admitted.
- 2015
Society registered
Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Uttar Pradesh) on 9 March 2015 as Registration No. 2708, with its registered office at Wonder Land Green-II, near Karbala, Amrai Gaon, Lucknow 226028.
- 2025
Registration renewed
Renewed by the Registrar of Societies, Uttar Pradesh on 15 October 2025 for five years from 9 March 2025 (Renewal No. R/LUC/09928/2025-2026).
- Today
Growing up
One resident is pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science at a government university; the others continue their schooling at reputed schools in Lucknow. The Society is led by the founder’s eldest son, Meesum Abbas, as President.