Overview

On August 10, 2026, Saint Hardyal Educational and Orphans' Welfare Society (SHEOWS), a non‑profit that has been providing shelter, food, medical care and support to abandoned and destitute elderly in India since 1994, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Juntendo University in Tokyo. The agreement was executed by Mr. Saurabh Bhagat, Chief Executive Officer of SHEOWS, and Dr. Yuasa Motoyuki, Chair of the Department of Global Health Research at Juntendo University, with facilitation by Dr. Myo Nyein Aung, Associate Professor at Juntendo.

Areas of Collaboration

The MoU specifies five key areas of cooperation:

1. Research Initiatives – Joint studies on dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, geriatric syndromes and healthy ageing using Juntendo’s DIHAC research framework.

2. Faculty and Student Research Opportunities – Longitudinal studies and cognitive‑decline tracking to be conducted through SHEOWS’ elderly care centres.

3. Student Volunteering – Engagement of students in therapeutic activities, digital‑literacy programmes and cross‑cultural interactions with elderly residents.

4. Knowledge Exchange and Joint Academic Programmes – Development of geriatric‑care education curricula and capacity‑building modules.

5. Technical and Advisory Support – Guidance for SHEOWS’ planned Integrated Elder Care Home, Geriatric Hospital and Research Centre, covering clinical protocols, hospital planning and staffing models.

Significance for India

India’s elderly population is projected to more than double in the coming decades. The partnership is expected to provide:

  • Research Access – Exposure to Juntendo’s DIHAC framework, strengthening evidence on dementia and Alzheimer’s for Indian demographics.
  • Capacity Building – Academic exchange and training for Indian caregivers, medical staff and researchers.
  • Scalable Model – Advisory support for SHEOWS’ integrated facilities, creating a replicable template for elder‑care across the country.
  • International Credibility – Association with a 188‑year‑old, top‑ranked Japanese university, potentially attracting further collaboration and investment into India’s elder‑care sector.

About SHEOWS

SHEOWS is registered under the Society Registration Act, 1860 and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976. It operates care centres in Delhi and Garhmukhteshwar, currently supporting more than 550 elderly residents, and has provided assistance to over 12,000 elderly individuals since its inception.

About Juntendo University

Founded in 1838, Juntendo University is Japan’s oldest institution for Western medical education and the country’s first private hospital. Its network comprises six affiliated hospitals and five campuses across Tokyo, Chiba and Shizuoka, offering programmes in medicine, health science, nursing and international liberal arts. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Juntendo is ranked No. 1 among private universities in Japan.

Conclusion

The MoU establishes a structured framework for bilateral research, academic exchange and technical assistance aimed at enhancing geriatric care and research capabilities in India, leveraging Juntendo University’s long‑standing expertise and international standing.