Jesu Ashram was founded in 1971 by Brother Robert (Bob) Mittleholtz belonging to a Christian (Roman Catholic) religious order called the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He distributed medicines to the sick at railway stations and in the streets of Siliguri. One year later Sister Ivana, a nun from the Daughters of the Cross Congregation came to support Br. Bob in his work. Inspired by their good work some dedicated young people joined them as volunteers. They carried the sick, the old, the leprosy patients, and physically and mentally handicapped people to a small rented house. Many volunteers from India and abroad began offering their free service when they were moved with compassion.

As the number of the patients increased there was no room in the rented building. A new Ashram was build in 1971 in Gurung Basti, Siliguri and was named “Jesu Ashram”. Later on it was decided to shift Jesu Ashramfrom Siliguri to Matigara in 1972 mainly for two reasons; more rooms and open place was needed for the Ashram and also many neighbors at Gurung Basti were against keeping Leprosy patients in the Ashram. This is the story of humble beginning of Jesu Ashram.