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Santosh Is Changing The Lives Of Countless Orphaned Kids In Beed, Help Him
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Story of the changemaker
Even at a young age, Santosh Garje was extremely sensitive and empathetic. He was only 18 when he lost his sister to domestic violence, and his father soon after. It was incredibly difficult for him to come to terms with losing the closest people in his life, but he had another responsibility.
“I was left to take care of my sister’s three-year-old daughter, so I knew I had to stay strong for her. I also realized that there might be so many babies like her who had no one to take care of them. That’s when I realized the purpose of my life - to take in orphans and give them the life they deserve. Now when I hear them call me baba, that’s all I need to keep me going.” - Santosh Garje, Founder, Balgram
Balgram Was Started With Just 7 Children
In 2003, Santosh started Balgram, a home for orphaned children, in Beed, Maharashtra - a region that’s extremely drought-prone and has a high rate of farmer suicides. The son of a farm labourer, Santosh had seen poverty and suffering from close quarters. However, he didn’t let his own challenges come in the way of his purpose.
“I started by giving shelter to seven orphaned children, but I had no funds with me. So I went knocking on doors to ask for any kind of help. People were kind enough to give money, food and sometimes even essentials. It took me nearly 10 years to be able to build a permanent shelter for these children.”
Today, Santosh and his wife, Preeti, look after over 107 children. These children have been through a world of pain. Whether they’re orphans or children of people in prison, Balgram welcomes them all and gives them the childhood they need and deserve. At Balgram, these children are given food, shelter, education, love and care. They’re given the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities and are given a holistic education. Santosh is truly a saving grace for orphans in Beed.
However, He’s Struggling To Look After Them
Like so many others, the pandemic has left Santosh struggling to look after the children of Balgram to the best of his abilities. Despite giving his all, Santosh is falling short. He now needs your help to continue giving 107 children healthy, nutritious meals and the chance to build a better future.
“So many of these children haven’t experienced a mother’s love. They’ve had to go through so much, for no fault of theirs. I want to give them the best life possible, I want to give them a childhood worth remembering. And for this, I need your support.”
You can donate grocery kits and ensure the children at Balgram have a healthy and wholesome life.
About the NGO:
Started in 2003 by Santosh Garje, Balgram is a home for orphaned and destitute children in Georai, Beed, Maharashtra. Balgram is run under the NGO ‘Aai Foundation’ ( Aai Janhit Bahuuddeshiya Sevabhavi Sanstha) with the help of generous supporters. Santosh looks after 107 children now, all of whom lovingly call him baba.
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