In the city of Varanasi stands a forgotten building that looks dilapidated and weathered. The room within has rough, faded walls, with paint peeling off. There are hardly any mattresses in sight, no fan and the taps look like they haven’t been used in years. Not a single drop of water falls from them. This is no abandoned house. This is where Kashinath looks after 35 people who are visually challenged and helpless.
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“I’m struggling to take care of them. If you look around you can see how old this building is. We don’t have anything here, just a roof over our heads. Even then, I’m doing my best to look after them. Most of them have nowhere else to go, and I want to give them a better life. But there’s only so much I can do by myself.” - Kashinath
Born Visually Challenged Into A Poor Family, Kashinath Has Only Struggled All His Life
Kashinath has never been able to see, but it’s his determination and willpower that made him overcome the several challenges that came his way and even made him learn Braille. Throughout his childhood, all he wanted to do was gain more knowledge and do something for people like him. And while fate dealt him a tough hand, he never gave up.
“I was born visually challenged and into a poor family. There’s nothing I haven’t seen, no pain I haven’t experienced. No matter how hard I tried, I faced so many challenges along the way. There are not many jobs for people with visual impairments also, so many of them are left with nothing. I knew I wanted to do something for people like me, so I started taking people in and giving them a place to stay about 6-7 years ago. My wife, who is also handicapped, helps me. And together, we have made this run-down place a home.”
Kashinath currently looks after all the needs of the 35 people staying with him. Some were born visually challenged and abandoned by their families since they were considered burdens. Some have lost their eyesight to unfortunate accidents.
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“We have one person who got hit by a cricket ball and lost his sight after that. One more is a cameraman who slowly went visually challenged over the years. Some have been left here by their families because they couldn’t look after them any longer. All of them are over the age of 35-40 and have nowhere else to go.”
Besides looking after their food and well-being, Kashinath also teaches them Braille and other skills which might help them earn a livelihood. However, it’s not been easy. With no regular donors, Kashinath’s time is often spent worrying about arranging for the most basic necessities of the people in his care.
They’ve Been Borrowing Groceries From Shopkeepers To Survive
Kashinath doesn’t get the consistent support he needs to run this home for the visually challenged. People often donate during special occasions like birthdays, but on other days, they have to borrow groceries from shopkeepers to survive.
“I can’t afford to get regular groceries or essentials like soap, toothpaste and more. They don’t even have mattresses to sleep on, so I will be grateful to you if you could help us get those. These people have seen a lot of pain in their lives, they deserve to be healthy and comfortable. I get calls every day to help more people with visual impairments but I just don’t have the resources to do that”
People with visual impairment have to fight against stigma every single day. Even a little bit of kindness will go a long way in helping them stand on their feet. Your support towards getting groceries, hygiene kits and mattresses will make a huge difference in the lives of these people who rely on Kashinath for their every need.
About the NGO: Born visually challenged and into a poor family Kashinath has seen numerous struggles and challenges along the way. However, he never let this stop him from uplifting those just like him. Today he looks after over 35 people with visual impairments who have nowhere else to go and no one else to call their own. Many of them have lost their eyesight to accidents and have been abandoned by their families since they’re considered a burden. Kashinath looks after all their needs and wants to give them a life of health and comfort.
