At Donatekart, we work closely with so many incredible people and NGOs who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of others – and their voices need to be heard.
Through #DonatekartSpotlight, we’ll focus on two causes every week to highlight their work, give you an in-depth look at their organisation, the people behind it and what makes it unique. These stories are all heart, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
It is estimated that there are 18 million homeless, elderly people in the country. With the elderly population set to rise to 20% by 2050, abandonment will become a serious threat to the well-being of society. These abandoned elderly have some of the most heartbreaking stories to share. Having been left to fend for themselves by their own families, all they want is to be loved and respected again.
Fortunately, people like Paluri Siddhartha, Sudha Rani, a husband-wife duo, and Rupesh Patil are their ray of hope during their darkest times. They might be from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra respectively, but they share the same values and are children to countless helpless elderly. Thanks to them, these seniors have found a family again.
Paluri Siddhartha & Sudha Rani
“I have seen poverty up close and I know what it feels like to survive on just one meal a day. Very early on I decided I would do anything to help people like this. It is during one of these feeding drives that I saw so many old people coming just for a morsel of food. They’re too old to work and without anyone to take care of them, they have been starving for days.” – Siddhartha
Siddhartha then knew that he found his purpose. Along with Sudha Rani in 2014, he started looking after abandoned old people and ever since then, they have dedicated their lives to the service of the elderly. Currently, they’re taking care of around 40 elderly who have no one to take care of them in Vavilavalsa village in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. The husband-wife duo feeds them nutritious meals thrice a day and provides them with temporary shelter too. Sudha is deaf and mute and has to fight her own set of challenges but not even a single day has passed when she hasn’t looked after the residents of the shelter.
This husband-wife duo is leaving no stone unturned while looking after their family of elderly. If you want to know more about their inspiring work, click here.
Rupesh Patil – Founder of Nityanand Ashram
Based out of Mumbai, Nityanand Ashram is home to 150+ abandoned elderly – some call him their son while others think he is no less than God to them. For over 8 years now, Rupesh is doing his best to give these abandoned souls a life of happiness and dignity.
“Whenever we get a call about an abandoned elderly, we rush to rescue them. So often, we find them covered in dirt, frail and tired. Most of them had given up on their lives and were just waiting to die. Some are mentally ill and in no condition to take care of themselves. We bring them to our Ashram, bathe them, and give them a fresh pair of clothes and warm meals. When I see them smile, it makes me so happy,” – Rupesh Patil
These were people who once had a family and they worked hard to give them a life of happiness. Yet now, no one is ready to look after them – some are fighting mental illnesses while others are too weak from the recurring ailments plaguing them.
Rupesh works day and night to give them nutritious food, medicine and a safe place to stay. Read more about his tireless efforts here.
You can support more superhumans like Selvaraj and Sandip here on Donatekart. If you’ve come across any other NGOs or individuals whose stories have inspired you, please feel free to reach out to us at info@donatekart.com.
