Hyderabad : 'Seven Rays' of hope & sunshine in society

Not merely the ones touched by the plight of the poor and underprivileged, some people are organising themselves into groups to go out to the rescue of needy people. One such organisation meeting the needs of society, be it women empowerment, child education, meeting individual needs or healthcare in slums, is Sevenrays Foundation set up seven ordinary citizens.

It has since grown into a sound group, marshalling resources, kind or cash, from caring individuals to ameliorate the sufferings in society. Crowdfunding on social media and through word of mouth, it is helping many struggling people lead or secure a dignified life.

From supporting students by paying fees to supplying groceries for the unemployed families in the pandemic, the services of the NGO for the society are notable. Sevenrays Foundation was initiated in 2016 by Dr Saratha, a resident of Lalapet, with the primary objective of 'Serving the needy' and to help underprivileged.

It strives for education for children, livelihoods for the youth, healthcare in rural villages and urban slums and sensitisation of privileged masses to the agony of masses. An instance of their effort is admitting 15 students from the below poverty line in corporate schools and colleges, and bearing expenses towards their education.

"I feel it my responsibility to help my brothers and sisters who are in need and who are living in orphanages and old age homes. When we come across any requirement from anybody, we will fulfill it within one or two days," says Dr Saratha.

Sevenrays also provided groceries to the poor and those who lost their employment because of the pandemic. It is also supporting the orphanages and old age homes, by feeding them and providing essential basic things to them and providing food and groceries and new clothes to the destitutes also providing sanitary pads to them.

The founder informed that amongst other activities, donating blankets to the homeless, providing sewing machines to the women for getting self employment. They provided drinking water facility to the Rettapally village of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh.

Regularly they visit different slums in Hyderabad and donate sweaters, clothes and snacks to poor children bed sheets to the poor. During this pandemic they donated sanitisers, hand washes, face masks and groceries to the needy. "In these 4 years of journey we helped more than 80,000 people.

We helped many people in Hyderabad who are in need. In this pandemic also we helped many poor and also supporting women for their self employment," said J Manoj, program co- ordinator, Sevenrays.

Extending their support, a volunteer, Pravalike, says, "I support Sevenrays because it gave me an opportunity to help my brothers and sisters on the earth and I know every donation made to Sevenrays foundation reaches one who needs it the most."

Enthusiastic about being part of it, another volunteer, G Sreeja, says, "I became part of the group and they are helping the people is very inspiring. Especially in the pandemic regardless of anything they are helping for those who lost their employment. And also contributions towards women empowerment are adorable. And am happy to work as a volunteer in this foundation."