In noble service of the needy

Kukatpally: For 38-year-old D Rajeshwari, the 50 senior citizens and 15 orphan children at her old-age home mean more than her family. What began in 2009 as an idea to help the needy, the home is now significant in the area in providing free education and basic necessities to the needy. Children from nearby slums and backward classes receive education from 9am to 4pm at ‘Rajeshwari Old-Age Home’ for free.

Sharing her tale, Rajeshwari says, “I was always interested in helping others since. After completing my Intermediate I ran away from Nellore and reached Hyderabad. Somehow, I managed to complete my graduation in the city and began work at a private company. But, that did not satisfy me.”

“I felt somewhere I am missing something that I wanted to do for the needy. That is when I started an old-age home,” she recounts.She sold her house at the cost of Rs 18 lakh and started the old-age home with the help of a few friends. “I give food, books and clothes to these people,” says the social worker.

The registration of the old-age home happened in 2006, but it took a few years to launch the centre because of certain financial conditions. Between 2009 and 2010, upto 60-70 orphaned children used to attend the home.

 In addition, basic education was provided to children of backward class from nearby slums. From the past seven years, the home is working in ensuring better living conditions for the elderly with support from a few people who donate.

What may come as a surprise to most people, is that the 38-year-old defies societal norms in opting to stay single. “I am not even thinking about that. These children and elderly persons are more than my family,” she feels.

Harbouring a dream to start a shelter home for HIV-positive people and for children suffering from cancer, Rajeshwari feels that it is our duty to put a smile on their faces. “We cannot even blame the children who are not taking care of the parents because of their busy schedule,” she avers.

 “The worst thing is that a few children bring their parents to the old-age home saying they have found these people on the roads. This mentality should change among youngsters. Even if they are busy, they should hire someone to take care of their parents. It isn’t such a bad thing after all,” says the social worker.