Gandhibhavan International Trust: a compassionate NGO for old age people in Kerala

IN the heart of Kollam in Kerala stands Gandhibhavan International Trust, an NGO for old age people that rescues and cares for the abandoned elderly who find themselves destitute and alone on the streets. Founded by Dr. Ponalur Somarajan in 2002, this NGO for old age people has become a haven for thousands of elderly individuals who would otherwise have no place to call home. With over 750 abandoned elderly currently under their care, Gandhibhavan International Trust faces financial challenges that threaten its mission to provide a safe and loving environment for those who have been forsaken by society. This blog explores the work of this NGO for old age people and how compassionate donors can help Dr. Somarajan care for senior citizens in desperate need. 

The genesis of Gandhibhavan International Trust

Dr. Ponalur Somarajan’s journey began with a chance encounter in 2002 when he found a distressed and malnourished elderly lady fighting for her life on the streets. Reminded of the vulnerability he experienced after losing his own mother at a young age, Dr. Somarajan took her in and, in doing so, laid the foundation for Gandhibhavan International Trust. Starting with a two-bedroom house, he initiated the rescue of abandoned elderly from the harsh realities of the streets through this compassionate NGO for old age people. 

Over the past two decades, Gandhibhavan International Trust has been a refuge for thousands of elderly individuals, providing them not only with shelter but also with the care, love and dignity they deserve. By reaching out a kind hand to abandoned people through his NGO for old age people, Dr. Somarajan’s dedication to this cause has saved countless lives and brought solace to those who thought they had no one to turn to.

Challenges faced by Gandhibhavan International Trust

Despite the noble intentions behind Gandhibhavan International Trust, the last few years have been challenging for Dr. Somarajan and his team. This NGO for old age people is grappling with financial need and without additional funds, the future of Gandhibhavan International Trust hangs in the balance. Dr. Somarajan, with a heavy heart, acknowledges the financial strain and emphasizes the critical role of compassionate donors in sustaining their mission. To support Gandhibhavan International Trust, you can donate here.

The growing issue of the abandonment of old people

The passionate team from this NGO for old age and abandoned people shares that as migration towards cities continues to rise, the problem of elderly abandonment intensifies. This is especially poignant in a country with over 100 million elderly people. Dr. Somarajan sheds light on the heart-wrenching reality of children leaving their parents behind in pursuit of a livelihood. Gandhibhavan International Trust has become a refuge for elderly parents yearning to see their children, many of whom have achieved success but choose to turn away from their responsibilities. This heartbreaking scenario reinforces the need for the existence of this NGO for old age people and the crucial role it plays in rescuing abandoned elderly individuals.

Gandhibhavan as a family, not an old age home 

Dr. Somarajan emphasizes that Gandhibhavan International Trust is not merely an old age home; it is a family. The compassionate NGO for old age people strives to cater to every need of its residents and provides nutritious food, comfortable shelter, medical care and clothing. The commitment to treating residents as family members is a testament to the organization’s ethos, fostering a sense of belonging and care that transcends the conventional concept of an institutional setting.

The urgent need for support

To continue the mission of being a caring and compassionate NGO for old age people, Gandhibhavan International Trust urgently requires financial support. The NGO is at risk of closing its doors to countless abandoned elderly parents suffering on the streets if immediate funds are not secured. Dr. Somarajan’s plea for support resonates with the urgency of the situation, and compassionate donors have the power to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have no one else to turn to. To support Gandhibhavan International Trust, you can donate here.

A personal story: Sankarankutti Nair’s tale of abandonment

To illustrate the profound impact that Gandhibhavan International Trust has had on the lives of abandoned elderly individuals, a personal story is shared. In 2012 the NGO for old age people received a distressing call about an elderly man named Sankarankutti Nair who was a once-prominent director and producer in the Malayalam film industry. Found abandoned at a government hospital in Kollam, Sankarankutti Nair had lost his left leg and his vision. He had also lost his wife and family. The rescue team from this NGO for old age people found him in a helpless state and immediately sprang into action. This story highlights the stark reality of elderly individuals being left to fend for themselves and invites kind-hearted people to donate to their fundraiser. 

Support Gandhibhavan International Trust on Give.do

Gandhibhavan International Trust is an NGO for old age and abandoned people that stands as a symbol of compassion, providing a lifeline for the abandoned elderly who have been cast aside by society. Dr. Ponalur Somarajan’s dedication and the tireless efforts of the Gandhibhavan International Trust team have saved countless lives and offered hope to those who thought they had none. 

The financial challenges faced by this NGO for old age people underscore the critical need for external support to ensure that Gandhibhavan International Trust can continue its noble mission. Compassionate donors like you have the power to make a difference in the lives of 750 abandoned elderly individuals who rely on Gandhibhavan for their survival and well-being. Together, we can keep the doors of Gandhibhavan International Trust open and provide a safe and loving home for those who need it the most. To support Gandhibhavan International Trust, you can donate here.

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Give exists to alleviate poverty by enabling the world to give. Established in 2000, Give, together with its partners, is the largest and most trusted giving platform in India. Give enables individuals and organizations to raise and donate funds conveniently to any cause they care about, with offerings including crowdfunding, corporate giving, cause marketing, and philanthropy consulting. Give’s community of 2.6M+ donors supports 3,000+ verified nonprofits, serving 15M+ people across the country.