Velugu: A home where India’s forgotten elders find the love they lost

WHEN 78-year-old Ramanamma arrived at Velugu Old Age Home, all she carried was a small iron trunk—and the deep fear of being forgotten. Her children had pushed her out of her own home, leaving her to beg on the streets. For Ramanamma and countless others like her, Velugu became the light that restored dignity, love, and hope.

Velugu, meaning “light” in Telugu, has been a true beacon for abandoned elderly mothers and fathers since 2000. Nestled in Andhra Pradesh, it has given more than 85 women, mostly widows cast aside by their families, a safe home filled with warmth, nutritious meals, and essential medical care. But with rising costs and more seniors waiting for admission, Velugu now needs your help more than ever.

Donate now to Velugu’s fundraiser and bring light back into forgotten lives.

India’s Growing Elder Crisis

India’s elderly population is rapidly expanding. In 2011, there were 104 million people aged 60 and above (8.6% of the population), and this number is projected to cross 150 million today, reaching hundreds of millions by 2050 (World Health Organization).

Yet behind these numbers lies a painful reality. Studies show that elder abuse is disturbingly common in India, with prevalence estimates ranging from 5% to as high as 60% depending on setting and reporting (PMC). Global data suggest that 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of abuse every year (WHO).

Shockingly, family members—often sons or daughters-in-law—are the main perpetrators (HelpAge India). Common forms of abuse include psychological torment (≈12%), financial exploitation (≈5%), and neglect (≈4%) (BioMed Central). And because of fear and stigma, most cases remain hidden.

Nearly 15 million elderly Indians live alone (PMC), many without social support. Media and NGO reports confirm that more elders are being abandoned and left to beg on the streets, especially in cities (AP News).

This is where Velugu steps in—providing not just shelter but a family.

What Velugu Offers

For over two decades, Velugu Old Age Home has rescued elderly women from heartbreaking neglect. As Uday Mohan Reddy, Secretary of Velugu, explains, it is heartbreaking to see mothers abandoned by their own sons after they have given away their property or when they no longer have pension money to offer.

At Velugu, residents receive:

• Nutritious meals every day
• Safe housing and clean clothing
• Basic medical attention and medicines
• Emotional and psychological support
• A family-like environment of care and respect

Many women arrive after years of abuse, begging on the streets. Slowly, through care and companionship, they begin to heal.

But the need is overwhelming. Rising costs of food, medicine, and utilities mean Velugu struggles to meet demand. Dozens more wait for a place at this sanctuary.

Why Your Support Matters

1. Demographic momentum: India’s ageing population is growing rapidly. Supporting Velugu means building a safety net for a population whose needs will only increase (WHO).
2. Hidden suffering: Elder abuse and neglect are under-reported due to stigma and fear (PMC). NGOs like Velugu are often the only line of defense.
3. High-impact care: Your donation translates directly into essentials—food, shelter, medicine, and dignity.

Stories of Hope

Many of Velugu’s residents once lived in comfortable homes before being abandoned. As Bhagya Lakshmi, Convenor of Velugu, explains, many of these elderly women had decent lifestyles. But once their husbands died or they became very old, they were seen as burdens and forced out.

One resident, Saraswati Amma, recalls the day her son shut the door on her after she gave him her small property share. Left to beg near a temple, she was found by Velugu volunteers and brought to the home. Today, she smiles again, surrounded by sisters who share her journey.

These are not just statistics. They are mothers and fathers who once gave everything to their families.

Trust and Transparency

Donations to Velugu through Give.do are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Give.do, India’s most trusted online donation platform, ensures transparency and impact updates so you can see exactly how your contribution is changing lives.

When you donate, you don’t just support an NGO—you become part of a family that refuses to leave India’s elders in the dark.

Call to Action

No mother or father deserves to end their days on the streets, abandoned and alone. With your support, Velugu can continue being the home where India’s forgotten elders find dignity.

Click here to donate now and light up the life of an abandoned elder today.

FAQs

Q1. How does my donation help Velugu’s residents?
Your donation provides food, medicine, shelter, and emotional support to abandoned elderly women at Velugu Old Age Home.

Q2. Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations are exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

Q3. How much does it cost to support one elder?
₹12,000 sponsors one elder for an entire year, covering meals, medicines, and personal care.

Q4. Can I support Velugu in ways other than donations?
Yes, you can volunteer, start a supporting fundraiser, or partner through CSR programs.

Q5. How do I know my donation is making a difference?
Give.do provides impact updates, ensuring full transparency on how your contributions are used.