Hyderabad: Andari Illu – All are welcome

During the pandemic, when every other household shut its doors on the homeless and the distressed, Life-Health Reinforcement Group (LIfe-HRG) welcome everyone with open arms, no matter what their gender, caste and creed.

A noble venture started by doctor couple Dr Surya Prakash and Dr S V Kameshwari as an NGO 'Life-Health Reinforcement Group' (LIfe-HRG) in 2006 is truly living up to their motto of 'Promote Health & Protect Life.' They have been taking up issues such as hunger, knowledge sharing and women's health.

Dr Prakash believes any good work happens through food and life happens because of food. That's the notion behind sharing food. It's food that helps life to sustain and survive.

Although the government provides food to marginalized communities, it is not reaching every nook and corner of society. The issue of hunger grew exponentially, especially during the pandemic and the 'open house' was looked up to by the distressed people who heard of it then.

The doctor couple also treated approximately 800 cases of Covid-19. When it comes to Dr Kameshwari's services, she explains "I believe that when people die, we cannot do much, but when you are alive you have the opportunity to contribute to this beautiful country. More than 15,000 cases of infertility were resolved and now those women are living a fruitful life." Dr Prakash has established 74 libraries across the city.

These libraries will comprise mixed groups, from a teacher to a cameraman, and chartered accountants to journalists of different skill sets. "To be a part of these libraries, one must have the willingness to learn," says Suryaprakash. Besides 74 libraries in city, there are 6 libraries in Bengaluru, 2 in Chennai and one in Vizag. "We must look beyond Covid in these unprecedented times.

We have to stand with each other, with love and honesty. In future let's bequeath an honest society to our future generations," he urges. He and his wife look at this as a way of sharing knowledge, celebration, bonding and connecting as a society.

Chiranjeevi, one of the beneficiaries of Life-Health Reinforcement Group, said, "I came to Hyderabad in search of a job. I heard about this NGO via a news channel and the very moment appreciated the notion of this NGO. Before I became part of this NGO, I had to sleep on the streets for two days due to lack of monetary aid.

The NGO took me in, with open arms. After two days I became a part of this 'Andari Illu' and got a job in an esteemed company. Simply put, this NGO mirrors nature; solely believes in giving without any expectations."

WHAT IS OPEN HOUSE?

Open House, alias Andari Illu, is an open house for any citizen to walk in anytime, cook food, eat and spend time reading books. From students who do not have money to pay fees, to job seekers who cannot afford a meal, to those who have been roaming on the streets without food for days, women who have no roof on their head – the Open House is for them all. There's no religion, no questions asked, just a homely atmosphere for everyone.

Dr Suryaprakash, the founder of the NGO, says all the issues of hunger are the root cause of various health problems. "We call people and feed them, later on we listen to their problems," he says.

Currently Andari Illu houses shelterless women and unemployed, who cook, eat, read and connect. It's ten years of celebration of touching peoples' lives different ways.