Helping the needy: Their passion

Helping the needy: Their passion
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Highlights

To be consistently dedicated to a social cause requires a strong resolve and a sense of commitment. George Rakesh Babu, a young event manager has both the above in generous proportions and his NGO ‘Good Samaritans Home for the Aged’ stands testimony to it. The NGO offers a shelter to the abandoned elderly often found on the streets of the city and has rescued more than 400 old citizens since its inception four years ago. Located in Alwal,

To be consistently dedicated to a social cause requires a strong resolve and a sense of commitment. George Rakesh Babu, a young event manager has both the above in generous proportions and his NGO ‘Good Samaritans Home for the Aged’ stands testimony to it. The NGO offers a shelter to the abandoned elderly often found on the streets of the city and has rescued more than 400 old citizens since its inception four years ago. Located in Alwal, Hyderabad, this home for the elderly is managed by only three individuals- George, Jasper Paul and M. Venkatesh

Ask him what prompted the idea, and George says, “One deserves to be happy atleast during the last stage of life. These elderly people already must have faced so much in their lives. Hence, I wanted to do my small bit”. “There are several huge corporate organisations and schools who have enough money and resources to support a social cause. If they resolve to bring about a change, a lot more can be achieved”, he adds.

George’s journey has given him quite a few interesting anecdotes. “Every person has a unique story to tell. The ones I got to hear from some of the elderly from my NGO have moved me beyond words. It is appalling to know that some can shun away their parents so easily.” Apart from looking after their basic needs, the organisation also takes care of their medical necessities through a free clinic run by George for the poor and needy.

Jasper Paul, another active volunteer of the NGO is a third year student from St. Peter’s Engineering College who is also a musician. “In a span of six months, I brought atleast 15 old people to the old age home. For me, it all started with an old lady named Padmavathi, whom I spotted at the Secunderabad Station Road while I was going back home. Though it is common to find people begging on roads, Padmavati’s broken septic arm caught my attention. I didn’t want to be one of those who just passed by.”

Jasper an active volunteer of the NGO with elderly person

Even though immediate medical care could be provided, the challenge was to find her a home. “It was then I heard about George and approached him for help. The very next day Padmavathi was in his shelter home”, says Jasper. The NGO also has a public group on Facebook called Witness Wide Rescue, which has more than 1000 followers. People get in touch with the volunteers of the organisation through this platform. Those who spot homeless and destitute elderly on the street intimate them and the trio gets to work.

Their facebook page named Good Samaritan Rescue also helps fetch more such information on the needy. The group has made commendable use of the social media to better its service. Jasper manages his academics, music band and this social work effortlessly. “I attend college in the morning and during evenings I'm out on rescue operations. Thankfully my parents have been supportive all the way. I also have many friends who help me with this initiative, he adds.

“Good Samaritans Home for the Aged” has special programmes like Project Adoption where anyone can adopt an elderly person of their NGO by sponsoring their needs every month. Mallama, an 86 year old lady from the NGO says "I was all alone and had faced lot of difficulties. Now I am comfortable as they provide me timely hygienic food and also the medical facilities needed. I feel so fortunate to be able to spend the last leg of my life peacefully”.

Jasper says, “I almost involve everyday in rescue operations with George. We are looking to expand our NGO as more destitute people are pouring in. We want to help as many needy people as we can. It's an amazing experience to serve the needy and also to work with George”, he concludes.

By:BHAGYA SHREE KOTTOORI

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