"I’ve seen elderly people abandoned on the streets, left to survive in conditions that would break anyone’s spirit. There was an ajji (grandmother) whose son and daughter-in-law took her entire pension but refused to feed her. They’d lock her in a room for days without food or water, ignoring her cries for help. For eight months, she endured this torment before I rescued her. When I found her, she was frail, terrified, and starving. Then there are those who live near garbage dumpsters, forgotten by the world. They scavenge for scraps, live in filth, and endure unimaginable suffering. It’s heartbreaking to witness such cruelty and neglect."- Gauri, Founder, Swaminiwas Old Age Home

Gauri’s voice carries the weight of the stories she has witnessed firsthand, stories that have become the foundation of her life’s work. Each face, each broken spirit she has encountered tells a tale of abandonment and neglect, but also of resilience and the possibility of healing.

Her compassion for the elderly has its roots in her childhood

Born into a turbulent family, Gauri’s parents divorced when she was just ten years old. Her maternal grandparents stepped in, providing her with the love and stability her parents couldn’t. It was their kindness that planted a deep sense of empathy within her, especially for the elderly. But life didn’t spare her from hardship. At 17, she married in the hope of finding security and love, only to enter a nightmare.

"From the very beginning, my husband was controlling and abusive. He wouldn’t even let me wear kurtis; I was forced to wear saris all the time. He dictated what I could do, who I could talk to, and even how I should dress. When he drank or lost money gambling, his anger would explode over the smallest things. I remember one night so clearly—it was one of his drunken rages, and I was so terrified that I ended up urinating on myself. There was no escape, no way to reason with him. I lived every day in fear."- Gauri

‘I wanted to end my life…but something stopped me’

Her daughters, too, bore the brunt of his anger. He treated them badly and was negligent, showing no regard for their well-being. Meanwhile, he refused to take responsibility for their upbringing, leaving Gauri to shoulder all the burdens alone.

“Years of abuse and humiliation eventually broke me. The final straw was when he accused me of being unfaithful and even questioned the paternity of our children. That was it. I knew I couldn’t take it anymore. After 12 long years, I walked away from that toxic marriage. I took my elder daughter to a hostel, but my younger daughter, influenced by her father’s lies, chose to stay with him. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, but I had to find a way to rebuild for myself and my children.”- Gauri

This separation was devastating. Alone and overwhelmed by depression, Gauri attempted suicide twice, convinced that her life held no value.

Then, a chance encounter with an ajji changed everything

One day, Gauri met a 90-year-old woman walking alone on the road, carrying a bag that seemed too heavy for her frail frame. Moved by the sight, Gauri offered to help, and the elderly woman invited her to her home. It was a small, lonely space, devoid of life or companionship.But that encounter sparked something in Gauri – a realisation that she could channel her pain into creating a haven for others who were forgotten and abandoned, just like this woman.

In June 2021, with little more than her savings and the support of a lawyer friend, Gauri opened Swaminiwas Old Age Home in a rented 3BHK apartment. It was a modest start, but her vision was clear: to provide love and care for the elderly who had no one else. She took on the responsibility single-handedly, cooking, cleaning, and caring for the residents. Her first resident, a grandmother named Karmarkar, became a symbol of hope, showing that even small acts of compassion could change lives.

‘This home is not just about providing care; it’s about restoring a sense of joy to lives that were forgotten’

Over time, donations from friends and well-wishers allowed her to expand and improve the home. Today, Swaminiwas has grown into a larger facility with 12 rooms, providing shelter and care for 60 residents. The home offers full-time nursing support, regular doctor visits, and nutritious meals, all within a family-like environment. For many of its residents, Swaminiwas is more than just a home; it’s a place where they rediscover laughter, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

"Watching our residents laugh, share stories, and feel loved again reminds me why Swaminiwas exists – it’s a family for those who thought they had none."-Gauri

But Gauri’s mission doesn’t stop there. Beyond the elderly, she also cares for stray animals, including dogs, cats, and rescued cows, offering them the shelter and love they deserve. Her daughters have joined her in her mission. Her elder daughter, a 20-year-old fashion designer, teaches tailoring skills to widows, empowering them to become self-reliant. Her younger daughter, just 10 years old, helps in small but meaningful ways, learning the importance of kindness from her mother.

Funding remains a significant challenge for Gauri, as the home operates out of a rented facility

Despite the hurdles, her dreams are expansive. She envisions owning a dedicated space for Swaminiwas to accommodate more elderly residents and expand its services to include widows, abandoned women, and even more animals in need.

“Running Swaminiwas comes with significant expenses, but it’s all necessary to provide the care our residents deserve. We spend ₹2,50,000 each month on groceries, ₹90,000 on rent, and ₹50,000 on medicines alone. There are additional costs for electricity, hospitalizations, ambulance services, and doctor visits.”- Gauri

The funds donated by you will be utilised to provide shelter, nutritious meals, medical care, and emotional support for the 95 elderly residents currently living at Swaminiwas. Every contribution directly supports these essential services and helps Gauri fulfil her mission of creating a haven where the elderly can live their golden years with dignity and love.

"Every person deserves dignity and love, especially in their final years. My dream is to create a haven where no one feels abandoned, and every soul can find peace," Gauri says, her eyes shining with determination.

Join Gauri in her mission to provide care, dignity, and love to those who need it most.

Click here to contribute.