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“A 70-year-old woman walked over 42 km to reach our old age home. She had not eaten for eight days. When we took her in, she told us that her own son had thrown her out, leaving her abandoned with nowhere to go. I took her in, because I knew she would die of hunger on the streets. This is the cause I am fighting for. Don't humans deserve to live with love and dignity after they become old?” –Dr. Sanjiv Bhate
Dr. Sanjiv Bhate has dedicated his life to the service of the elderly. A doctor by profession, he once witnessed an elderly man being mistreated by his own family. They were reluctant to provide him with proper care, deeming him a financial burden. This incident left a deep impact on Dr. Sanjiv and his wife, leading them to devote their lives to the cause of caring for the abandoned elderly. In 2003, they moved to Pune and established Maya Care Centre, providing shelter, medical assistance, and dignity to those left behind by their families.
‘I wish to serve them with the unwavering love and devotion of Shravan Kumar’
Since its inception, Maya Care Centre has served over 700 senior citizens. Currently, it houses more than 35 elderly residents, most of whom are bedridden and require full-time care. The center welcomes people from all walks of life, ensuring that caste, religion, or background do not become barriers to receiving care. With no paid staff, Dr. Sanjiv, his wife, and a single woman taking care of a child manage all responsibilities, striving every day to provide their residents with food, medical aid, and emotional support.
"All these elders are my children, and they call me Baba. I am over 60, but I do not feel old or weak. They keep me young and on my toes. Watching their smiles, hearing their stories, and easing their struggles gives me the strength to continue. I want to serve them with the same dedication and selflessness as Shravan Kumar, ensuring they never feel abandoned or unloved in their final years," says Dr. Sanjiv with a smile.
‘Elderlies are treated and discarded like waste by their own family members – is there a tragedy worse than this?’
The stories of abandoned senior citizens at Maya Care Centre are heartbreaking. Many, despite leading prestigious lives in their youth, find themselves unwanted in their old age. One such case is that of a highly qualified elderly gentleman who had served in the government and had well-educated children. Yet, he was abandoned simply because he suffered from urinary incontinence. Despite having the financial means, his children refused to take care of him. He lost his memory, his dignity, and ultimately, his life in the care of Maya Care Centre—loved by strangers but forsaken by his own family.
Another tragic case is that of a woman who begged her relatives for food for days, but they refused to give her anything. When she arrived at Maya Care Centre, she was asked for her Aadhaar card to confirm her age, but she kept repeating, "I have not eaten for days." Seeing her frailty, Dr. Sanjiv immediately intervened and ensured she was fed.
“It is a tragic irony that in their twilight years, many elders, despite having wealth, children, and relatives, are treated like burdens—discarded like waste when they once carried the weight of entire families on their shoulders.”- Dr. Sanjiv
‘We need stable financial support to ensure our elders continue to live with dignity. Every small contribution counts’
Dr. Sanjiv envisions a life for his residents filled with small joys—seasonal treats like ice cream and mangoes, things they see in TV advertisements but cannot afford. He believes dignity in old age is not just about survival but about living with happiness and care. He and his wife are doing their best to make this a reality, but the center faces severe financial challenges. With no paid staff and limited resources, daily needs such as food, medical supplies, and hygiene maintenance are difficult to sustain. Proper ventilation, electricity, and shelter upgrades remain urgent concerns.
"I am getting older, but my mission remains unchanged. These elderlies are my family, and I will continue caring for them until my last breath. But I need your help to secure a future for them beyond my lifetime. If you believe that every person deserves dignity in their final years, stand with us. Your support can change lives." – Dr. Sanjiv Bhate
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EIN 20-5139364
