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I’m Anuj Singh from Delhi, a Spiritual Speaker and Meditation Teacher. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I met an elderly man living on the streets, hiding the food I gave him. He said, "I don’t know what I will eat tomorrow." His sons had abandoned him, leaving him without proper food for ten days. That moment changed my life—I vowed to help people like him, ensuring no elder faces such neglect.
Without hesitation, I encashed all my savings and rented a place big enough to shelter elderly people who had nowhere else to go. That’s how the Human Peace Foundation Old Age Home was born. It’s a place where I not only provide food and shelter but also strive to give these elders a dignified and fulfilling life through meditation and spiritual talks.
To me, they are no different from my parents. How can I be happy if they are in pain? Today, 25 elderly residents live here, and their smiles are my greatest reward.
He made it a mission to provide a dignified life to elderly people
The emotional weight is perhaps the hardest. One day, an elderly woman confided in me: “I have seven children, two of whom are doctors. But they all left me.” I told her without hesitation, “From now on, I am your son.” That’s how I feel about every elder here. They’ve been abandoned by their families after giving away all their savings and love. There is no way I can abandon them. I will fight with everything I have to provide them with a comfortable life.
Starting this journey wasn’t easy. Financial struggles were constant since I had exhausted all my savings. But the real challenge was managing sudden health emergencies and helping residents adapt to living together, as they come from different walks of life. It was overwhelming initially, but I learned to navigate these hurdles.
Struggles elderly people face after being abandoned by their families:
- Homelessness: Forced to live on the streets without shelter or safety.
- Food Insecurity: Struggling to access or afford regular, nutritious meals.
- Health Issues: Lack of medical care and worsening chronic conditions.
- Emotional Distress: Feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and depression.
- Financial Instability: No source of income or access to savings, often taken by family.
- Social Isolation: Cut off from family and community, leading to a loss of identity.
- Physical Vulnerability: Increased exposure to abuse, exploitation, and physical harm.
- Loss of Dignity: Stripped of respect and basic rights, often treated as burdens.
Currently, I’m managing with my income and support from friends and donors. But renting a place is a temporary solution. I dream of buying a permanent home for these elderly souls, where they can live in peace and security. I also want to expand the space to accommodate at least 100 people. There are countless elders who seek my help after attending my meditation classes and free food programs.
As I always say: “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah. Sarve Santu Niraamayaah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness). This principle guides me every day. But I cannot do this alone.
Old age should be a time of peace and dignity, not abandonment and suffering. With your help, I can bring hope back to many neglected souls. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. Let’s stand together to give our elders the love and respect they deserve.
Click here to donate.
