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"I've seen the worst of the worst: dogs eating abandoned corpses of widows who had nobody to cremate them. I've washed the worm-infested feet of the widows with my own hands before taking them to the hospital. I’ve seen widows covered in dirt and rotting away… because they are considered not equal in status to other women whose husbands are alive. I am trying to change this reality.” - Dr Laxmi Gautam
In Vrindavan, where the echoes of devotion travel through the alleys, a woman has emerged as a beacon of hope for the forgotten. Dr. Laxmi Gautam, affectionately known as the "Angel of Vrindavan," has dedicated her life to bringing solace and dignity to the widows left on the margins of society.
Child brides found themselves widowed and society turned a blind eye to their suffering.
Born in 1963 in the spiritual heartland of Vrindavan, Laxmi Gautam's journey from an academic to a compassionate caregiver was ignited by the heart-wrenching plight of widows in the holy city of Mathura.
“I observed that the once vibrant heads of young widows were shaven, and they were condemned to a life clad only in white saris. Child brides found themselves widowed before blossoming into womanhood, and society turned a blind eye to their suffering. I could not bear to watch this.” - Dr Laxmi Gautam
Driven by a deep sense of empathy, Laxmi Gautam decided to be the change she wished to see in the world. She embarked on a path of service that led her to the Institute of Oriental Philosophy in Vrindavan, where she became an associate professor. However, her true calling extended far beyond the walls of academia.
Helping them find peace even in death
After her lectures, Laxmi would venture to the Yamuna cremation ground, where she undertook the solemn duty of collecting abandoned bodies, giving them the dignified farewell they deserved. For over three decades, she has been a guardian of the departed, performing last rites for more than 500 widows, ensuring they find peace even in death.
"I'm never scared of the dead; it is the living who frighten me. They can harm you, but not the dead.” - Dr Laxmi Gautam
Challenges do not stop her, they make her better
"These women are abandoned, left to fend for themselves after their husbands are dead. Several die in dire poverty, and in filth. Young widows are forced into prostitution. They are treated like they are less than human. I want to fight for their lives, and give them a dignified existence. It’s not easy doing this every day… there are challenges but I don’t let anything stop me from doing my duty to these women who have no one else." - Dr. Laxmi Gautam
Her selfless efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, Laxmi Gautam received the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar, a testament to her unwavering commitment to women's empowerment. She also garnered the 100 Women Achievers Award and earned acknowledgment from the National Legal Service Authority for her social survey on widows in Vrindavan. Despite the accolades, Laxmi remains grounded, viewing her work as a duty rather than a choice.
Her impact extends beyond giving dignity to the departed
Through her NGO, Kanak Dhara Foundation, founded in 2013, Laxmi provides a lifeline to countless abandoned widows. From warm meals and blankets to medical care and emotional support, she is a guardian angel for those society has forsaken.In 1995, as the deputy mayor, Laxmi instituted medical help and pension plans for the widows of Vrindavan. Her NGO, named after her late mother-in-law, has become a sanctuary for the destitute. Even with limited financial support, Laxmi opens her home to widows, providing shelter and sustenance to those in need.
"Years ago, on a Holi day, an 80-year-old woman was thrown out of her house by her sons without any piece of clothing. We rescued her promptly and along the way, all I could think of was how many people would have seen her. Does nobody care about women’s honour when they grow old and weak?”- Dr. Laxmi Gautam
She is hoping for your help to uplift the marginalised, those whom society has overlooked
Laxmi Gautam's impact is immeasurable, touching the lives of widows, holy men, orphans, and the destitute. Her NGO's hotline is the first number dialled in emergencies, embodying the trust bestowed upon the "Angel of Vrindavan. However, she has recognised that financial support is paramount in sustaining her mission of compassion. Understanding the multifaceted needs of the widows under her care, she actively seeks funds to construct shelter homes, providing a haven where they can find solace and security."The plight of these widows goes beyond just last rites. They need shelter, food, medical assistance, and the basic necessities to live a dignified life. It's crucial to provide them with a holistic support system.” - Dr Laxmi Gautam
Her vision extends beyond immediate relief, aiming to create sustainable solutions that empower these marginalised women to rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. Additionally, the funds raised will play a pivotal role in covering cremation charges and ambulance costs, ensuring that every departed soul receives a respectful farewell.
She needs your help to make this dream a reality.
Click here to contribute.
Registration Number - AAOCM6666MF20229
EIN 20-5139364
