In this fast-paced life of today, rarely do people take a moment to pause and look around and think how they can earn and spread happiness through a simple selfless act. Rani Sivadas found the answer to her doubts by serving as a beacon of hope for the underprivileged.
For the past four years, the social worker has been leading the Ashritha Charitable Trust, serving the destitute on the streets by distributing packed food every day.
Packing the day’s lunch for the poor, Rani, with the help of 18 former students of N.S.S. College of Commerce and Management, engage in the charity act. “These youngsters who understand empathy and are willing to serve are my greatest assets. I am delighted to associate with the younger generation,” a proud Rani says.
She also enjoys immense support from her husband Sivadas in running the Ashritha Charitable Trust in Kozhikode. The activities of the trust range from blood donation to taking care of the elderly at old age homes by providing free medical services including prosthetic limbs. “We also offer free tuition to students from economically backward families. We recently collected over 5000 and distributed those among children,” she adds.
So far, it has been a gratifying journey, but there have been helpless moments too. “This person Haridas was glad to be receiving his prosthetic limbs, but due to unforeseen medical conditions, doctors declared that his joints were not fit enough for that. I broke down but Haridas did not shed a single tear. He smiled and comforted me saying he knew he was not alone in the world… that a million prayers are still with him,” she recalls.
Rani has a message to society. “We shouldn’t turn a blind eye towards anyone in need; neither should we discourage those who are willing to help. Do not be judgmental; it hurts,” she says. “Right to life must be respected and it’s everyone’s duty to ensure that the less fortunate are given a chance to survive.”
