A home for the abandoned

Often one person can change the destiny of many. Here’s an inspiring story about a man who sold his own land and house to create a home for over 80 orphans.

Farmer suicides are a grim reality in India’s agriculture sector. Unable to bear the burden of heavy debts caused mainly by volatile crop prices and the vagaries of unpredictable rains and floods, farmers take the path of suicide as the only way out. They leave behind families who are devastated by circumstances beyond their control.

This is where Govardhan Darde stepped in. “I found children who had been abandoned or whose parents had died by suicide. They were forced to beg on the streets. Often they found themselves embroiled in criminal activities.”

Govardhan could understand and empathise. He himself came from a family of sugarcane workers. With no money to fund his dream of a college education, he worked to look after his family. “I didn’t want these young children to have the same misfortune,” he says.

He sold his land and house to raise money for an NGO called Pasayadan Seva Prakalp. Set up in a shed made of tin sheets, the NGO offered abandoned children something no one else had -- a shelter, with free food, clothing and, best of all, learning and books.

There were plenty of challenges, not the least of which was funding to keep the shelter going. Cash flow was a concern, with merchants refusing to give credit as they doubted his ability to pay his bills. Govardhan worked hard to keep over 80 children in government schools, giving them an education as a tool to power their dreams. The children in his care now have a future to explore.

Like the children, Govardhan has his own dreams. He is now trying to collect enough funds to build a proper brick-and-cement house for the orphans under his care. “All I want,” says this large-hearted man, “is that these children are able to live life on their terms.” Govardhan is a real-life hero, one who does not allow obstacles to stop him from doing good.

Aditya Birla Group is happy to partner The Better India to give voice to inspiring stories of people acting as #AForceForGood.