CARING FOR THE UNCARED
Akshaya is dedicated to care for mentally ill and very old people abandoned in the streets of Madurai.
Started in June 2002, with a simple act of compassion
"Relieving human suffering from extreme pangs of hunger"
SPIRIT BEHIND
Krishnan
Born on 31-7-1981.
Education - B.Sc., Hotel Management & Catering Science
Madurai Kamaraj University in Apr’02
First Class
Training / Employment
Leading 5 Star Hotel Group, Bangalore.
SEED
During college days Krishnan was in the habit of distributing food to the hungry people on the road. In 2001 when his father was hospitalised, Krishnan saw agony of several poor patients. In his generous nature he shared food brought for his father, with patients who did not have enough money. This experience made a deep impression in Krishnan’s mind about human suffering.
SPROUT
In June,2002 while coming down the bridge near Central Bus Stand, Madurai, Krishnan lost himself totally, on seeing a horrifying condition of man eating his own excreta.
When Krishnan realised the old man was suffering from acute hunger, he brought food and offered. The way food was consumed, made Krishnan realise the agony of hunger the man must have undergone.
The man held Krishnan’s hands which passed on high voltage energy.
Krishnan experienced happiness and fulfillment never felt before.
For the following few days Krishnan offered food to a few persons in this area.
INNER CALL
When Krishnan returned to Bangalore, he was totally disoriented and could not concentrate on his job.
An inner voice kept telling him.
"This is not your place. Your job is in Madurai to look after the needy and deserving hungry"
The force of the voice could not be resisted. After about a week Krishnan quit the job and returned to Madurai. He went to the person he was feeding.
The eyes of the man were full of gratitude and emotionally conveyed.
"This is the job for you and don’t turn back"
EVOLUTION
Krishnan started buying food from roadside shops and distributed to about 25 people in Bus stand, Railway station and nearby areas.
Over a period of time, searching for people not in sound mental condition on the road, eliminating beggars, Krishnan identified several pathetic cases. Many women in bad shape were admitted to the home run by “Missionaries of Charity".
Since August,2002 Krishnan has handled real life victims, many people could not have heard of in several life times.
These experiences touched the raw nerve and Krishnan came to the firm conclusion that his MISSION in life is to take care of these uncared for people.
STRUGGLE
Krishnan’s parents who initially took this as passing phase, were shocked when the work continued unabated.
One day when emotions were out of control, Krishnan declared “If I can not do my work, I am quitting the house”. When the parents realised Krishnan’s commitment, they decided it is better to go along than loose him.
CONSOLIDATION
AKSHAYA’S HELPING IN H.E.L.P. TRUST was formed in June 2003 and registered.
Regular feeding started in August 2002, for about 30 people, gradually grew over time.
Krishnan realised it is better and economical to cook the food himself instead of buying from outside. Daily cooking of 3 meals is going on from June 2003 without a break.
From September, 2007 about 200 people are fed 3 times daily, costing around Rs.8000 per day.
People covered by this programme
- are not beggars, not of sound mind,
- deserted by families, do not seek food,
- stay put in one place rain or shine.
MARCHING ON
Kind hearted people who learn about Akshaya by word of mouth/occasional press coverage extend help to this “ONE MAN ARMY”.
Apart from Krishnan, Akshaya team now consists of one cook, two assistants, two maids, two drivers.
Encouragement, by way of good words, financial help, sharing information with others has been steadily increasing. Overwhelming support continues from corporate bodies and individuals without any barriers.
TRANSPARENCY
Akshaya, law abiding, socially conscious, maintains regular accounts of all help. I.T. returns with Audited balance sheet are filed by April first week every year.
I.T. returns with audited accounts for assessment year 2008-09 filed 8thApril’08.
Our entire work is totally transparent and goes on through out the year without break or a holiday.
All are welcome to visit us any day, any time.
AKSHAYA A 5 YEAR REVIEW
Over 6,50,000 meals served between June,2002 and December 2007 without skipping even once.
Total expenditure of Rs.60 Lakhs since June,2002 met from public donations.
ZERO administrative expenses, full utilization of funds for beneficiaries
100% transparent – programme is on the roads/accounts open to all
Steady growth of public support beyond all barriers.
FUTURE PLAN-AKSHAYA HOME
Over the period we have identified several cases of elderly, sick and similar infirm people left on the road uncared for.
Encouraged by success of destitute feeding programme and suggestion from various quarters, plans for Akshaya Home are finalised. This Home is to shelter initially 200 aged and mentally ill homeless.
Land has been purchased and registered for this purpose. Drawings have been prepared and panchayat approval obtained.
The Home will provide
A safe place for the uncared destitute.
An environment for rehabilitation where possible
Peaceful place for abandoned elderly in their last days.
SUPPORT
As of January, 2008, expense for feeding 200 people, 3 times a day involving a travel of around 150 kms in Madurai city, is around Rs.8000 per day.
We entirely depend on public donation.
Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Donate Here
Donations can be remitted in any branch of ICICI Bank in India favouring
Akshaya’s Helping in H.E.L.P. Trust
ICICI Bank Ltd.,
Kochadai Branch, Madurai-625010
S.B.Account No.601 701 013 912
Donations exempt under 80 (G) of I.T. Act
Reg.No.108/2003-04/ITC Madurai,
valid upto 31 March, 2010.
FCRA from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India obtained. Akshaya can now accept well wishers contribution from all over the world.
Recognition
Real Heroes Award CNN-IBN in collobration with Reliance Industries, Mumbai identified
Real Heroes from all over India – Unsung Heroes of Independent India
1. As a celebration of the triumph of human spririt,
2. To recognize people who have gone beyond the realm of personal well being and work for well being of others.
Krishnan of Akshaya Trust was selected as a Real Hero under the category Social Work. The award consists of a trophy and Rs.5 Lakhs.
In a Gala function at the Regal Room – Hilton Towers, Mumbai on April 14th 2008,well attended by several celebraties the award was presented. This National level recognition is a Landmark achievement for Akshaya.
CONTACT US
AKSHAYA'S HELPING IN H.E.L.P. TRUST
9, West 1st Main Street, Doak Nagar Extn., Madurai – 625 010.
Phone: 0452- 4353439, 2587104 | Cell: +91 98433 19933
Email: ramdost@sancharnet.in
For more information please visit: http://akshayatrust.org/ |
