The year was 1999 and Dr Abhijit Sonawane of Pune had just started his practice. But he didn’t have the finances to open his own clinic. So he started going to the slums and treating the poor and needy in exchange for a very meagre sum of money. But Abhijeet was not happy with what he was doing. ![]()
“I wanted to earn much more, the only thing I wanted at that time was money. I remember asking an old man who used to beg on the streets of the villages I used to visit - Baba, when will I get rich? He gave me the lesson of my life which even though I didn’t understand then has now become my motto. He said more than becoming rich I should focus on becoming a good human and that is what I live by now,”- Dr. Abhijit Sonawane. 5 lakhs a month, that’s how much I earned - but I left it all As time passed by, Abhijit got multiple jobs that paid him very well - some even around 5 lakhs per month. He had all that he had wished for. ![]()
“But I was not happy. From not having even a few rupees in my pocket to being able to buy all that I wished for, I had seen it all. However, the words of the Baba kept haunting me and I decided that it was my turn to give something back to the society.” And thus began Doctor For Beggars under his organisation, Soham Trust. Abhijit left his well-paid job and along with his wife, Dr. Manisha Sonawane, started his journey of helping the poor and the underprivileged way back in 2015. ![]()
“We provide all the basic health care and investigations on the road itself to the elder beggars, who are abandoned by their families and who are begging just to survive in this world.” Abhijit’s entire week is planned according to which place of worship gets the most number of devotees that day. For example, if Mondays are dedicated for Diety temples, on Sundays, he usually visits churches. ![]()
“Along with the devotees, these places see a huge rush of beggars and I use this opportunity to treat them on the road. Those who need more treatment, I get them admitted to hospitals and pay for their bills.”Abhijit also encourages them to take up some work so that they can be financially dependent and don’t have to depend on begging anymore. He helps them set up small shops as well. ![]()
You can support this noble cause Abhijit and his wife have been tending to all those in need for the last 6 years and more than 49 elderly beggars have received help. He has also registered 1100 homeless individuals who are receiving medical support. For people who have been abandoned by their families and have no one to look after them, Abhijit and his wife are like a godsend. With your help, this doctor couple can help many more in need. You can donate medicines, walking sticks, crepe bandages, ointments etc to help them tend to hundreds of beggars on the streets of Pune. Every donation will make a difference.
About the NGO: Dr Abhijit Sonawane of Pune left his cushy job in 2015 and started Doctor for Beggars under Soham Trust where he, along with his wife, treats the poor and needy on the streets.
