Granddaughter To 26+ Elderly, Rupali Is Giving Them The Love & Care They Need

“A few months ago, we took in a 75-year-old woman who had a painful story to share. She was stuck on the balcony of her son’s home for months. He wouldn’t let her inside, barely gave her food, and treated her awfully. Thankfully, her daughter found out and brought her to us. She was so weak she could barely talk, and her back was covered in bedsores. But now she's safe with us, and we're doing everything to make her feel better and give her the happy life she deserves,” - Rupali Gajakosh, Founder, Rupvan Vrudhashram. 

Over 71% of senior citizens in India have experienced abuse and neglect at the hands of family members. Their silent struggles bear testament to their pain and suffering. Rupali is working tirelessly to rescue these abandoned elderly and give them a loving home. 

This old age home is a refuge for many such senior citizens who were left on the streets to survive on their own  

Rupali was incredibly close to her grandmother, who became a constant source of love and support after her father's passing at a young age. When her grandmother passed away in 2013, Rupali felt a deep emptiness. Rupali founded Rupvan Vrudhashram 9 years ago in 2015 to honor her memory and their wonderful relationship. 

“I’ve seen the challenges that come with old age, and when there’s no one to look after you, it becomes even more difficult. Today, when I look at all the elderly at our old age home, I see my grandmother in them, and they too treat me as their own. There’s no greater feeling than that.” 

Rupvan Vrudhashram has two centres in Panvel, Maharashtra which are within 5 minutes of each other. They currently have over 26 elderly living with them and are expecting more in the coming days.

“We find lost and forgotten elderly on the streets, some confused and alone. The police bring others to us in terrible shape. But with love and care, even after years of hardship, they finally find peace and happiness here.” 

While Rupali wants to reach out to many more in need, she can’t do that without your support  

Rupali has a small business and everything she makes through that is utilised to run the old age home. However, the challenges are plenty. After paying for rent and electricity, she has little means to ensure that all the needs of the elderly are taken care of.

“Despite doing everything I can, there are days when getting even the most necessities is a struggle. We don’t have many individual donors, and I spend all my time looking after the elderly, which leaves me little time to focus on getting donations. I need consistent support to ensure these grandmothers and grandfathers of mine live a comfortable life.” 

Rupali needs your help to get groceries, medicines, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies for the elderly at her old age home. This will ensure that their basic needs are taken care of. These elderly have seen some of the worst days of their lives, you can give them hope again.

About the NGO: Rupali started Rupvan Vrudhashram in 2015 in honour of her grandmother whom she was very close to. They have two centres in Panvel, Maharashtra which are within 5 minutes of each other. They actively rescue these abandoned souls from the streets and intervene in cases of family neglect or abuse reported by the police. At Rupvan Vrudhashram, these forgotten souls find not just a haven, but a family. Rupali sees her grandmother in each resident, and they, in turn, find a loving granddaughter in her.