Support Sardar Ji In Sheltering Specially Abled Elders Left On Streets

I still remember the day a few young girls walked into our shelter. They had read about us on our website and wanted to see the work with their own eyes. As they sat with our residents, listening quietly to their stories, I could see their expressions change from curiosity to disbelief and then to deep emotion. One of them held the hand of an elderly woman who could not even remember her own name. Later, they told me, “We had no idea that so many specially abled and mentally unstable elders are living like this.” That day, I realised again why this mission is so important because until you see it, you cannot truly understand it.

My journey began long before the shelter was built. I have always believed that Wahe Guru has given me more than I ever asked for; a loving family, a stable business, and a roof over my head. I used to share my meals with people who looked hungry on the roadside. I never thought twice about it. But in 2001, when an elderly retired chowkidar with no family came to me for help, my life changed. My wife and I brought him home, and while caring for him, I realised there must be countless others who have no one left in this world.

That realisation led to the foundation of Jinda Jeev Be Sahara Charitable Society in 2014 in Ropar. What started with helping one abandoned man slowly became a shelter for the forgotten. Today, we are home to around 100 residents. Many of them are specially abled, physically disabled, mentally unstable, or suffering from severe memory loss. Some cannot walk without support. Some cannot speak clearly. Some do not even remember their families. But here, they are not abandoned; they are family.

When we rescue people from the streets, the conditions are heartbreaking. I have seen elders living near garbage dumps, without clothes, with wounds infected and untreated. Some are so weak they cannot even stand. No human being deserves to live or die like that. The first thing we do is give them a bath, clean clothes, medical attention, and a safe bed to sleep on. Slowly, with patience and love, we try to restore their dignity.

Caring for specially abled and mentally challenged elders is not easy. It requires constant medical care, regular medicines, nutritious food, adult nappies, hygiene supplies, and dedicated caregivers. Many residents need assistance even for basic daily activities. Every single day is a responsibility — and a commitment to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But I consider it my blessing that I get to serve them.

Today, our biggest needs are groceries, medicines, hygiene materials, and a rescue vehicle so that we can reach more abandoned elders in time. There are still many waiting on the streets for someone to notice them. With your support, we can rescue more lives, provide better care, and ensure that no elderly person is left to suffer alone. Even a small contribution can bring food to someone’s plate, medicine to someone’s bedside, and hope back into someone’s life.

I have dedicated my life to this mission, but I cannot do this alone. I invite you to stand with me. Let us give these specially abled and helpless elders not just shelter, but dignity, safety, and love. Your support can truly become the reason someone survives and smiles again.

Ashok Singh Sachdeva

Founder

Jindajeev Besahara Trust