The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : A lifetime of serving society, and still going strong

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 10, 2007
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A lifetime of serving society, and still going strong

K. Lakshmi

“The least we can do for the elderly is to help them die with honour”

— Photo: N. Sridharan

Savithiri Vaithi.

CHENNAI: Serving society has been her career, hobby and an integral part of her daily life for several decades now.

She has brought meaning to several people’s lives through her service. She pioneered the setting up an old age home exclusively for destitute women.

Savithri Vaithi, chairperson, Vishranthi Charitable Trust, talks about her experiences.

Since the time she was a 16-year-old who volunteered with the Chennai Corporation health cell to help slum dwellers, Savithri Vaithi, now 70 plus, has spent her years helping others. She offers a warm welcome at her office in Vishranthi at Palavakkam, a little weary after a hospital visit.

The woman behind various social projects brightens as she talks about her favourite subject.

“It all started when someone suggested a club to do something useful for the society,” says Ms. Vaithi. What started as a monthly charity event under the Monday Charity Club in the 1970s grew into a book bank and a series of innovative firsts. “Several elderly persons who accompanied students to the bank used to tell their family problems.

One of the club members, Tara Cherian, came up with the idea of an old age home when it was not a popular concept,” she recalls.

“I visited places, including Little Sisters for the Poor and HelpAge, to study the problems of the elderly.” From just one woman resident in 1978, Vishranthi now provides shelter to 120 destitute women. The senior most resident is 108-year-old Saraswati who has participated in the freedom struggle.

“Our women have a lot of problems, be it financial or emotional, to cope with. We at Vishranthi are concerned about their health and train them for a peaceful life,” says Ms. Vaithi.

Initiatives

When Ms. Vaithi learnt that several young women were fleeing their homes due to various problems, she started ‘Nizhal’, a short-stay home that made them financially independent.

‘Malarchi’ was another project that was started 23 years ago when a child was rescued from an exhibition on Island Grounds.

Now the home cares for 18 youngsters. “These children share a strong bond with the elderly residents here, making them feel at home,” says Ms. Vaithi. The complex also has a geriatric hospital and a short-stay home for aged persons. ‘Oonrukol’, a scheme to provide free groceries and medicines to needy elderly persons, is another project.

What is little known about Ms. Vaithi is her culinary skills. She holds a diploma in catering technology, which she has taught to several young women.

“Now I prefer to concentrate on my social projects and want to do a television programme for senior citizens on how to prepare for health and financial security after they turn 50,” she says.

Popular figure

Ms. Vaithi is the most sought after person for programmes on social issues and guidance to start old age homes.

“About 170 residents who died in Vishranthi have donated their eyes. They have done their part for the society. The least we can do for the elderly is to help them die with honour.”

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail