The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : On a mission to spread cheer

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Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

On a mission to spread cheer

S. Sandeep Kumar

Nagachandrika Devi single-handedly runs ‘Prema Nilayam’, a shelter for the old and destitute despite financial constraints

-Photo: Nagara Gopal

Good Samaritan: Nagachandrika Devi (right) with an inmate of Prema Nilayam.

HYDERABAD: It’s full of love and the very name defines its existence. Situated in Langer Houz, ‘Prema Nilayam’ makes the destitute, the old and the infirm feel happy and wanted even as they battle the last days of their life.

Padmamma is 86 years old, suffers from more than one ailment and was forsaken by her family. It has been three years for her at this house of love, but she is so happy that she keeps smiling and is full of optimism.

Unlimited love

There are others like her here. While some cannot even turn onto their side on bed without help, others are dependent on walkers. But none of them here are worried.

Instead, they are glad for the unlimited love, affection and treatment they get from specialist doctors. And all this for free.

K. Nagachandrika Devi (48), an assistant at the Chief Engineer’s peshi in APTransco, Hyderabad has been running the home under the banner of Kineera Welfare Society since 2003.

“She helps us change our clothes, take a bath and even in going to toilet. Such people should live longer, at least for destitutes like us,” says Kanjashakamma, an 86-year-old retried teacher.

Happiness

“As human beings, we are supposed to understand the pain of fellow human beings and help reduce their pain. None of the inmates are relatives. Their happiness gives me the energy to carry on,” says Ms. Devi.

Notwithstanding her personal problems, including a couple of surgeries she had to undergo, she runs the 30-bedded home spending Rs. 80,000 a month for food, treatment costs and staff salaries.

Tough

“At times, it is tough but I don’t get disappointed. I have sold my house, property and even my mangalasutram. I am managing the home with my money,” claims this humble woman. Ms. Devi also runs Manodeepam, a home for the mentally-depressed.

Counselling

“Thanks to her love and affection, I look at life differently now. There were times when I used to get depressed and attempt suicide but after counselling, I aim to be a chartered accountant,” says Nirmala, a native of Vijayawada.

Nagachandrika Devi can be contacted over phone numbers 65966344 / 9247367379.

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