Impact Story
elderly

Venkat from Pushpavana Charitable Trust

logo
Pushpavana Charitable Trust

April 20, 2024

expand
Venkat’s life unravels

Meet Venkat, a retired bank manager in his 60s. Venkat once led a fulfilling life with his two sons, a loving wife, and a stable job. However, everything changed when he got involved in an extramarital relationship. This strained his relationship with his family. When Venkat retired and his wife passed away, his sons disowned him, seeing him as a burden since he was no longer earning. His partner in the extramarital relationship also turned him down.


A Friend's Helping Hand

Homeless and heartbroken, Venkat went to a friend who kindly gave him shelter. But his friend had a family, and it became difficult for them to support Venkat for long. One day, on a walk, Venkat’s friend discovered Pushpavana, a shelter run by a compassionate woman named Pushpa. His friend arranged for Venkat to stay there.


Finding Refuge at Pushpavana

Initially, Pushpa was reluctant to admit Venkat as he had two sons who could help him. But when she understood Venkat’s dire situation, she let him in, providing accommodation on the condition that his sons would send some money each month to help care for their father. The sons agreed, assuring there would be no problems with financial assistance. However, after a month, they stopped sending money and responding to Pushpa’s calls.



In October 2023, Venkat wanted to visit his relatives far away in Bangalore. His relatives had a pet parrot that ended up biting Venkat’s toe. Venkat, a diabetic patient, developed gangrene in his right leg. Half of his leg was affected and needed surgery urgently. Pushpa tried to contact Venkat’s sons, but they refused to see their father. Desperate to save him, Pushpa admitted Venkat to a hospital to avoid further damage. Half his leg had to be amputated urgently. Venkat’s sons came to the hospital, but once they learned about the hospital expenses, they absconded and stopped receiving Pushpa’s calls. Due to further complications, another part of his leg had to be removed.


Pushpa's Unwavering Support

Pushpa incurred a hefty expense of 4 lakh rupees to ensure Venkat’s surgeries were done smoothly. However, upon returning to the foundation, they realized that the surgery wound had been left open. Pushpa took it upon herself to nurse Venkat back to health. She ensured the wound was stitched properly and every day she would apply medicines to the wound herself. Slowly, Venkat’s leg started healing and in a few months, he was healthier than he was in 2023.


Venkat is still partially bedridden, and his movement is limited. However, he wants to help around the Pushpavana home once he gets better. Despite his limited mobility, he sits on his bed and greets everyone with a smile. Though Venkat’s sons no longer receive Pushpa’s calls or try to contact their father, Venkat has found a second home at Pushpavana. With Pushpa’s love, care, and support, he can live his life in a safe shelter with dignity.


How You Can Help

Supporting organizations like Pushpavana helps people like Pushpa care for individuals like Venkat who have been abandoned by their families. Your contributions ensure that those who are left alone in their most vulnerable times can find solace, dignity, and a chance to heal. Join us in supporting Pushpavana and making a difference in the lives of people like Venkat. Donate today and be a part of this compassionate journey.


Elderly

By

raised