Dear Sir/Madam,

An incident which happened 13 years ago changed our lives forever. We were traveling in a train one afternoon. The person who was seated next to us, near the window was taking his meal. After eating he threw away the left over food packet on the filth-filled railway track. Four or five dogs were running to grab it. We could also see a little girl, with a baby on her hip, rushing from the other end. She was just three or four years’ old and the baby about one-and-a-half years. The girl placed the baby in a safe place. Then she somehow battled with the dogs and got the food packet. We could see her rushing back to the baby. The packet was opened. There was only a little food left in it, but she affectionately gave it all to the baby – without taking anything for her. This scene melted our hearts – a thought entered our hearts strongly – why can’t we dedicate our lives to love, protect and care these least ones? Of course there will be many who are left alone, who are hungry for food and love. But how? What can a middle class couple like us do? After thinking and praying to God for guidance for days and days together, we were able to overcome our dilemma. We got it – our passion and the direction we need to take. We decided to become foster parents for the abandoned people in the streets. We decided to move beyond the safety of our careers – company executive and nursing professional – to a job that doesn’t pay but something that bring rich dividends – smiles of gratitude from these helpless people.Yes we did. We first welcomed Manoj, a mentally challenged boy, to our family. When we met him, he was begging near Najafgarh church, in Delhi. He had wounds in both legs and flies were feasting on them. Somehow we carried him to our home (now ashram). It was in 2004. In the initial days he was so unstable and even reluctant to take any food. He would strangely focus on something and forget everything else. If he raised one hand upward, he would keep it raised for days together. Manoj was in a strange mental condition. Often he had to be taken to a doctor to administer injections that will boost his appetite. The doctor will make sure that a few kilos of food are stocked prior to the injection. After receiving injection, he would immediately start eating. Now his condition has improved and is staying with us. However, he cannot be sent back to his hometown for lack of his full address. But many who come to us mentally ill and shattered are more fortunate than Manoj.When we take them from the street to our home they do not know who they are. But after receiving treatment and loving care many are able to get back their memories. They are able to tell about their families, where they lived etc. and we follow up the information provided by them. If they want to go back to their villages and homes, we will take steps to rehabilitate them back in their homes. For lost families, the homecoming of a lost son or daughter is a moment of great joy and ecstasy. We have witnessed many a case of this joy, in some cases even an entire village springs into jubilation at the return of a lost son. Those are the moments we feel truly fulfilled and that is the best reward one can get. We never call them inmates, because all of them are apart of our being, our family. Visit our big family and experience the joy of togetherness and sharing. You are welcome to this celebration of life… In love and oneness,