80-Year-Old Man Abandoned by Daughter Sells Sweets on Trains, This Actor Steps In With ₹1 Lakh Help
80-Year-Old Man Abandoned by Daughter Sells Sweets on Trains, This Actor Steps In With ₹1 Lakh Help
An emotional story from Chennai has touched thousands online after a user on X shared about meeting an 80-year-old man selling sweets and polis on trains. The elderly man, abandoned by his daughter who now lives in London, continues to work hard alongside his wife, who is in her late 70s. While she lovingly prepares the sweets and polis at home, he sets out every day with dignity to sell them in the city’s crowded trains.
The post quickly went viral, moving people across the country. The user who shared the encounter wrote, “Polis, Sweets & Tears behind every bite. Today, my heart broke when I saw an 80-year-old get pushed into hardship. Abandoned by his own daughter, who now lives in London, he has taken up selling sweets and polis on the busy trains of Chennai to support himself and his wife. His wife, in her late 70s, lovingly prepares them at home, and he walks out with dignity to sell what her hands create. I tasted them, and believe me, they are pure, divine, and filled with love.”
The user further added, “If you come across him, don’t just buy a sweet or a poli, buy his strength, his resilience, and his unbroken spirit. And if you wish to support, please reach out to his contact number and place an order (in Chennai). Sometimes, the best food carries the weight of untold stories. Let’s not let our elders feel abandoned in their final years.”
Social Media Users React With Concern
Polis, Sweets & Tears behind every bite ❤️ 😭 “Today, my heart broke when I saw an 80-year-old got pushed into hardship. Abandoned by his own daughter who now lives in London, he has taken up selling sweets and polis on the busy trains of Chennai, to support himself and his… pic.twitter.com/6wpuOzpwwk
— Dr Mouth Matters (@GanKanchi) September 9, 2025
The man’s story struck a chord with many, who not only praised his resilience but also raised concerns about the plight of abandoned elders in India. Several users expressed their desire to help him financially.
One user wrote, “Tried sending him some amount through UPI on the no. shown on the placard, but it’s not registered. Is there any way we can help him financially? Can we get his UPI/account details on which we can send him the money?”
Tried sending him some amount through UPI on the no. shown on the placard but it’s not registered. Is there any which way we can help him financially? Can we get his UPI/account details on which we can send him the money?
— VᴀᴊʀᴀK (मोदीजी का परिवार/Modiji’s Family) (@VajraK2000) September 10, 2025
Another person added, “Heartbreaking yet inspiring. The sweetest taste is not the poli, but the dignity and love behind it. Let’s stand by our elders. Every bite carries his resilience & her love. Let’s not let our elders fight alone—support with kindness, not just money.”
Heartbreaking yet inspiring 💔 The sweetest taste is not the poli, but the dignity and love behind it. Let’s stand by our elders. Every bite carries his resilience & her love. Let’s not let our elders fight alone-support with kindness, not just money
— Surendra Koutarapu (@SurKopu) September 10, 2025
Many online also pointed out how parents invest their entire lives raising and supporting their children, often sending them abroad for better futures, only to end up alone and neglected in their old age.
Raghava Lawrence Extends His Support
The story soon reached actor and philanthropist Raghava Lawrence, who is known for his generosity and social work. Deeply moved by the couple’s determination, he shared the post on his official X handle on Wednesday and announced his decision to help them.
He wrote, “Today, a post reached me through social media about an 80-year-old man and his wife in Chennai who make sweets and polis, selling them on trains to survive. Their resilience moved me deeply.”
The actor went on to say, “I am ready to contribute ₹1,00,000 to support their journey, hoping it brings them comfort and strength. I’ve been trying to reach the contact provided but haven’t been able to. If anyone knows their details, please reach out to me. And if you happen to see them on the train, do buy their sweets and support them in any way you can.”
Today, A post reached me through social media about an 80 year old man and his wife in Chennai who make sweets and polis, selling them on trains to survive. Their resilience moved me deeply. 🙏
— Raghava Lawrence (@offl_Lawrence) September 10, 2025
I am ready to contribute ₹1,00,000 to support their journey, hoping it brings them… pic.twitter.com/yRYZj677Ze
His gesture won praise from fans, many of whom lauded him for stepping in when the elderly couple needed help the most.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by many elders who are left behind by their children after spending a lifetime raising them.
