Pune based Art of Helping Foundation Lights the Way for Elderly Orphans

In a world often characterised by division and discord, the foundation stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion and collective action.

11 May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

The Art of Helping Foundation (link) has emerged as a ray of hope, dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of the marginalised and underserved. Founded with a vision to promote love, humanity and sustainable development, the Art of Helping Foundation embodies the ethos of community-driven change. A team of four volunteers work together to alleviate elderly orphans from slums. 

As of now, they have covered slums from Katraj to Swargate. People on social media are free to donate as much money as they wish, which is used in the form of funds for the NGO. 

In conversation with Deepankar Patil, the founder of the Art of Helping Foundation, which he started alongside his mother Surekha Patil, elaborated upon the works of the NGO. He stated, “We started the foundation in 2018 and got legally registered by 2019. We cater to elderly orphans, aged 60 and above, residing in slum areas where living conditions are dire. We are in contact with various NGOs who inform us about elderly orphans who need help. 

“The initiative is aimed at alleviating food insecurity among elderly orphans by distributing monthly grocery kits comprising essential items such as rice, oil and wheat and fruits as well as providing tiffin services for them. This assistance aims to ensure that these individuals have access to nutritious meals despite their limited resources.

“Furthermore, we focus on facilitating access to crucial medical care for elderly orphans by disseminating information about available healthcare services and connecting them with relevant resources.”

When asked about what is the next step in mind for the foundation, Deepankar stated, “In a second phase, we have plans underway to establish residential rooms to accommodate high-risk beneficiaries among the elderly orphan population. These facilities aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals facing particularly challenging circumstances, offering them a dignified living space and access to necessary amenities.”