Blogs – Snehan https://www.snehan.org Empowering the deprived Tue, 20 May 2025 12:20:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.snehan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/snehan-favicon-60x60.jpg Blogs – Snehan https://www.snehan.org 32 32 Finding hope after loss: 79 years Natarajan journey to healing https://www.snehan.org/finding-hope-after-loss-79-years-natarajan-journey-to-healing/ https://www.snehan.org/finding-hope-after-loss-79-years-natarajan-journey-to-healing/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 12:15:18 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=6029 A 79 years old, Natarajan Thatha arrived at Snehan Home, carrying a broken heart and the weight of unimaginable loss. His beloved wife passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, a separation he found impossible to accept. For months, grief consumed him—tears became his companion, and loneliness his reality.
Just as he was beginning to emerge from the depths of sorrow, another tragedy struck—his only son ended his own life due to family problems. The pain of this loss was beyond comprehension, leaving Natarajan drowning in despair. Depression took hold, and many days passed without food or purpose. Life felt devoid of meaning, and as financial struggles deepened, he found himself unable to pay rent, eventually becoming homeless.
In his darkest hour, Snehan Home became his refuge. With compassionate support, he slowly regained his strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now, he is secure with the essentials, surrounded by people who listen and care.
At Snehan Home, Natarajan has found a sense of purpose. He assists in the kitchen, lends a hand at the tailoring center by stitching buttons and trimming excess yarn on bags, and on weekends, he sets up a stall on the beach to sell eco-friendly bags as part of an income-generating initiative.
Today, Natarajan has reclaimed his health and happiness. His golden years are now filled with meaning, spent in the comforting embrace of a community that stands with him.
]]> https://www.snehan.org/finding-hope-after-loss-79-years-natarajan-journey-to-healing/feed/ 0 Hands on learning for MSW students at Snehan Home https://www.snehan.org/hands-on-learning-for-msw-students-at-snehan-home/ https://www.snehan.org/hands-on-learning-for-msw-students-at-snehan-home/#respond Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:17:18 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5863 Snehan Home welcomed first-year MSW students from Pondicherry University, who visited to learn about the impactful work being done here. Renowned for its dedication to saving lives and bringing value to the lives of elderly, sick destitute individuals in Pondicherry, Snehan Home warmly greeted the students. The visit included a comprehensive overview of the organization’s initiatives, which focus on providing shelter, medical support, and emotional support to homeless and destitute individuals.
The students had the opportunity to interact with the director, hear their stories, and understand the challenges faced by the residents. They were particularly impressed by the holistic development programs that enable residents to become self-reliant and reintegrate into society. The experience was both enlightening and inspiring, offering the students valuable insights into social work in practice. This visit not only broadened their understanding but also reinforced their commitment to making a difference in the community.
]]> https://www.snehan.org/hands-on-learning-for-msw-students-at-snehan-home/feed/ 0 The Vriksh Fellowship created an amazing learning opportunity https://www.snehan.org/the-vriksh-fellowship-created-an-amazing-learning-opportunity/ https://www.snehan.org/the-vriksh-fellowship-created-an-amazing-learning-opportunity/#respond Sun, 02 Feb 2025 05:33:40 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5848
The Vriksh Fellowship created an amazing learning opportunity for all Vriksh alumni and fellows at the Bodhigram Empowerment Centre in Dehradun. We had a four-day retreat attended by about twenty participants from various parts of India. We had the chance to meet the founders of different social initiatives and witness their incredible work.
I was particularly passionate about learning how the fellowship began. Mr. Ashish Arora, who wanted to do something for society, left a well-paying job despite his family’s disapproval. He dedicated himself to serving Himalayan children without any financial support. During that time, he received a monthly fellowship for three years, which helped his family survive.
Inspired by his experience, Ashish, along with amazing people like Mr. Raju, Mrs. Vyjayanthi, Mr. Kishore, Mr. Manoj, and others, started the Vriksh Fellowship. This fellowship supports the most needy social change-makers in society, those who aspire to bring positive changes to their communities. They receive monthly support and training to become effective social change-makers.
I am personally thrilled to be part of this incredible group of people. Their support helps me move forward in peace, making a positive impact on people’s lives.
]]> https://www.snehan.org/the-vriksh-fellowship-created-an-amazing-learning-opportunity/feed/ 0 Compassion in Action: Snehan Home’s Mission https://www.snehan.org/compassion-in-action-snehan-homes-mission/ https://www.snehan.org/compassion-in-action-snehan-homes-mission/#respond Sat, 18 Jan 2025 06:30:47 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5834 Ramasawamy, an independent individual who cherishes a quiet, solitary life, has been suffering from a prolonged wound. At around 80 years old, he has been ill on the streets for the past week, unable to walk due to the wound and infection. Unable to reach a hospital, he resorted to wrapping his wound with a newspaper, without any medication. As time passed, the initially bearable wound became unbearable, infested with maggots.

Yesterday, I received a phone call informing me of his dire condition. We at Snehan Home rushed him to the nearest PIMS city center for treatment, but he was referred to the Government Hospital. He is now admitted there for medical support, and our caregivers take turns looking after him.

For many years, Ramasawamy has lived on the streets, surviving through begging. He has no family and has even forgotten his hometown. We at Snehan will stay by his side until his last days.

]]> https://www.snehan.org/compassion-in-action-snehan-homes-mission/feed/ 0 Joy to the world! The Lord has come https://www.snehan.org/joy-to-the-world-the-lord-has-come/ https://www.snehan.org/joy-to-the-world-the-lord-has-come/#respond Sat, 28 Dec 2024 05:01:17 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5830
A team of ten from Hosanna AG Church visited Snehan Home to share the joy of Christ’s birth and His purpose. They skillfully organized their program, which included a puppet show, games, carol singing, a visit from Santa Claus, and sharing the word of God. All our residents participated with enthusiasm, especially enjoying the puppet show, as it reminded them of their main entertainment in the olden days. After two hours of lively activities, we concluded the event with tea and snacks.

]]> https://www.snehan.org/joy-to-the-world-the-lord-has-come/feed/ 0 The devastating Fengal Cyclone at Pondicherry https://www.snehan.org/the-devastating-fengal-cyclone-at-pondicherry/ https://www.snehan.org/the-devastating-fengal-cyclone-at-pondicherry/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:51 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5806 For nearly three days, Pondicherry was brought to a standstill by the devastating Fengal Cyclone. Torrential rains inundated every part of Puducherry, submerging many houses up to the first and second floors. The floodwaters destroyed household items, leaving many without their belongings. The city faced power outages, disrupted mobile signals, and communication came to a halt for two days. Cooking ceased in countless homes, with no shops or hotels open. The modern world was plunged into what felt like ancient darkness.
Snehan Home was not spared. Around 12:30 AM on Sunday night, I received a call informing me that water had entered the patient dormitory. I rushed to the scene and was alarmed to find our residents submerged in water while they slept. Fortunately, they remained dry, as the water did not reach the level of their cots and mattresses.
In that moment, I panicked. What if the water rose above the cot level? Where could I take our elderly, disabled residents who cannot walk? Stepping outside to investigate, I saw the entire street flooded up to knee level. There was no light in any houses. We lost a month’s worth of provisions, and our refrigerator and wet grinder were submerged.
During these three days, our staff were physically exhausted from the relentless cleaning, cooking, and ensuring water was available in the restrooms. This ordeal taught us to appreciate whatever we have. At night, we dined by candlelight, enjoyed long hours of sleep, and made do with the bare essentials to survive.
]]> https://www.snehan.org/the-devastating-fengal-cyclone-at-pondicherry/feed/ 0 We were honored to welcome Rev. Fr. Yeruva Joji SDB at Snehan Home https://www.snehan.org/we-were-honored-to-welcome-rev-fr-yeruva-joji-sdb-at-snehan-home/ https://www.snehan.org/we-were-honored-to-welcome-rev-fr-yeruva-joji-sdb-at-snehan-home/#respond Thu, 21 Nov 2024 03:44:03 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5792 We were honored to welcome Rev. Fr. Yeruva Joji SDB and his team from Hyderabad to Snehan Home. We have known him for 20 years, and he is a passionate and dedicated person committed to enhancing the lives of youth in a holistic manner. Our journey with him began at the Don Bosco Provincial House and Birdy in Hyderabad. I fondly remember accompanying him to schools and colleges to conduct animation programs for children. Father Joji always strives to create remarkable memories for those around him. His visit to see us and appreciate our humble service was an unexpected and delightful surprise. Both Sheeba and I are products of the Don Bosco Institute, where we were morally shaped. Father Joji offered words of encouragement to our residents and prayed for our family. It is truly wonderful to have such like-minded people in our lives.

]]> https://www.snehan.org/we-were-honored-to-welcome-rev-fr-yeruva-joji-sdb-at-snehan-home/feed/ 0 I Do My Part https://www.snehan.org/i-do-my-part/ https://www.snehan.org/i-do-my-part/#respond Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:48:25 +0000 https://www.snehan.org/?p=5516 An optimistic person often has a positive outlook on life and their positivity can be infectious, uplifting those around them. It’s like a ripple effect; one positive attitude can lead to another, creating a more joyful and hopeful environment. Today I was happy to meet Mr.Mewis and Mrs.Vasanthi Mewis, and got so much positive energy. We had a long discussion about Snehan Home and how this social project is saving the neediest ones on the streets of Pondicherry.  In an hour of discussion, I gathered so much insight from Mr.Mewis, he gave tips on budgeting, proposal writing and the most interesting illustration about Bee Hummingbird. Once there was a wild fire in the amazon forest, the animals and birds ran for its safety. But one tiny Bee Hummingbird flew far and came back with a drop of water to sprinkle on the fire. By seeing this senseless action, all the other animals’ laugh and mocked this bird. With much politeness Bee Hummingbird said in response “I DO MY PART” wow.

As I was listening to this illustration, off the way I laughed by imagining the bird size and the amount of water it carried to put out the fire. But at the end, the bird was right by doing its part.

The main aim of Snehan Home is to save the lives of the abandoned destitute sick person from the streets. I do my part, by giving my energy, talent and time. You’re most welcome to do your part.

]]> https://www.snehan.org/i-do-my-part/feed/ 0 Grandpa Senthil is rehabilitated from the streets of Pondicherry https://www.snehan.org/grandpa-senthil-is-rehabilitated-from-the-streets-of-pondicherry/ https://www.snehan.org/grandpa-senthil-is-rehabilitated-from-the-streets-of-pondicherry/#respond Sun, 28 Jan 2024 13:47:39 +0000 https://aravindbala.com/snehan/?p=4998 Mr.Senthil 75 years old, comes from Villupuram Dt. He is a bachelor; he doesn’t have a family of his own.  He was an independent man, worked hard for his food. He used to walk many miles in a day by selling snacks items house to house. Many individuals looted his little income with many flowery words. Now, he has nothing or anyone to care for him. Due to old age related sickness, he is not able to walk; he survives by the generosity of a few kind-hearted people.  Last 20 days he has been sick with fever, cold and joint pains, crippled at one place on the street. The well wisher Mr.Salim, admitted him at Snehan Home with NOC from Grand Bazaar Police Station on 26-1-2024.  After many days Mr.Senthil had a haircut, and hot water bath. At present he is able to take only liquid food only. Hope soon he will recover his health.

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