HOPE, FOR THOSE WHO HAD NONE
Started in 2008, The Earth Saviours Foundation is a home and a ray of hope for the ailing, the deprived and the distressed
The sight of a chid and a stray dog searching for food from the same garbage pile changed the life of Ravi Kalra, the founder and president of The Earth Saviours Foundation, an NGO that works for the destitute children, abandoned senior citizens, victimised women and mentally-disabled people.
“I’ve been through a tough life. Being an average student, facing financial crunches, I’ve worked hard to reach my goal. My father was in Delhi Police and his tough attitude shaped my life,” says Kalra.
The 4th level Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo achieved all his dreams through hard work. “In 2007, I had accomplished everything that I wanted to, but there was a sense of emptiness. I wanted to do something for humanity. Thus, in 2008, I stared this NGO. But, when I took up this endeavour, I lost the support from my family. They thought that I was too dedicated. I faced legal charges and locals declared me as a fraud. It was much later that government recognised us and promised to donate two acres of land. But, it never happened. Now, we’ve around 500 people living in our premises. We’ve rescued people, which even included ex-army officers, from roads and garbage piles,” says Kalra, who was felicitated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award for excellence in humanitarian work in 2014. They can be contacted at
svearth000@gmail.com
Karunajali, who has been associated with the NGO since its inception, was a corporate trainer. She says, “There are around 100 bed-ridden residents here. From changing diapers to cleaning them, they need extra attention. We treat all equally irrespective of their religion or other details.”
The NGO celebrates festivals, too, to cheer up its inmates. This Shivratri, singer Ashoo Punjabi performed for them. Dancing to his tunes, the residents forged a bond that is stronger than the blood ties, who’ve abandoned them.
I faced legal charges and locals declared me as a fraud. It was much later that government recognised us.
RAVI KALRA FOUNDER OF THE NGO