MLA Visits Asha Centre in Anna Nagar
The Asha family welcomes MLA Praveen Kumar to their community. They garlanded him, gave him a gratitude card, and sincerely thanked him for all his services to their community. Thereafter they explained the problem of severe water shortage in these summer months. He took immediate action and ordered extra pipelines. How wonderful when gratitude and warmth open the hearts of people, and they are always ready to help and do what it takes to solve their problems.
Bal Mandal Children PRACTICING Asha Values
An example of Bal Mandal children collecting their pocket money and buying food for a poor woman whose husband recently passed away. How heart warming to see young children learn these wonderful values.
The CanAssist Society Team Visits Asha
A three-member team from Can Assist comprising of Ms Jacklyn Quinlan- Co-President Can Assist, Claude Rochon- Director of Communication, and Katherine De Visser- Point Person for Asha India visited Asha on 18th June’2022. After a welcome at the Asha head office and polyclinic, they were explained about the Asha interventions in areas of Healthcare, Empowerment, Land Rights, and Education, including Internship and Mentorship, Financial Inclusion, Environment and Infrastructure by taking them through a photo exhibition. They were also explained the timeline and the chronological sequence and how Dr Kiran’s vision became a model of development which transformed the lives of millions of slum dwellers and received international recognition. Asha students, including prospective students for the international higher education programme, shared their life stories and how education through Asha’s support became a game-changer in their lives.
A tour of the polyclinic followed the interactions. The Can Assist team also went for a field trip to an Asha community at Dr Ambedkar Basti to give them a feel of the programme interventions. The team leader and the students welcomed them at the first centre. The Can Assist team interacted with the students and women and saw the clinic being run in the community. The team also visited the Asha IT centre utilized by slum students for their academics. The students also narrated their activities as Corona warriors and how they helped their community to overcome the challenges during the multiple waves of the stressful pandemic.
Thank you, team, from Can Assist, for visiting Asha, and we look forward to strengthening the relationship further.
Macquarie Internship for the year 2022
One of the most anticipated programmes for the Asha students, the Macquarie Internship for the year 2022, started on the 13th of June’2022. Twenty girls and boys were selected for this Internship programme based on rigorous selection criteria. After a detailed Onboarding process which took more than two weeks of intensive interaction with Team Macquarie, there was an orientation
programme for the selected Asha students. This year it was decided that the Internship will be organised in a hybrid model with three days of online Internship at Asha IT Labs and two days onsite at the Macquarie office in Gurugram. However, few students have been asked to visit the Macquarie office regularly and get exposure to onsite working across various departments. Another notable feature of this year’s programme was that the Internship programme was organised in the Philippines and India, providing the students with rich international exposure and the natural feel of working in a cross-cultural environment. The selected Interns will also get the opportunity to meet the Senior Management team of Macquarie.
The programme schedule for the Internship includes corporate workplace skills, ethics and values in the corporate world, time management skills, and how to build a personal brand and maintain work-life balance. After the orientation, the interns learnt about Macquarie’s history and discovered Macquarie Workplace on Facebook. There was also an activity on life’s transformation from college to the corporate world.
Thank you, Mr Sandeep Bhatia- Country Head India, Mr Manish Desai- Head of Macquarie Gurugram Office and the team of Macquarie Foundation, for providing this invaluable and enriching exposure to the Asha students as a stepping stone to the International corporate workplace environment.
programme for the selected Asha students. This year it was decided that the Internship will be organised in a hybrid model with three days of online Internship at Asha IT Labs and two days onsite at the Macquarie office in Gurugram. However, few students have been asked to visit the Macquarie office regularly and get exposure to onsite working across various departments. Another notable feature of this year’s programme was that the Internship programme was organised in the Philippines and India, providing the students with rich international exposure and the natural feel of working in a cross-cultural environment. The selected Interns will also get the opportunity to meet the Senior Management team of Macquarie.
The programme schedule for the Internship includes corporate workplace skills, ethics and values in the corporate world, time management skills, and how to build a personal brand and maintain work-life balance. After the orientation, the interns learnt about Macquarie’s history and discovered Macquarie Workplace on Facebook. There was also an activity on life’s transformation from college to the corporate world.
Thank you, Mr Sandeep Bhatia- Country Head India, Mr Manish Desai- Head of Macquarie Gurugram Office and the team of Macquarie Foundation, for providing this invaluable and enriching exposure to the Asha students as a stepping stone to the International corporate workplace environment.
Suzannah Jessep, Director of Asia New Zealand Foundation visits Asha
We at Asha were delighted to welcome an old friend Suzannah Jessep on 15th June. Suzannah, Director of Asia New Zealand Foundation, spent time interacting with Asha graduates and college students and was amazed to hear their journey and work as Corona warriors during the pandemic. She was also happy to know that despite a break for a year, the internship had resumed. Suzannah worked very closely with Dr Kiran to expand the internship Programme to diplomatic missions during her tenure as Deputy High Commissioner at New Zealand High Commission in Delhi.
Thank you, Suzannah, for taking time out of your busy schedule, and we hope to strengthen our relationship with Asia New Zealand Foundation in the future.
Thank you, Suzannah, for taking time out of your busy schedule, and we hope to strengthen our relationship with Asia New Zealand Foundation in the future.
Practicing Gratitude in Asha slum communities
Hello everyone, Here’s a beautiful story to share with you. Dr Alka is the Medical Officer in charge of a government health center in Peeragarhi. The entire Asha team and volunteers expressed their Gratitude to her for constantly collaborating with Asha in various health care programs. She was absolutely delighted, and relationships were strengthened like never before.
Elsewhere, in the spirit of the equal dignity and worth of all, they thanked the sweeper who cleans the toilets. They invited him to the Centre and garlanded him, expressing heartfelt gratitude and joy for his service. He seemed taken aback, as you will see from the pictures! Nobody had ever garlanded him before. Giving honor and respect, and affirming everyone, are powerful values.
In yet another powerful demonstration of Gratitude, the entire team went for a visit to the Municipal Councillor of the area to thank him for his service. What a wonderful visit it was!
He was filled with keenness and enthusiasm to do more, and promised the community he would always be at their service.
Elsewhere, in the spirit of the equal dignity and worth of all, they thanked the sweeper who cleans the toilets. They invited him to the Centre and garlanded him, expressing heartfelt gratitude and joy for his service. He seemed taken aback, as you will see from the pictures! Nobody had ever garlanded him before. Giving honor and respect, and affirming everyone, are powerful values.
In yet another powerful demonstration of Gratitude, the entire team went for a visit to the Municipal Councillor of the area to thank him for his service. What a wonderful visit it was!
He was filled with keenness and enthusiasm to do more, and promised the community he would always be at their service.
Governing board member of Australian Friends of Asha visits Chanderpuri with his team
Hello everyone, what a wonderful day it was today. Our dearly beloved Harish Rao, a long time friend and governing board member of Friends of Asha Australia brought along 3 of his Australian friends Phil, Chris and Adam, to Asha’s Chanderpuri center this afternoon.
They braved the heat, and spent a wonderful time engaging with the members not only of Chanderpuri, but many other Asha slum communities within a radius of about 5km, where we carry out various programs.
Among many other members, they met prospective students who Asha has begun preparing to go to Australia in the coming two years.
Enthusiastic interactions with the women’s association members who shared many stories, including how they suffered so much during Covid and received all help from Asha.
Students were attending online classes, doing their homework and assignments, using you tube resources to learn English, and much more
With our wonderful students, including many who are in the preparatory phase of traveling to Australia for a Masters. Sunny, Juhi, Parvez and Fazia will hopefully reach Australia by 2023/2024.
Chris Elstoft and Amitava: you have both been working so hard with these students, and today it was exciting to witness their enthusiasm. I am sure they will be in Australia not long from now, under your leadership. What a wonderful movement!
Our friends visiting the tiny homes of community members and taking in the surroundings
They braved the heat, and spent a wonderful time engaging with the members not only of Chanderpuri, but many other Asha slum communities within a radius of about 5km, where we carry out various programs.
Among many other members, they met prospective students who Asha has begun preparing to go to Australia in the coming two years.
Enthusiastic interactions with the women’s association members who shared many stories, including how they suffered so much during Covid and received all help from Asha.
Students were attending online classes, doing their homework and assignments, using you tube resources to learn English, and much more
With our wonderful students, including many who are in the preparatory phase of traveling to Australia for a Masters. Sunny, Juhi, Parvez and Fazia will hopefully reach Australia by 2023/2024.
Chris Elstoft and Amitava: you have both been working so hard with these students, and today it was exciting to witness their enthusiasm. I am sure they will be in Australia not long from now, under your leadership. What a wonderful movement!
Our friends visiting the tiny homes of community members and taking in the surroundings
Practicing Gratitude at Asha’s Dr Ambedkar Basti Slum Community
The sweeper of Dr Ambedkar Basti where people from the untouchable caste live, comes to clean our Centre everyday. Yesterday, the warriors and team suddenly said to her that they would be doing all the cleaning while she just relaxed. They said to her that they wanted to express gratitude to her for all her years of service, as well as value her for who she was. At first she was shocked, then became overcome with emotion and began to cry. I tried to place myself in her position and thought about how I would have felt at this gesture, never having experienced something like this in my life. I feel so proud of the team and warriors.
The Hon Lisa Singh, past Senator in the Australian parliament (Labour Party) visits Asha slum Community
We had the joy of receiving The Hon Lisa Singh, past Senator in the Australian parliament( Labour Party), and CEO of Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne, visit us today. She enthusiastically engaged with the residents of Seelampur, one of the most impoverished slums in the city. She is inspired and excited to help Asha in a number of ways, and we had discussions on possibilities over lunch.
The primary goal of Australia India Institute is to strengthen ties between the two countries in multiple sectors.
The primary goal of Australia India Institute is to strengthen ties between the two countries in multiple sectors.
Asha’s support to the neediest during their worst financial distress
As I saw the pictures of Asha grocery bags being delivered to some of the neediest persons in their homes, I felt grateful that Asha has the ability to help when they are experiencing so much financial distress. I could also feel the emotional pain and suffering of those who are capable of earning but have no work. People want to work and experience the dignity of work. They would never accept a grocery bag if they had a choice. The elderly who are abandoned and infirm, will probably never have a choice.
The registration process for this test is really quite complicated and it is virtually impossible for a year 12 student from a slum to complete such a complex application on their own. The registration fee is also high.
The deadline for the registration is May 22. Thereafter the students will have to receive separate coaching for this entrance exam. The pattern is new, and none of us knows enough about it. We will have to find new ways of coaching our students and getting them exam ready. At the moment they are focusing on the board exam. They can only begin preparing for CUET when those are over.
At this time, CUET registrations are going on in all Asha communities. There is a lot of resistance from students and parents. Students feel too afraid and insecure about preparing to attempt for this new exam.
Asha has paid the full registration fees for almost all the students. These are separate from the university fees that will need to be paid every year once the students are in.
The Asha team and I are quite worried about the uncertainties related to this process. We are hoping that we can enable our students to shine in this new exam!
Here are some pictures of CUET registration going on in all Asha slum communities.
The deadline for the registration is May 22. Thereafter the students will have to receive separate coaching for this entrance exam. The pattern is new, and none of us knows enough about it. We will have to find new ways of coaching our students and getting them exam ready. At the moment they are focusing on the board exam. They can only begin preparing for CUET when those are over.
At this time, CUET registrations are going on in all Asha communities. There is a lot of resistance from students and parents. Students feel too afraid and insecure about preparing to attempt for this new exam.
Asha has paid the full registration fees for almost all the students. These are separate from the university fees that will need to be paid every year once the students are in.
The Asha team and I are quite worried about the uncertainties related to this process. We are hoping that we can enable our students to shine in this new exam!
Here are some pictures of CUET registration going on in all Asha slum communities.
Compassion in Healthcare and it’s Impact
Hello everyone, in this video I have spoken about the great importance of Compassion in Health Care and it’s wonderful outcomes in patients. There is a Compassion crisis in Healthcare systems worldwide. I have addressed the scientific basis of compassion and how it helps in health and healing.
Here is a link to my video: https://youtu.be/EEUTvh-8xFc
Here is a link to my video: https://youtu.be/EEUTvh-8xFc
Celebrating International Women’s Day across Asha Communities
Hello folks, Women’s International Day was celebrated with great joy across Asha communities everywhere on March 8. The women belonging to Women’s Associations all over Asha took this opportunity to appreciate the pivotal role of women in community development and encouraged each other for a better tomorrow.
While in some slum communities, women decided to celebrate this day with a lunch followed by songs and dances, others invited officials from civic agencies and police departments to strengthen their relationships.
At Jeevan Nagar and Mayapuri, Police officials came to the Centre. They screened a movie based on Women’s rights, for the community members and provided them with refreshments. Asha’s Mahila Mandal members shared their remarkable transforming stories. The Police and Asha women, working together for their communities! Anna Nagar, Seelampur, Chanderpuri, Dr Ambedkar Basti, and Ekta Vihar celebrated this day with singing and dancing. Young Asha warriors also participated in the celebrations with great enthusiasm. Then they ate together, breaking down all caste and religious barriers.
The women from Kalkaji slum colony came together to celebrate the day at a local park. They discussed women’s empowerment and celebrated by singing, dancing, playing some games and having lunch together.
While in some slum communities, women decided to celebrate this day with a lunch followed by songs and dances, others invited officials from civic agencies and police departments to strengthen their relationships.
At Jeevan Nagar and Mayapuri, Police officials came to the Centre. They screened a movie based on Women’s rights, for the community members and provided them with refreshments. Asha’s Mahila Mandal members shared their remarkable transforming stories. The Police and Asha women, working together for their communities! Anna Nagar, Seelampur, Chanderpuri, Dr Ambedkar Basti, and Ekta Vihar celebrated this day with singing and dancing. Young Asha warriors also participated in the celebrations with great enthusiasm. Then they ate together, breaking down all caste and religious barriers.
The women from Kalkaji slum colony came together to celebrate the day at a local park. They discussed women’s empowerment and celebrated by singing, dancing, playing some games and having lunch together.
IT Lab inauguration at Dr Ambedkar slum
Hello folks, Tuesday was a wonderful day. We inaugurated the IT Centre at Dr Ambedkar Slum in honour of the Late Mr Kailash Chaudhary. KC as we all fondly called him, had been hosting events at Napa Valley California every year for over 20 years. He loved the Asha family, and organized the Annual Asha events at Napa with great enthusiasm and passion, bringing in thousands of dollars for Asha’s work.
The students, none of whom have their own laptops, were delighted with this beautiful new facility. This is critical for their success at University and to obtain good jobs.
Rama, our senior nurse practitioner, cut the ribbon, with warriors and our senior most CHV Meena, on either side of her. The students sitting in front of their beautiful laptops in the Centre, shared their experiences and expressed their thanks for this facility. Family and friends of KC also spoke, and we all remembered him with love and gratitude. His picture and tribute placed on the front wall, will always remind us of KC’s legacy that will live on for generations to come.
We were happy that KC’s family in Napa, the employees of his company Chaudhary and Associates, his friends in Napa, board members of Friends of Asha USA, and those of Asha India, joined us on Zoom.
Deepest thanks to each one of you who donated to make this Centre a reality.
The students, none of whom have their own laptops, were delighted with this beautiful new facility. This is critical for their success at University and to obtain good jobs.
Rama, our senior nurse practitioner, cut the ribbon, with warriors and our senior most CHV Meena, on either side of her. The students sitting in front of their beautiful laptops in the Centre, shared their experiences and expressed their thanks for this facility. Family and friends of KC also spoke, and we all remembered him with love and gratitude. His picture and tribute placed on the front wall, will always remind us of KC’s legacy that will live on for generations to come.
We were happy that KC’s family in Napa, the employees of his company Chaudhary and Associates, his friends in Napa, board members of Friends of Asha USA, and those of Asha India, joined us on Zoom.
Deepest thanks to each one of you who donated to make this Centre a reality.
Asha partners with Vitamin Angels
Asha partners with a US based organization called Vitamin Angels. They provide us with Vitamin A for our children between 1 and 5 years of age. They came to Asha to do some training and also gave us doses of Vitamin A for those under our care. What a wonderful collaboration!
Asha’s Founder Dr Kiran Martin speaks on Dignity in the Slums of Delhi
Hello folks, I have recorded a video on one of Asha’s most important values, that of Dignity, specially in the context of the poor. Thank you for listening.https://youtu.be/f7LFY_w8y3w
Asha student Amritesh reaches at Queensland
Amritesh has reached Brisbane! Beautiful accommodation at University of Queensland – International. Imagine the huge contrast with his tiny home in the slum.
Asha celebrates Week of Hope
Hello everyone, we are celebrating Week of Hope this week at Asha. There is a lot of discouragement and desperation around specially among those who have lost their jobs and have no source of income to support their families. Dr Kiran has made an inspirational video on Cultivating Hope during the Pandemic. As we are showing her video around, their spirits are being raised and they are receiving the strength to fight their circumstances. Please join us in celebrating a Week of Hope at Asha. We request you to send messages of Hope for our slum residents to our email: info@asha-india.org.
Here is the link to Dr Kiran’s message of Hope in Hindi https://youtu.be/sI8Xk99siyA and in English https://youtu.be/UNQGgEVLHVU
Some of you may be feeling depressed or despondent at this time. Perhaps you can join us in this Week of Hope! Together our spirits will be raised.
Here is the link to Dr Kiran’s message of Hope in Hindi https://youtu.be/sI8Xk99siyA and in English https://youtu.be/UNQGgEVLHVU
Some of you may be feeling depressed or despondent at this time. Perhaps you can join us in this Week of Hope! Together our spirits will be raised.
Asha Student Amritesh from Kusumpur Pahadi Slum Community
This is the wonderful story of Asha slum student Amritesh in his own words. He is on his way to Brisbane to do his Masters at University of Queensland.In Dr Kiran’s words: May we enable all the poor children of the world to reach for the stars. https://youtu.be/m6NioQ1Xdqg
Dr Kiran Martin, Founder of Asha Society, addresses Slum Dwellers on Myths related to COVID vaccines
Hi folks, there are still a few people who are not willing to take the vaccine because of certain myths and superstitions surrounding the vaccine in India. Some of these are:
– men will become impotent or have erectile dysfunction- women will have infertility
– women will have irregular periods- mothers cannot breast feed their babies
– there is pig gelatin in the vaccine
– there is cow’s blood in the vaccine
– I have already got Covid, so don’t need the vaccine
– after taking the vaccine, I don’t need to wear a mask
– I will get Covid if I take the vaccine
There are lots of others. I have addressed their apprehensions and superstitions through a video I have made in Hindi. This video will be shown around in all Asha communities. My hope is that their fears will be allayed because of the trust they have in me and my team. If those who know Hindi would like to spread this information to others, you are more than welcome to do so. https://youtu.be/W2MKA6QnqvY
– men will become impotent or have erectile dysfunction- women will have infertility
– women will have irregular periods- mothers cannot breast feed their babies
– there is pig gelatin in the vaccine
– there is cow’s blood in the vaccine
– I have already got Covid, so don’t need the vaccine
– after taking the vaccine, I don’t need to wear a mask
– I will get Covid if I take the vaccine
There are lots of others. I have addressed their apprehensions and superstitions through a video I have made in Hindi. This video will be shown around in all Asha communities. My hope is that their fears will be allayed because of the trust they have in me and my team. If those who know Hindi would like to spread this information to others, you are more than welcome to do so. https://youtu.be/W2MKA6QnqvY
Dr Kiran Martin, Founder of Asha: Cultivating Hope during the Pandemic
Hello folks, the third wave has brought despair and fatigue in the slum communities. I have made a video on Cultivating Hope during the Pandemic. I have explained how Hope can be cultivated by us all so that we don’t lose heart. Please feel free to share it around!
https://youtu.be/UNQGgEVLHVU
https://youtu.be/UNQGgEVLHVU
Vaccination campaign in the Asha slum communities
In the first week of January, when the Government of India announced its decision to vaccinate the frontline workers and elderly with the precautionary or the booster dose of Covid vaccine as well as vaccinate all children in the 15-18 years age group, Asha intensified its efforts. With the collaboration with the Government’s Immunisation department, Asha is organizing vaccination camps in all slum communities, whether at its resource centers or in parks where Asha does not have a center. Everywhere, the vaccination camps are receiving overwhelming response.
During this drive, Asha also ensured that vaccination is given at home to all slum dwellers like Mallika, a 90-year-old from Kanak Durga Colony, who are bedridden, elderly, and are unable to come to the vaccination place. Another highlight was Asha’s nurses participated in the vaccination campaign in the slum communities after receiving on-the-job training.
With Asha‘s relentless efforts to promote aggressive vaccination through awareness and counseling, vaccine hesitancy has come down in Asha’s slum communities. More than 98% of the eligible population in the age group of 18 years and above across Asha slum communities has been vaccinated with both doses of the covid vaccine.
Asha would like to wholeheartedly thank the Immunisation team of the Government of Delhi- Dr Harsh, Mr Vysakh (New Delhi/ West Zone), Dr Saurabh (South East Zone), Dr Piyush, and Dr Aditya (East Zone) and the Asha team as well the corona warriors for their commitment, support, and cooperation in their efforts towards vaccination of Asha’s slum community in Delhi.
During this drive, Asha also ensured that vaccination is given at home to all slum dwellers like Mallika, a 90-year-old from Kanak Durga Colony, who are bedridden, elderly, and are unable to come to the vaccination place. Another highlight was Asha’s nurses participated in the vaccination campaign in the slum communities after receiving on-the-job training.
With Asha‘s relentless efforts to promote aggressive vaccination through awareness and counseling, vaccine hesitancy has come down in Asha’s slum communities. More than 98% of the eligible population in the age group of 18 years and above across Asha slum communities has been vaccinated with both doses of the covid vaccine.
Asha would like to wholeheartedly thank the Immunisation team of the Government of Delhi- Dr Harsh, Mr Vysakh (New Delhi/ West Zone), Dr Saurabh (South East Zone), Dr Piyush, and Dr Aditya (East Zone) and the Asha team as well the corona warriors for their commitment, support, and cooperation in their efforts towards vaccination of Asha’s slum community in Delhi.
Dr Kiran Martin, Founder and Director of Asha speaks on Non Violence
Dr Kiran, Founder and Director of Asha speaks on Non-Violence. https://youtu.be/LWtWCRWzR1E
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the regular Asha updates. https://www.youtube.com/c/AshaSociety
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the regular Asha updates. https://www.youtube.com/c/AshaSociety
Vaccination to combat Covid-19 in Asha Slum Communities
98-year-old Akhila from Seelampur and many other elderly and differently-abled slum residents would not have received Covid-19 vaccination if there were no vaccination camps across the Asha centres!
Asha has strengthened the Government of India’s Covid-19 vaccination drive and made efforts to vaccinate its entire eligible population of slum dwellers on a war footing since the first day when the vaccination drive was launched in the country. This was done by getting each patient registered on the vaccination portal online, and then accompanying them to the government vaccination Centre.
In December 2021, Asha developed an intensive strategy to work in close coordination with the Government of Delhi’s Immunization Department to organize vaccination camps for its entire slum population, in our various centres.
The Asha team and the warriors went from house to house to look for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. Efforts to remove hesitancy or misconception about the vaccines were made.
On the day of the camp, the long lines were seen outside the Asha centres. The Asha teams ensured all Covid protocols were followed. For the sick and the elderly patients, it was ensured that the vaccination officers went to their homes to vaccinate them. After the vaccination, the corona warriors were positioned at their residences to look out for any adverse reactions.
Asha was able to organise 25 vaccination camps in December 2021 across the Asha slums with more than 5000 eligible slum residents being vaccinated. We are pleased to inform you that more than 90% of the eligible population across the Asha slums has received the first dose.
Asha will not stop here. The focus is now to vaccinate the children aged 15-18 years across the Asha communities as per the Government’s Policy. Asha will also ensure a Booster dose of vaccine for its frontline team as well as the elderly with comorbidities as soon as it is available. Focus will also be on those who have not received their second dose, to ensure that they become fully vaccinated.
Asha has strengthened the Government of India’s Covid-19 vaccination drive and made efforts to vaccinate its entire eligible population of slum dwellers on a war footing since the first day when the vaccination drive was launched in the country. This was done by getting each patient registered on the vaccination portal online, and then accompanying them to the government vaccination Centre.
In December 2021, Asha developed an intensive strategy to work in close coordination with the Government of Delhi’s Immunization Department to organize vaccination camps for its entire slum population, in our various centres.
The Asha team and the warriors went from house to house to look for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. Efforts to remove hesitancy or misconception about the vaccines were made.
On the day of the camp, the long lines were seen outside the Asha centres. The Asha teams ensured all Covid protocols were followed. For the sick and the elderly patients, it was ensured that the vaccination officers went to their homes to vaccinate them. After the vaccination, the corona warriors were positioned at their residences to look out for any adverse reactions.
Asha was able to organise 25 vaccination camps in December 2021 across the Asha slums with more than 5000 eligible slum residents being vaccinated. We are pleased to inform you that more than 90% of the eligible population across the Asha slums has received the first dose.
Asha will not stop here. The focus is now to vaccinate the children aged 15-18 years across the Asha communities as per the Government’s Policy. Asha will also ensure a Booster dose of vaccine for its frontline team as well as the elderly with comorbidities as soon as it is available. Focus will also be on those who have not received their second dose, to ensure that they become fully vaccinated.
Dr Kiran Martin, Asha’s Founder speaks to Asha slum residents on Omicron
Dr Kiran Martin, Asha’s Founder speaks to Asha slum residents on Omicron.
Here is the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/JBEgwM4kPwk
Here is the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/JBEgwM4kPwk
Asha Student Tushar from Mayapuri Slum community reached Sydney
We are extremely delighted to inform you that Asha student Tushar from Mayapuri has finally reached Sydney to pursue Masters in International Relations at the prestigious University of Sydney on 23rd December 2021. He was accorded a warm welcome by the team from the University and after three days of mandatory quarantine and multiple RTPCR tests, he has settled in St. Paul’s College, where his accommodation has been provided by the University. His programme will commence in a few weeks.
Tushar was selected for the Master’s Programme at the University under the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship which will cover his educational and living expenses for the entire duration of his studies.
As a result of the International Travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tushar started pursuing the programme through the online mode from his home in Delhi slum with a laptop and internet connection which he purchased from the scholarship amount and scored 83.5% aggregate in his first semester.
Thank you, Ms Tanya Rhodes Taylor, Mr Tim Field, Mr Nishant Yadav, and the entire Sydney Future Students Team for your help and support to Tushar and for presenting him with this life-changing opportunity.
After completing the Master’s Programme, he wants to pursue a career in International Relations as a think tank in the field of Policy Research. Tushar is also committed to supporting Asha’s endeavour to help other students like him from underprivileged backgrounds to change their life’s destiny through Higher Education.
Tushar was selected for the Master’s Programme at the University under the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship which will cover his educational and living expenses for the entire duration of his studies.
As a result of the International Travel restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tushar started pursuing the programme through the online mode from his home in Delhi slum with a laptop and internet connection which he purchased from the scholarship amount and scored 83.5% aggregate in his first semester.
Thank you, Ms Tanya Rhodes Taylor, Mr Tim Field, Mr Nishant Yadav, and the entire Sydney Future Students Team for your help and support to Tushar and for presenting him with this life-changing opportunity.
After completing the Master’s Programme, he wants to pursue a career in International Relations as a think tank in the field of Policy Research. Tushar is also committed to supporting Asha’s endeavour to help other students like him from underprivileged backgrounds to change their life’s destiny through Higher Education.
The members of the Immigration Department of the Australian High Commission donates gifts to Asha Community
The members of the Immigration Department of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi collected and donated gifts like blankets, toys, books, stationery, and other items of utility to spread cheer and joy to the residents of the Asha community. The children, the young adults, and the elderly were thrilled to receive these gifts and were grateful for thinking about them, bringing happiness and smiles to their faces. Asha would like to extend gratitude to our long-standing supporter, Australia in India
Suman– Fighting severe Malnutrition on road to good health
My name is Suman. I am 14 years old, and I live in a tiny shanty in the Zakhira slum, near the railway track. My father works as a long-distance truck driver, and he gets work only on some days. He stays away from home for many months, and sadly, he does not send us any money when he is away.
When Covid struck and the lockdown was declared on March 24, 2020, all his work came to a standstill. Our family entered the worst financial crisis of our lives. We had nothing to eat.
One day I began to feel dizzy and held on to my mother’s saree to stop myself from falling. Asha’s CHV Anandi took me to the Asha clinic immediately. Asha’s nurse Shiny Ma’am did my health check-up. She told me I was severely malnourished, and my weight was only 25kg. She started me on treatment immediately. I began taking all my medicines. She gave me eggs, green vegetables, milk, butter, and fruits. I could not believe my eyes when I saw all this food.
I was immediately registered for Asha’s supplementary nutrition program. I go to the Asha Centre every day and enjoy the delicious Asha Laddoo and Sattu.
Today my weight is 37kg. I feel so much better. I have a lot more energy, and I sleep well at night. I can concentrate on my studies much better.
When Covid struck and the lockdown was declared on March 24, 2020, all his work came to a standstill. Our family entered the worst financial crisis of our lives. We had nothing to eat.
One day I began to feel dizzy and held on to my mother’s saree to stop myself from falling. Asha’s CHV Anandi took me to the Asha clinic immediately. Asha’s nurse Shiny Ma’am did my health check-up. She told me I was severely malnourished, and my weight was only 25kg. She started me on treatment immediately. I began taking all my medicines. She gave me eggs, green vegetables, milk, butter, and fruits. I could not believe my eyes when I saw all this food.
I was immediately registered for Asha’s supplementary nutrition program. I go to the Asha Centre every day and enjoy the delicious Asha Laddoo and Sattu.
Today my weight is 37kg. I feel so much better. I have a lot more energy, and I sleep well at night. I can concentrate on my studies much better.
Asha COVID-19 Emergency Response: Omicron rages though the slums
Hi folks, Omicron is rising rapidly in Delhi. Full PPE has been instituted for team members, high-quality N95 masks are being distributed, strict Covid protocols in the Asha centres, vaccination for 15 years and above has begun, vaccination camps are being planned. Patients with symptoms will be isolated and treated at home. Testing will be done wherever possible. Corona Warriors are visiting every home in the Asha communities. Everyone is working extremely hard and we are ready for the worst, but hoping for the best.
Vitamin D3 injection campaign continues at Asha Slum Communities
Our Vitamin D3 injection campaign continues. Most have received it, and those who are left are coming these days.
The administration of Vit D3 in 2021 is bound to reduce positivity and severity of Covid 19 in 2022.
Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone rather than a vitamin. It is an immune modulator and potentially protects against COVID-19 or decrease the severity of illness.
Vitamin D stimulates both innate and adaptive immune function receptors in the respiratory tract. It decreases viral replication and reduces the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing lung tissue damage.
The optimal vitamin D status downregulates cytokine storm. Higher vitamin D levels correlate with lower IL-6 levels.
The renin–angiotensin system related inflammatory reaction in COVID-is also downregulated by vitamin D.
Low vitamin D levels < 30 ng/ml in COVID-19 patients are associated with the severity of diseases and mortality.
The administration of Vit D3 in 2021 is bound to reduce positivity and severity of Covid 19 in 2022.
Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone rather than a vitamin. It is an immune modulator and potentially protects against COVID-19 or decrease the severity of illness.
Vitamin D stimulates both innate and adaptive immune function receptors in the respiratory tract. It decreases viral replication and reduces the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing lung tissue damage.
The optimal vitamin D status downregulates cytokine storm. Higher vitamin D levels correlate with lower IL-6 levels.
The renin–angiotensin system related inflammatory reaction in COVID-is also downregulated by vitamin D.
Low vitamin D levels < 30 ng/ml in COVID-19 patients are associated with the severity of diseases and mortality.
Thank you to Friends of Asha
Hello folks, yesterday we had a Christmas get together with the Polyclinic and Finance/Admin Teams at my home. What a joyful occasion it was. Everyone got a gift for one other person, and affirmed the person before giving it to them. They often work behind the scenes, but are wonderfully dedicated. Most have been a part of the team for 10 to 30 years!
Our drivers, electrician, housekeeping team, doctors, nurses, XRay and Lab Technicians, Finance and Admin team members, we were all blessed in each others’ presence. Our Covid interventions could never have happened without them.
Our drivers, electrician, housekeeping team, doctors, nurses, XRay and Lab Technicians, Finance and Admin team members, we were all blessed in each others’ presence. Our Covid interventions could never have happened without them.
Dear and Wonderful Friends of Asha, Please find below a link to an outpouring of gratitude from Asha communities all over Delhi towards you, as the year comes to a close. You remembered and helped them from afar during the worst crisis of their lives. https://youtu.be/gs1tW0R6VN0
Wishing you all God’s blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Wishing you all God’s blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Dr Kiran visits Asha’s Chanderpuri Slum Community
Hi everyone, my visit to Chanderpuri slum was a day of mixed feelings, sadness at the terrible plight of malnourished girls, and joy that they felt valued and were given the best of care by the Asha team. I did a health assessment of each of the young girls, and found a variety of health issues that I put them on treatment for.
They have all been coming for their daily food supplements. Some had TB, others had severe Iron Deficiency Anemia, Worms, and so on. Most came from families suffering from extreme poverty due to complicated sets of circumstances. They had a wonderful meal together arranged by Asha, following which I gave them gifts of clothes and shoes. It is only because of your generosity that I am able to help them all. I am so very grateful.
How happy they were to receive clothes and shoes
They have all been coming for their daily food supplements. Some had TB, others had severe Iron Deficiency Anemia, Worms, and so on. Most came from families suffering from extreme poverty due to complicated sets of circumstances. They had a wonderful meal together arranged by Asha, following which I gave them gifts of clothes and shoes. It is only because of your generosity that I am able to help them all. I am so very grateful.
How happy they were to receive clothes and shoes
Dr Kiran and her mentees met the Minister Councillor for Education at the Australian High Commission
Here’s some more great news. My mentees and I met with the Minister Councillor for Education at the Australian High Commission along with his entire team. His name is Mathew Johnston. He was absolutely delighted to hear that Tushar and Amritesh are at University of Sydney and UQ respectively. He said it was not going to be long before Amritesh would be able to fly to Brisbane. The young people shared their stories too and he said to them that he too was the first in his family who went to university. He encouraged Mohini as she shared her aspirations to go to Australia in 2022. The internship program in collaboration with Asha will soon begin as well. You might remember that the Australian High Commissioner HE Barry O’Farrell came to Asha in early 2021 to inaugurate Asha’s first High Speed Internet Centre in Mayapuri Slum Community. This Centre was resourced by Australian Friends of Asha. Our partnership with the Australian High Commission is over 25 years old and has resulted in amazing benefits to our students in the slums. It was wonderful to meet them after nearly 18 months.
Affirmation practice by the Asha team
Affirmation is quite closely linked to the value of gratitude. According to the Oxford dictionary, ‘to affirm’ means: to state or assert positively, to maintain as true. It also stands for giving a person a heightened sense of value through the experience of something emotionally or spiritually uplifting.
It is a standard practice at all Asha meetings to affirm and appreciate one another in a safe and loving environment. Everyone present is affirmed, demonstrating the love, appreciation, and respect all team members have for each other. However, our declaration of something in a person that is true requires a genuine knowing of the other. This happens when we take time to build relationships with one another, pay attention to each other’s strengths, recognize and appreciate the gifts of others, and genuinely express that recognition to one another. We can then speak the truth with conviction and knowledge, to what we know about the other. Our affirmation can be authentic, and completely devoid of flattery and manipulation.
Everyday, I see the amazing effects of affirmations on my team as well as on hundreds of slum college students, children, and others in the communities. I have seen these affirmations bring to life their capabilities, strengths, talents, and skills. Their effects penetrate so deeply that the person’s entire attitude, behavior, and actions are affected. They change the way people experience events, and they completely alter the emotional climate of relationships. The word ‘encourage’ means ‘to inspire courage’. Words of encouragement and affirmation lead to courage, and a sense of security. This brings about a vibrant expression of latent potential within us, and causes us to flourish in all the dimensions of our lives. There is no room for judgmental or guilt inducing, condemning or critical words that lead to a feeling of rejection.
There is no room for loudness or harshness. The tone and manner in which we speak is exceedingly important.
People are deeply influenced by those who affirm them, and listen to them. Being affirmed does wonders for the other person’s sense of hearing. In addition, behaviours that are rewarded and celebrated, are more likely to be repeated. Affirmation in the presence of others is also key. This means that we are giving public honour and respect for a person’s gifts, abilities, and qualities.
It is important that we affirm people on a consistent basis. Studies have found that consistent affirmation results in the muscles becoming stronger, and more active. On the other hand, the muscles tend to become weak and we feel a sense of fatigue in a negative environment.
Let us embrace affirmation as a value to be practiced everyday, and let us remember that our affirmations can have a profound impact on the lives of others. They way others experience life’s events, and relationships around them, can change forever.
It is a standard practice at all Asha meetings to affirm and appreciate one another in a safe and loving environment. Everyone present is affirmed, demonstrating the love, appreciation, and respect all team members have for each other. However, our declaration of something in a person that is true requires a genuine knowing of the other. This happens when we take time to build relationships with one another, pay attention to each other’s strengths, recognize and appreciate the gifts of others, and genuinely express that recognition to one another. We can then speak the truth with conviction and knowledge, to what we know about the other. Our affirmation can be authentic, and completely devoid of flattery and manipulation.
Everyday, I see the amazing effects of affirmations on my team as well as on hundreds of slum college students, children, and others in the communities. I have seen these affirmations bring to life their capabilities, strengths, talents, and skills. Their effects penetrate so deeply that the person’s entire attitude, behavior, and actions are affected. They change the way people experience events, and they completely alter the emotional climate of relationships. The word ‘encourage’ means ‘to inspire courage’. Words of encouragement and affirmation lead to courage, and a sense of security. This brings about a vibrant expression of latent potential within us, and causes us to flourish in all the dimensions of our lives. There is no room for judgmental or guilt inducing, condemning or critical words that lead to a feeling of rejection.
There is no room for loudness or harshness. The tone and manner in which we speak is exceedingly important.
People are deeply influenced by those who affirm them, and listen to them. Being affirmed does wonders for the other person’s sense of hearing. In addition, behaviours that are rewarded and celebrated, are more likely to be repeated. Affirmation in the presence of others is also key. This means that we are giving public honour and respect for a person’s gifts, abilities, and qualities.
It is important that we affirm people on a consistent basis. Studies have found that consistent affirmation results in the muscles becoming stronger, and more active. On the other hand, the muscles tend to become weak and we feel a sense of fatigue in a negative environment.
Let us embrace affirmation as a value to be practiced everyday, and let us remember that our affirmations can have a profound impact on the lives of others. They way others experience life’s events, and relationships around them, can change forever.
Dr Kiran visits Mayapuri slum community
I had a wonderful day at the Mayapuri clinic today. I met with many malnourished girls and found that our Nurse Practitioner Shiny is taking excellent care of them. She has been regularly giving them, Iron and Folic Acid, Vitamin and Mineral supplements, D3, and she had also dewormed them all. They come regularly for their protein and calorie supplements. The ones who have been on the program for a while, have gained weight, and the ones newly enrolled have a long way to go. The ones who are recovering said that it was the first time in months that they felt strong, alert and energetic. They come to the IT center regularly and do their school work. They were filled with gratitude, and when I shared about your generosity with them, they asked me to thank you from their hearts.
Most of the sick patients come to Asha in large numbers, and I observed they are all being taken very good care of and being given free treatment.
The warriors expressed gratitude for being a part of the Asha family that they all love so much. They brought out a Gratitude Cake, asked me to cut it, and each one expressed their gratitude for so many ways in which their lives were being changed. The atmosphere was filled with love, hope, joy, ambition, and much more.
Most of the sick patients come to Asha in large numbers, and I observed they are all being taken very good care of and being given free treatment.
The warriors expressed gratitude for being a part of the Asha family that they all love so much. They brought out a Gratitude Cake, asked me to cut it, and each one expressed their gratitude for so many ways in which their lives were being changed. The atmosphere was filled with love, hope, joy, ambition, and much more.
Motivating the slum students for University admission- Changing Life’s destiny
Sitting in the slum lanes on the ground and motivating school leaving students to work hard for university admissions. There are many Asha communities where there is no building. What a wonderful commitment!!
Asha’s support to the neediest during their worst financial distress
As I saw the pictures of Asha grocery bags being delivered to some of the neediest persons in their homes, I felt grateful that Asha has the ability to help when they are experiencing so much financial distress. I could also feel the emotional pain and suffering of those who are capable of earning but have no work. People want to work and experience the dignity of work. They would never accept a grocery bag if they had a choice. The elderly who are abandoned and infirm, will probably never have a choice.
Compassion in Healthcare and it’s Impact
Hello everyone, in this video I have spoken about the great importance of Compassion in Health Care and it’s wonderful outcomes in patients. There is a Compassion crisis in Healthcare systems worldwide. I have addressed the scientific basis of compassion and how it helps in health and healing.
Here is a link to my video: https://youtu.be/EEUTvh-8xFc
Here is a link to my video: https://youtu.be/EEUTvh-8xFc
Dr Bhavdeep Gupta visits Asha
Hello everyone, we received our first visitor to Asha on 14th March after 2 years! Dr Bhavdeep Gupta is my friend from medical school days and now lives in the US. There was much joy as the Seelampur Team welcomed him with warmth, and shared their stories with him. We are hoping that you will begin to make your way to Delhi soon and visit us. We look forward very much to receiving you.
Asha warriors and students expresses gratitude to the principal of the local public school
The warriors and students of another Asha community decided to visit the principal of the local public school for the primary purpose of expressing gratitude to her for her cooperation and goodwill. The security guard just wouldn’t allow them to enter. They persevered, communicated well, used non violence, and finally he agreed to give the business card of Shiv to the Principal. She gladly invited the group to her office. She was surprised to learn that so many students were studying at Delhi University. Students who study at govt run public schools generally do not ever go to University. She was furthermore taken aback when the Asha team had a Gratitude expression session with her. The atmosphere was filled with joy and a stronger desire to collaborate and help the poor students living in our slums!
Archana successfully combats multiple health problems through Asha’s effective interventions
This is the story of 19 year old Archana who has lived in great poverty in Mayapuri slum by the railway track. Archana’s family consists of 8 members; her parents and her younger siblings. Her father is the only earning member, working as a labourer in a scrap factory in the vicinity.
From what I understand, Archana was living in the village with her relatives, and was already suffering from Bronchial Asthma that was out of control.
When the pandemic struck, her father immediately lost his job. Asha reached the doorstep of the family and provided them with groceries, funds, medicines and other essentials. Had it not been for Asha, the family would have been driven to starvation.
After a few months, Archana’s parents decided to get her home to Delhi from their village.
When she arrived, the Asha Community Health Volunteer Sumitra met her and was shocked to find her severely malnourished as well as suffering from Bronchial Asthma.
She immediately took her to the Asha clinic where the health team did her health assessment. Her weight was just 25kg, her Body Mass Index was 13. She was severely malnourished, had anemia, and Bronchial Asthma.
She was immediately put on treatment for all these conditions, and was started on the Asha Laddoo as well as the Asha Sattu.
Gradually her Bronchial Asthma came under control, and she began to gain weight. Her hemoglobin went up from 6 to 9. All her micronutrient deficiencies were corrected. She became more alert, more energetic, and more positive.
Today she weighs 38kg and her BMI has gone up to 19.
“ I thought I would never get well. I had lost all hope. The Asha family saved me. The warriors are like my brothers and sisters. I receive love and comfort from the Asha family. Thank you for all that you are doing to save my life and bring me back on the road to recovery”, says Archana.
There are hundreds of young girls like Archana. I would have to write many books to tell all their stories. But with your wonderful support and your care for the poor, they are coming out of malnutrition and starvation. What a beautiful work you are all doing. Please continue to think of these young girls as the holiday season approaches and we are all getting ready to celebrate. Let’s make sure they have plenty to eat and nice clothes to wear. May we celebrate our holidays together with the poor and spread love and light in the holiday spirit!
From what I understand, Archana was living in the village with her relatives, and was already suffering from Bronchial Asthma that was out of control.
When the pandemic struck, her father immediately lost his job. Asha reached the doorstep of the family and provided them with groceries, funds, medicines and other essentials. Had it not been for Asha, the family would have been driven to starvation.
After a few months, Archana’s parents decided to get her home to Delhi from their village.
When she arrived, the Asha Community Health Volunteer Sumitra met her and was shocked to find her severely malnourished as well as suffering from Bronchial Asthma.
She immediately took her to the Asha clinic where the health team did her health assessment. Her weight was just 25kg, her Body Mass Index was 13. She was severely malnourished, had anemia, and Bronchial Asthma.
She was immediately put on treatment for all these conditions, and was started on the Asha Laddoo as well as the Asha Sattu.
Gradually her Bronchial Asthma came under control, and she began to gain weight. Her hemoglobin went up from 6 to 9. All her micronutrient deficiencies were corrected. She became more alert, more energetic, and more positive.
Today she weighs 38kg and her BMI has gone up to 19.
“ I thought I would never get well. I had lost all hope. The Asha family saved me. The warriors are like my brothers and sisters. I receive love and comfort from the Asha family. Thank you for all that you are doing to save my life and bring me back on the road to recovery”, says Archana.
There are hundreds of young girls like Archana. I would have to write many books to tell all their stories. But with your wonderful support and your care for the poor, they are coming out of malnutrition and starvation. What a beautiful work you are all doing. Please continue to think of these young girls as the holiday season approaches and we are all getting ready to celebrate. Let’s make sure they have plenty to eat and nice clothes to wear. May we celebrate our holidays together with the poor and spread love and light in the holiday spirit!
Dengue claims the life of promising Asha student- Yuvraj, strengthening our resolve to fight the disease
Hi folks, there has been a new development in the past few weeks: the rise in patients who are getting Dengue Fever. This can be life threatening and there have already been about 45000 deaths from Dengue Fever in India in the past few months. These are the official figures; the actual ones are likely to be much higher.
This Fever as you may know is Viral in nature and is spread through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that bites during the day.
The symptoms are similar to that of a regular viral fever, but Dengue can turn serious if Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever develops, with rashes, bleeding, and a severely low platelet count, less than 30,000, in which case immediate hospital admission is required.
The warriors are doing Fever screening from home to home, explaining the reasons for spread, getting civic officials to undertake anti larval spraying measures in the open drains, making sure there is no stagnant water around, and encouraging the use of mosquito repellent creams.
Complete Blood Counts are done for all suspected patients, and further investigations for NS1 Dengue Virus Antigen Test are carried out.
One of our dedicated warriors Yuvraj from Ekta Vihar, suddenly died of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever a few days back. It was so tragic; he was just 22 years old, and had been working hard to fight Covid in his community as well as get 12th grade school leavers admitted to university. All of us at Asha were shocked. The entire team went to visit his family. No one knew he was ill, it all happened very quickly. We are all so very sad.
We have been making even more serious efforts to fight the disease after the passing away of Yuvraj.
This Fever as you may know is Viral in nature and is spread through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that bites during the day.
The symptoms are similar to that of a regular viral fever, but Dengue can turn serious if Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever develops, with rashes, bleeding, and a severely low platelet count, less than 30,000, in which case immediate hospital admission is required.
The warriors are doing Fever screening from home to home, explaining the reasons for spread, getting civic officials to undertake anti larval spraying measures in the open drains, making sure there is no stagnant water around, and encouraging the use of mosquito repellent creams.
Complete Blood Counts are done for all suspected patients, and further investigations for NS1 Dengue Virus Antigen Test are carried out.
One of our dedicated warriors Yuvraj from Ekta Vihar, suddenly died of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever a few days back. It was so tragic; he was just 22 years old, and had been working hard to fight Covid in his community as well as get 12th grade school leavers admitted to university. All of us at Asha were shocked. The entire team went to visit his family. No one knew he was ill, it all happened very quickly. We are all so very sad.
We have been making even more serious efforts to fight the disease after the passing away of Yuvraj.
Vidya-Realising her dream to become a Nurse and serve her community
Hello folks, this is the beautiful story of Vidya from Kusumpur Pahadi slum. Her father tragically died about ten years ago and immediately after, the family went into deep financial distress. Vidya was young, and a bright student at school. However, her mother began to work as a small time helper to earn some money. This meant that Vidya had to take over all the household work when she was barely 8 years old. Then another tragedy struck. Her brother developed a mental illness and was severely incapacitated. Young Vidya found herself looking after her brother, her other siblings, and doing all the household work including cooking for the family. Her studies took a back seat. She was sad about this. She loved to learn, but hardly had any time. She wanted to become a nurse. This was her dream. She saw the nurses at the hospital serving her ailing father and wanted to serve the sick and the needy too. But she said to herself that it was impossible. She couldn’t study and her family had no money. She was reconciled to a life of poverty and poor education.
One day an Asha Ambassador came across her and they began to talk. Vidya shared her story with her. She brought Vidya to the Asha center. Vidya was overwhelmed by the IT Lab with high speed internet, the books, the resources to prepare for the school leaving exam, the mentoring and coaching provided by the Asha senior students, and the atmosphere of kindness and support.
When the pandemic struck, Vidya’s schooling went online. She of course had no smart phone, so she would come regularly to Asha to study.
The Asha family encouraged Vidya not to give up her dream to become a nurse. She could do it with their help, they said!
Vidya began to study really hard. She did really well in her school leaving exam, and with Asha’s support, got into the School of Nursing and Institute of Public Health and Hygiene! What an exciting day it was for her, for her family, and for all of us! It’s an expensive program, and Asha paid her tuition as well as other expenses.
Way to go Vidya! Don’t worry, we are with you and will be there for you always.
One day an Asha Ambassador came across her and they began to talk. Vidya shared her story with her. She brought Vidya to the Asha center. Vidya was overwhelmed by the IT Lab with high speed internet, the books, the resources to prepare for the school leaving exam, the mentoring and coaching provided by the Asha senior students, and the atmosphere of kindness and support.
When the pandemic struck, Vidya’s schooling went online. She of course had no smart phone, so she would come regularly to Asha to study.
The Asha family encouraged Vidya not to give up her dream to become a nurse. She could do it with their help, they said!
Vidya began to study really hard. She did really well in her school leaving exam, and with Asha’s support, got into the School of Nursing and Institute of Public Health and Hygiene! What an exciting day it was for her, for her family, and for all of us! It’s an expensive program, and Asha paid her tuition as well as other expenses.
Way to go Vidya! Don’t worry, we are with you and will be there for you always.
The Sacramento Chapter of friends of Asha welcomes Dr. Kiran and Mr. Martin
Hi everyone, we had a wonderful evening yesterday at the home of Drs Praveen and Nalini Prasad in Sacramento. The Sacramento Chapter of FOA was founded by Nalini (Dermatologist) with the support of her husband Praveen (Neurosurgeon). They have been welcoming me with open hearts and hands for the past many years, and have spread the message of Asha’s vision and work far and wide in the area. Their good friend Manmohan Passi has also taken a great deal of initiative in organizing virtual events on Zoom all through the pandemic. Long term Friends of Asha in Sacramento took the time to come to the Prasads’ home for dinner and hear all about Asha’s Covid related efforts. It was such a joy to meet them all. I felt uplifted, my spirits raised.
Dr Kiran meets friends of Asha in Napa Valley, California
Today’s post is to appreciate and thank friends of Asha in Napa Valley, California. I met the core group in Napa over dinner, after two long years. The founder of friends of Asha Napa KC Chaudhary passed away recently. His daughter Rita and her husband Jim were there and it was such a joy to meet them. Lana and David Stanley, Jim and Sandy Jones, John and Sally Zikmund, and Jeet Bhangoo the owner of Aroma Cuisine were present and gave Freddy and me a warm welcome. It was wonderful to meet Rohit and Mridula Patel and spend the night at their home..
We decided to open a high-speed internet Centre at an Asha community in memory of Kailash Chaudhary who served and supported Asha through his Annual fundraiser in Napa for over 21 years.
Thank you Napa for your love and your friendship. I shall cherish it always and look forward to seeing you again in 2022!
We decided to open a high-speed internet Centre at an Asha community in memory of Kailash Chaudhary who served and supported Asha through his Annual fundraiser in Napa for over 21 years.
Thank you Napa for your love and your friendship. I shall cherish it always and look forward to seeing you again in 2022!
Tushar’s journey from Delhi slum to Sydney scholar
Here is Tushar’s journey from Delhi slum to Sydney scholar covered by BBC World News.
Click to see the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gAAgbLHqFU
Click to see the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gAAgbLHqFU
Girl from Delhi slum carving her way to success
This is the story of a beautiful girl called Nandana in her own words:
My name is Nandana. I am 18 years old. We are a family of 7. My parents moved with the 5 of us from Punjab to Delhi in desperate search for work. The big city overwhelmed us. With great difficulty, we could manage to build a one room shanty with pieces of plastic and sticks right beside the railway tracks in Mayapuri.
The constant noise, the rattling sound of the trains all day and all night meant that I just couldn’t sleep. I was bothered by the dirt all around me, and the smell would make me sick. When it rained, all the waste from the overflowing drains along with garbage would flood our shanty. We kept falling sick all the time because of the terrible hygiene.
My father was a day labourer, and barely earned 120 USD a month. We had two meals a day, mostly food that badly lacked in nutrients. We used a wood fire to cook as we had no money for cooking gas.
Life became a nightmare when my father began to drink regularly. He would spend all his money on alcohol. He then became violent and abusive, and I was always scared because I never knew what he would do next. I spent many nights crying out of sheer desperation with no solution in sight. I was deeply traumatized.
My brother opened up a small makeshift grocery shop to somehow help us financially.
My father went into liver failure and died last year. What a sad end he had because of poverty.
My sister Vandana had already been coming to Asha for many years. She was the first person in my family to go to university. I was so inspired by her. She encouraged me to come to Asha, and on her advice, I got associated with Asha.
That became the turning point in my life. Asha Ambassador Tushar spent many days and hours tutoring and mentoring me. As a result, I scored 91% in my school leaving exam. I was so happy. I never imagined I was capable of such a result.
I will be now studying Psychology and Philosophy at the famous Laxmibai College of Delhi University. When I saw my campus, I felt like I was walking in a dream. I felt wonderful. The Asha family helped me with every step of the admissions process. Without their help, I would never have been able to understand this complicated system. They paid for all my college expenses. I could never have gone to college without a financial scholarship from Asha.
I enjoy my work as an Asha Corona Warrior. My sister Vandana and I worked hard, going from home to home, identifying Covid patients and referring them to the Asha team at our health center. I have taken many people from my community for vaccinations. My service to my community gives me great satisfaction.
I want to thank Friends of Asha all over the world for doing so much to support me and many other young girls like me, to get a university education. I will never ever forget your kindness. Thank you once again on behalf of all the Asha students who are gettting into university this year. We are eagerly waiting for our classes to begin.
My name is Nandana. I am 18 years old. We are a family of 7. My parents moved with the 5 of us from Punjab to Delhi in desperate search for work. The big city overwhelmed us. With great difficulty, we could manage to build a one room shanty with pieces of plastic and sticks right beside the railway tracks in Mayapuri.
The constant noise, the rattling sound of the trains all day and all night meant that I just couldn’t sleep. I was bothered by the dirt all around me, and the smell would make me sick. When it rained, all the waste from the overflowing drains along with garbage would flood our shanty. We kept falling sick all the time because of the terrible hygiene.
My father was a day labourer, and barely earned 120 USD a month. We had two meals a day, mostly food that badly lacked in nutrients. We used a wood fire to cook as we had no money for cooking gas.
Life became a nightmare when my father began to drink regularly. He would spend all his money on alcohol. He then became violent and abusive, and I was always scared because I never knew what he would do next. I spent many nights crying out of sheer desperation with no solution in sight. I was deeply traumatized.
My brother opened up a small makeshift grocery shop to somehow help us financially.
My father went into liver failure and died last year. What a sad end he had because of poverty.
My sister Vandana had already been coming to Asha for many years. She was the first person in my family to go to university. I was so inspired by her. She encouraged me to come to Asha, and on her advice, I got associated with Asha.
That became the turning point in my life. Asha Ambassador Tushar spent many days and hours tutoring and mentoring me. As a result, I scored 91% in my school leaving exam. I was so happy. I never imagined I was capable of such a result.
I will be now studying Psychology and Philosophy at the famous Laxmibai College of Delhi University. When I saw my campus, I felt like I was walking in a dream. I felt wonderful. The Asha family helped me with every step of the admissions process. Without their help, I would never have been able to understand this complicated system. They paid for all my college expenses. I could never have gone to college without a financial scholarship from Asha.
I enjoy my work as an Asha Corona Warrior. My sister Vandana and I worked hard, going from home to home, identifying Covid patients and referring them to the Asha team at our health center. I have taken many people from my community for vaccinations. My service to my community gives me great satisfaction.
I want to thank Friends of Asha all over the world for doing so much to support me and many other young girls like me, to get a university education. I will never ever forget your kindness. Thank you once again on behalf of all the Asha students who are gettting into university this year. We are eagerly waiting for our classes to begin.
Kavita- Determined fight to enter the hallowed portals of the university
Hi folks, here’s another story with a tragic start and a beautiful ending.
Kavita lives in Safeda Basti, a slum that is one of the worst I’ve seen. It’s about 4km away from Chanderpuri. The Asha team from Chanderpuri go there on a regular basis, and the students from Safeda come to the Asha center walking 4km.
Kavita is one of 7 siblings. Her father brought the family to Delhi 20 years back in search of a better life. Living in Safeda Basti was not what they ever imagined would happen. The poor living conditions and the absence of work made life miserable. Finally Kavita’s father began to sell vegetables on a cart by the side of the road in the local area. He barely earned 80-90 US dollars a month.
Kavita loved to study and somehow managed to do well in primary and secondary school. I was amazed to hear that she did so well in spite of being in a poor quality public school and living in a one room shanty.
Suddenly Kavita’s father suffered from a stroke and the left half of his body was paralyzed. The family took loans for his treatment and they had to arrange funds for huge medical expenses. Then Kavita’s mother fell sick and could not go to find work. In such a situation, Kavita gave up all hope of studying further and began to give private tuitions to young children from the slum, in her home. She began to earn a small amount of money. She and her family went through the worst of times. With both parents unable to work, Kavita was supporting the family financially, doing all the household work, and taking her ailing father to the hospital.
When the country went into lockdown because of the pandemic, Kavita felt she was waging a losing battle. She decided to abandon her education and her dreams forever.
The Asha team arrived with Groceries at her doorstep just after the lockdown. Kavita began to have conversations with the Asha team members, confiding all her troubles and worries in them. The team and Warriors brought her to the Asha Centre. They were determined to encourage her and help her through her troubles. They introduced her to the world of smart laptops with high speed internet, they coached her with enthusiasm and diligence, and gave her access to the well resourced library and quiet study spaces.
Slowly the long lost smile came back on Kavita’s face. She became immersed in the world of hope, positivity and promise. She began to love coming to the Asha Centre. She didn’t care about the 4km walk in the scorching heat, so keen was she to come everyday.
With her wonderful efforts and the compassionate support of the Asha family, she scored 81% in the National School Leaving exam. She was thrilled as was the Asha family. Kavita’s parents were reluctant to send her to university because of their financial distress and the loss of income from Kavita.
Asha took a long time to convince them, helped Kavita to navigate the university admissions process, and she now has a place to study for a BA at Maitreyi College of Delhi University! Asha has promised to take care of her financially, emotionally and in all other ways necessary, including supporting her family through the pandemic.
Kavita’s dreams have been resurrected, her spirits are raised, and there is Hope, Asha, once again in her life.
Kavita lives in Safeda Basti, a slum that is one of the worst I’ve seen. It’s about 4km away from Chanderpuri. The Asha team from Chanderpuri go there on a regular basis, and the students from Safeda come to the Asha center walking 4km.
Kavita is one of 7 siblings. Her father brought the family to Delhi 20 years back in search of a better life. Living in Safeda Basti was not what they ever imagined would happen. The poor living conditions and the absence of work made life miserable. Finally Kavita’s father began to sell vegetables on a cart by the side of the road in the local area. He barely earned 80-90 US dollars a month.
Kavita loved to study and somehow managed to do well in primary and secondary school. I was amazed to hear that she did so well in spite of being in a poor quality public school and living in a one room shanty.
Suddenly Kavita’s father suffered from a stroke and the left half of his body was paralyzed. The family took loans for his treatment and they had to arrange funds for huge medical expenses. Then Kavita’s mother fell sick and could not go to find work. In such a situation, Kavita gave up all hope of studying further and began to give private tuitions to young children from the slum, in her home. She began to earn a small amount of money. She and her family went through the worst of times. With both parents unable to work, Kavita was supporting the family financially, doing all the household work, and taking her ailing father to the hospital.
When the country went into lockdown because of the pandemic, Kavita felt she was waging a losing battle. She decided to abandon her education and her dreams forever.
The Asha team arrived with Groceries at her doorstep just after the lockdown. Kavita began to have conversations with the Asha team members, confiding all her troubles and worries in them. The team and Warriors brought her to the Asha Centre. They were determined to encourage her and help her through her troubles. They introduced her to the world of smart laptops with high speed internet, they coached her with enthusiasm and diligence, and gave her access to the well resourced library and quiet study spaces.
Slowly the long lost smile came back on Kavita’s face. She became immersed in the world of hope, positivity and promise. She began to love coming to the Asha Centre. She didn’t care about the 4km walk in the scorching heat, so keen was she to come everyday.
With her wonderful efforts and the compassionate support of the Asha family, she scored 81% in the National School Leaving exam. She was thrilled as was the Asha family. Kavita’s parents were reluctant to send her to university because of their financial distress and the loss of income from Kavita.
Asha took a long time to convince them, helped Kavita to navigate the university admissions process, and she now has a place to study for a BA at Maitreyi College of Delhi University! Asha has promised to take care of her financially, emotionally and in all other ways necessary, including supporting her family through the pandemic.
Kavita’s dreams have been resurrected, her spirits are raised, and there is Hope, Asha, once again in her life.
Anshika’s Resilience to conquer the odds in pursuit of Higher Education.
Hello folks, this is the story of Asha student Anshika who lives in Kusumpur Pahadi slum. Her father is an alcoholic and does not work. Her mother works as a housemaid in people’s homes and earns about 120 dollars a month. Her brother was working on and off doing odd jobs at a nearby mall. Anshika has had a hard life in Kusumpur where the terrain is rough, the shanties are poorly built, and the residents are dependent on water tankers for water supply.
When the pandemic struck and there was a nationwide lockdown, both Anshika’s mother and brother immediately lost their jobs. The family went into terrible destitution. Over all that, Anshika’s father went into severe health problems related to his alcoholism.
Anshika completed her secondary schooling and almost gave up on studies. She was confused, she didn’t know what to do with her life.
That was the time when the Asha Warriors and Ambassadors found her. They understood her circumstances, and were determined to help her out. They invited her to the Asha study Centre. They helped her with access to study material, coaching, quiet study spaces, and general mentoring and guidance. The warm and friendly environment fostered by the Asha team and Warriors slowly began to change her perspective on life. She felt transported into a new world- a world filled with optimism, hope and enthusiasm. The team stood behind her as she went on to take the school leaving examination. And what a wonderful performance from Anshika! She scored a brilliant 92.5%. Through Asha’s support, she has now found a place to study an Honors in Political Science at Bharti College, Delhi University. We have paid every single college related expense including the college tuition, without which her educational journey would have come to an end. How sorrowful that would have been. But now Anshika is excited to begin her university education. She could hardly believe it when she saw her college. We are determined to stand with her all through her university years, making sure she continues to be assisted financially, mentored and supported. Way to go Anshika! We are all behind you, never to leave you. You deserve to flourish and attain your highest potential just like anyone else.
When the pandemic struck and there was a nationwide lockdown, both Anshika’s mother and brother immediately lost their jobs. The family went into terrible destitution. Over all that, Anshika’s father went into severe health problems related to his alcoholism.
Anshika completed her secondary schooling and almost gave up on studies. She was confused, she didn’t know what to do with her life.
That was the time when the Asha Warriors and Ambassadors found her. They understood her circumstances, and were determined to help her out. They invited her to the Asha study Centre. They helped her with access to study material, coaching, quiet study spaces, and general mentoring and guidance. The warm and friendly environment fostered by the Asha team and Warriors slowly began to change her perspective on life. She felt transported into a new world- a world filled with optimism, hope and enthusiasm. The team stood behind her as she went on to take the school leaving examination. And what a wonderful performance from Anshika! She scored a brilliant 92.5%. Through Asha’s support, she has now found a place to study an Honors in Political Science at Bharti College, Delhi University. We have paid every single college related expense including the college tuition, without which her educational journey would have come to an end. How sorrowful that would have been. But now Anshika is excited to begin her university education. She could hardly believe it when she saw her college. We are determined to stand with her all through her university years, making sure she continues to be assisted financially, mentored and supported. Way to go Anshika! We are all behind you, never to leave you. You deserve to flourish and attain your highest potential just like anyone else.
Imrana – Fighting severe Malnutrition on road to good health
Hello folks, here’s a story that broke my heart. Imraana from Seelampur slum is a mother of three young children. Her father died when she was very young. Her mother, considering her to be a huge burden, married her off at the age of 17. She soon found out that her husband did not work. There was no money and her in-laws threw the newly married couple out of the joint family home. Imraana soon had a baby. There was no food at home. Her husband drank everyday and beat her. She said she would dream every night of having food. She and her children would beg for food near wedding venues or near mosques. On most days she and the children would drink black tea and the sides of bread slices a man from a nearby bakery would give her. I was so heartbroken when I heard this. Imraana began to do some piece work for which she was given a pittance per piece. And all that came to a complete stop when Covid struck and there was a full lockdown.
One day an Asha warrior was passing by and saw Imraana’s 2 year old baby. She was severely malnourished and crying of hunger. Then they met Imraana and noticed that she was really thin. They brought the mother and daughter Shifa to the Asha centre immediately. Imraana weighed just 26kg. The Asha Health Team assessed the mother and baby on an emergency basis. They put them on a daily high calorie high protein diet immediately. And gave Grocery Parcels to the entire family. They gave Imraana a Vitamin D3 injection and put her on vitamin and mineral supplements. The baby was given supplements too.
Imraana developed a urinary tract infection because of the use of dirty pieces of cloth during menstruation. The team immediately treated her UTI and gave her feminine hygiene products.
Imraana now weighs 33kg and both she and the baby are slowly getting better. They both have a long way to go. All of Asha’s interventions continue and will do so for a long time.
I have promised myself and my team that we will never leave her alone again and will continue to take care of her and her children always.
There are so many malnourished women like Imraana. May we find them all, as we look for them, and reach out to them with love and healing.
Thank you to everyone of you. You are working so hard to raise resources for Asha. You are saving and transforming lives every day.
One day an Asha warrior was passing by and saw Imraana’s 2 year old baby. She was severely malnourished and crying of hunger. Then they met Imraana and noticed that she was really thin. They brought the mother and daughter Shifa to the Asha centre immediately. Imraana weighed just 26kg. The Asha Health Team assessed the mother and baby on an emergency basis. They put them on a daily high calorie high protein diet immediately. And gave Grocery Parcels to the entire family. They gave Imraana a Vitamin D3 injection and put her on vitamin and mineral supplements. The baby was given supplements too.
Imraana developed a urinary tract infection because of the use of dirty pieces of cloth during menstruation. The team immediately treated her UTI and gave her feminine hygiene products.
Imraana now weighs 33kg and both she and the baby are slowly getting better. They both have a long way to go. All of Asha’s interventions continue and will do so for a long time.
I have promised myself and my team that we will never leave her alone again and will continue to take care of her and her children always.
There are so many malnourished women like Imraana. May we find them all, as we look for them, and reach out to them with love and healing.
Thank you to everyone of you. You are working so hard to raise resources for Asha. You are saving and transforming lives every day.
Opening the doors of college education for Dev
There are daily admissions happening at Delhi University and each time I receive the news of any student, I’m always excited. In many ways it’s a miracle. Here are some more stories:
Dev lives in Chanderpuri slum community with his father who is a labourer, his mother and his other siblings. Dev has been a member of Asha’s Bal Mandal from a young age. He watched many students go to university in his slum, and dreamt that one day he would go too. His father lost work during the pandemic and the family fell into great poverty. Asha came along side them and helped them in every way possible for many months. Suddenly Dev got Tuberculosis in 2020. This was his critical school leaving year. Once again he was diagnosed by Asha, and his treatment was started at the TB hospital. He recovered fully under Asha’s care. Asha then helped him with books, academic aid, coaching and mentoring. The team and Ambassadors rallied around him with full support. As a result, he scored 85% in his school leaving exam. He has just got a place at Delhi University to study a Bachelors in History and Political Science. Asha of course has helped him navigate the entire complex admissions process and given him all the financial aid he needs. Dev is the first person in his family and his entire village to go to university. What a story!
Dev lives in Chanderpuri slum community with his father who is a labourer, his mother and his other siblings. Dev has been a member of Asha’s Bal Mandal from a young age. He watched many students go to university in his slum, and dreamt that one day he would go too. His father lost work during the pandemic and the family fell into great poverty. Asha came along side them and helped them in every way possible for many months. Suddenly Dev got Tuberculosis in 2020. This was his critical school leaving year. Once again he was diagnosed by Asha, and his treatment was started at the TB hospital. He recovered fully under Asha’s care. Asha then helped him with books, academic aid, coaching and mentoring. The team and Ambassadors rallied around him with full support. As a result, he scored 85% in his school leaving exam. He has just got a place at Delhi University to study a Bachelors in History and Political Science. Asha of course has helped him navigate the entire complex admissions process and given him all the financial aid he needs. Dev is the first person in his family and his entire village to go to university. What a story!
Ganpat’s winning stride to enter Delhi University
Ganpat is an Asha student from Kusumpur slum community. His father is a daily wage laborer. We found Ganpat to be intelligent and good at his studies in school. We supported him with plenty of scholastic material, books, mentoring, coaching given by his Asha seniors, and a quiet place to study. Sadly due to Covid and the lockdown, Ganpat’s father lost his job. The entire family was forced to return to their village. We were all worried for Ganpat as was he. However he did not give up, and continued to receive help and coaching from Asha online from his village. He scored an amazing 92% in his school leaving exam. He has just found a place at Delhi University and will be doing a Bachelors in Commerce ( Honours). Asha has taken care of his college related expenses. Way to go Ganpat. We are with you all the way!
Successful educational journey of Khushboo
Khushboo has lived in great poverty all her life in Peeragarhi slum community. Her father is a Cycle Rickshaw Puller who had no work all through Covid. The family fell on desperate times, and the Asha family came to their aid in every way possible. Khushboo lives in a shanty hut made of tin sheets with no toilet and no kitchen. She has no smart phone and no access to the internet. She studied at the Asha Centre and at the home of a friend. She does not remember when she last bought new clothes. She has just got a place at Delhi University to study an Honours in History. Asha has paid her entire tuition and has helped her successfully navigate the admissions process. We are all so happy for her. We have promised to support her all through her 3 years at university.
Malnourishment and increased disease risk amongst girls and women – The pandemic effect
Hello folks, this message is about the very sad circumstances some young girls are during this pandemic. They have lost so much weight due to just not eating enough food and calories. We give groceries to entire families, but of course have no control over how they are used.
These girls are exhausted all the time, cannot concentrate on their studies and fall sick frequently. I was sad to see some of them falling prey to Tuberculosis due to greatly reduced immunity. The burden of household work and filling water and carrying it back home mostly falls on their shoulders. They are the last to eat, after feeding their entire family.
We call them to the Asha centres everyday for high protein laddoos and drinks, run a weekly clinic for them where we provide them with all essential vitamins and minerals, as well as treat their ailments promptly. One girl vomited out a ton of worms when we dewormed her. She had worms coming out of her nose as well.
They really struggle with going to the public toilet where there is voyeurism. They have no money for sanitary pads. We are giving them these feminine products regularly.
These girls are exhausted all the time, cannot concentrate on their studies and fall sick frequently. I was sad to see some of them falling prey to Tuberculosis due to greatly reduced immunity. The burden of household work and filling water and carrying it back home mostly falls on their shoulders. They are the last to eat, after feeding their entire family.
We call them to the Asha centres everyday for high protein laddoos and drinks, run a weekly clinic for them where we provide them with all essential vitamins and minerals, as well as treat their ailments promptly. One girl vomited out a ton of worms when we dewormed her. She had worms coming out of her nose as well.
They really struggle with going to the public toilet where there is voyeurism. They have no money for sanitary pads. We are giving them these feminine products regularly.
Telehealth clinics in Asha slum communities
I have been doing regular clinics on Zoom at the various Asha centres. I use the opportunity to train Asha nurses who take turns to be on these telehealth clinics. Patients have also got used to the laptop and the headphones. Patients come in large numbers with all kinds of acute and chronic conditions. Free investigations and treatment is being given to all. Referrals are made to hospitals through our linkages as necessary. Patients just cannot pay for health care during these days of financial crisis. I have expanded our pharmacy so that patients do not have to buy drugs from pharmacies outside. All drugs provided are from the best companies and generic as much as possible. I am really happy at how well our nurse practitioners are continuously being trained and can provide General Practice level care without the intervention of doctors in most cases. They are such keen learners, and are get excited when they are able to run GP clinics independently. I am proud of them.
Practicing Gratitude in Asha slum communities
Hi everyone, Gratitude bands, threads and bracelets are being tied everywhere at Asha these days. It is bringing in so much joy and positivity. The uniqueness of this exercise is opening our eyes to the immense power of Gratitude.
Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship awarded to Asha student Tushar Joshi
Asha is very proud to congratulate Tushar on being awarded the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship to study a ‘Master of International Relations' at the University of Sydney, Australia.
Tushar is the second student from Asha to receive this scholarship at the University of Sydney. We wish Tushar all the very best for his future as he beings to pursue this next chapter in his life!
Click to read more: https://bit.ly/3CCM2uz
Tushar is the second student from Asha to receive this scholarship at the University of Sydney. We wish Tushar all the very best for his future as he beings to pursue this next chapter in his life!
Click to read more: https://bit.ly/3CCM2uz
Gratitude Thread Tying Ceremony
Hello folks, this week we are having a Gratitude Thread Tying Ceremony everywhere in Asha. The Asha family members are making beautiful gratitude threads and bands. They then take out time to perform the ceremony of tying these threads to one another as a symbol of Gratitude for the person in their lives. They tie the thread and then express their gratitude sentiments to each other. They then think of the person with Gratitude each time they see the thread all through the day. What a wonderful way to celebrate Gratitude!
Asha’s Emergency Covid Intervention Saves Anil’s Life
Anil is a 33-year-old man who resides in the lanes of Dr Ambedkar Basti slum. He has a 2-bedroom house, where he lives with his wife and 3 children. Living in a slum is not easy, along with life’s trials and tribulations, there are numerous financial difficulties and sorrows that he has faced.
Anil was barely a teenager when he relocated to New Delhi from his village in Uttar Pradesh to help his father. He picked up odd jobs and started to earn some money to financially support his family. He soon got married and had children, he now had multiple responsibilities and mouths to feed.
With the passing years, Anil got a stable job working as a peon for a company. His job was difficult and tiring as he had to be on his feet whole day, going from one corner in the city to another to submit files. For this work, he started to earn a decent sum of 163 USD a month. As he was the single breadwinner, he had the burden of supporting 6 members of his family.
When the pandemic struck, like many slum dwellers Anil also lost his job for few months. At such a time, his mother was also diagnosed with lung cancer and her health started to deteriorate rapidly. Anil and his wife struggled to borrow money from distant relatives and neighbours for her treatment. However, by the time the lockdown was over, she had passed away.
Furthermore, when the second covid wave hit Delhi, there was panic everywhere and death all around. The disease started to spread fast from different localities in Delhi and finally reached the slums. Anil, was one of the unfortunate, who started to display the covid symptoms of high fever, dry cough and breathlessness. After a few days, he got tested and was diagnosed covid positive.
He visited the nearby Government clinic who just provided him with 10 days medicine and nothing more. Anil, isolated and started taking the medicines but his condition was not getting any better. He called the covid helpline multiple times but they could not provide further help. Hopeless and dejected, Anil now started to believe that he was not going to survive, he worried for his family.
Meanwhile, the Asha team had started going door to door in every slum and were looking for patients with covid symptoms as well as covid positive patients to treat. During this surveillance, the Asha team in Dr Ambedkar Basti came across Anil. They realized that his case was highly urgent. The Asha nurse immediately visited him at home and started to nebulize him 2 times a day for the next few weeks.
Asha’s intervention at the correct time was highly important, as just a few days delay could have brought Anil to the doors of death. Now with Asha’s home care treatment and free medicines, Anil started to recover very fast. Within just 2 days he was able to breathe much better. It took about another 2-3 weeks for Anil to completely recover and become healthy.
To help Anil’s family during such a terrible crisis, Asha also provided him with grocery kits every month. Asha also provided Anil with High protein laddoos to help improve his immunity and make him stronger. Anil believes that if it were not for Asha then he would have not survived during that time. He is immensely grateful to Asha for life.
Anil was barely a teenager when he relocated to New Delhi from his village in Uttar Pradesh to help his father. He picked up odd jobs and started to earn some money to financially support his family. He soon got married and had children, he now had multiple responsibilities and mouths to feed.
With the passing years, Anil got a stable job working as a peon for a company. His job was difficult and tiring as he had to be on his feet whole day, going from one corner in the city to another to submit files. For this work, he started to earn a decent sum of 163 USD a month. As he was the single breadwinner, he had the burden of supporting 6 members of his family.
When the pandemic struck, like many slum dwellers Anil also lost his job for few months. At such a time, his mother was also diagnosed with lung cancer and her health started to deteriorate rapidly. Anil and his wife struggled to borrow money from distant relatives and neighbours for her treatment. However, by the time the lockdown was over, she had passed away.
Furthermore, when the second covid wave hit Delhi, there was panic everywhere and death all around. The disease started to spread fast from different localities in Delhi and finally reached the slums. Anil, was one of the unfortunate, who started to display the covid symptoms of high fever, dry cough and breathlessness. After a few days, he got tested and was diagnosed covid positive.
He visited the nearby Government clinic who just provided him with 10 days medicine and nothing more. Anil, isolated and started taking the medicines but his condition was not getting any better. He called the covid helpline multiple times but they could not provide further help. Hopeless and dejected, Anil now started to believe that he was not going to survive, he worried for his family.
Meanwhile, the Asha team had started going door to door in every slum and were looking for patients with covid symptoms as well as covid positive patients to treat. During this surveillance, the Asha team in Dr Ambedkar Basti came across Anil. They realized that his case was highly urgent. The Asha nurse immediately visited him at home and started to nebulize him 2 times a day for the next few weeks.
Asha’s intervention at the correct time was highly important, as just a few days delay could have brought Anil to the doors of death. Now with Asha’s home care treatment and free medicines, Anil started to recover very fast. Within just 2 days he was able to breathe much better. It took about another 2-3 weeks for Anil to completely recover and become healthy.
To help Anil’s family during such a terrible crisis, Asha also provided him with grocery kits every month. Asha also provided Anil with High protein laddoos to help improve his immunity and make him stronger. Anil believes that if it were not for Asha then he would have not survived during that time. He is immensely grateful to Asha for life.
Essence of a good team-Dr. Kiran’s Musings
Hello folks, I have been reflecting on the various elements of our approach as a team that led to the best outcomes we could arrive at during the worst time of the second wave when people were dying everywhere. As I said earlier, we treated 1500 patients, and one patient died.
Among the many reasons, Trust seems to be at the core.
Having walked this journey together with the communities for 33 years, the residents have a firm belief in our reliability and our integrity. Longevity and consistency is key. They know that we will never abandon them, no matter what.
They also know that we act in their very best interests, without regard for politics, caste, gender or religion. They have faith in our competence and our compassionate approach that they have witnessed over the years of our relationship.
We already had partnerships and organized groups within the communities and so could work together on the basis of a shared vision and shared goals. Our collective actions with hundreds of community members meant that we could reach out and benefit the largest number of people possible. Such partnerships that act together on the needs of communities are critical to a relationship of trust.
Fairness and equal treatment, as well as special care of the vulnerable, are important elements of trust.
Although Trust is influenced by history, it is not static. It must be consistently earned and maintained.
So Trust is a core principle of Public Health Leadership.
Those are a few of my musings. Your comments, reflections, thoughts are welcome!
Among the many reasons, Trust seems to be at the core.
Having walked this journey together with the communities for 33 years, the residents have a firm belief in our reliability and our integrity. Longevity and consistency is key. They know that we will never abandon them, no matter what.
They also know that we act in their very best interests, without regard for politics, caste, gender or religion. They have faith in our competence and our compassionate approach that they have witnessed over the years of our relationship.
We already had partnerships and organized groups within the communities and so could work together on the basis of a shared vision and shared goals. Our collective actions with hundreds of community members meant that we could reach out and benefit the largest number of people possible. Such partnerships that act together on the needs of communities are critical to a relationship of trust.
Fairness and equal treatment, as well as special care of the vulnerable, are important elements of trust.
Although Trust is influenced by history, it is not static. It must be consistently earned and maintained.
So Trust is a core principle of Public Health Leadership.
Those are a few of my musings. Your comments, reflections, thoughts are welcome!
Gratitude Conversation in the Asha Slum Communities
I had my first Zoom call with the entire Kalkaji team through the new Asha IT centre with High Speed Internet in one of the largest slum communities in Delhi. Everyone was excited and expressed gratitude from their hearts.
Lily, the Team Leader of a team of 10 people and many Warriors thanked God for the day she came to know of Asha and joined in the year 1988, helping me during the cholera outbreak. What an exemplary life of love and service she has led.
Gratitude was expressed by the team for each Warrior by name: distribution of grocery parcels to such a large community would have been impossible without them. Their help at the clinics is invaluable, as they are utilizing the health training they received during the second wave.
Many female students gave thanks for the opportunity to study. Without the support of their parents and of Asha, they would have been working as maid servants in the neighborhood. That is what most of their mothers are doing.
A warrior shared that even though she lived in a one room home, she was grateful that she didn’t live on the pavement. She was also grateful for her family. So many people lived alone and had been abandoned by their families. She said she would rather live in one room with her family than live in loneliness.
One of our oldest CHV’s Gyanwati, gave thanks for the opportunity to take care of the health of her community for so many years. She remembers how her baby boy died because she didn’t give him fluids when he got sick with diarrhea. Once she received her training as a CHV, she vowed never to let a child die of dehydration. She said she would serve her community until the last day of her life.
What energy and enthusiasm there was on the Zoom call! Gratitude truly strengthens our bonds, fosters trust, and brings in an abundance of blessings.
Lily, the Team Leader of a team of 10 people and many Warriors thanked God for the day she came to know of Asha and joined in the year 1988, helping me during the cholera outbreak. What an exemplary life of love and service she has led.
Gratitude was expressed by the team for each Warrior by name: distribution of grocery parcels to such a large community would have been impossible without them. Their help at the clinics is invaluable, as they are utilizing the health training they received during the second wave.
Many female students gave thanks for the opportunity to study. Without the support of their parents and of Asha, they would have been working as maid servants in the neighborhood. That is what most of their mothers are doing.
A warrior shared that even though she lived in a one room home, she was grateful that she didn’t live on the pavement. She was also grateful for her family. So many people lived alone and had been abandoned by their families. She said she would rather live in one room with her family than live in loneliness.
One of our oldest CHV’s Gyanwati, gave thanks for the opportunity to take care of the health of her community for so many years. She remembers how her baby boy died because she didn’t give him fluids when he got sick with diarrhea. Once she received her training as a CHV, she vowed never to let a child die of dehydration. She said she would serve her community until the last day of her life.
What energy and enthusiasm there was on the Zoom call! Gratitude truly strengthens our bonds, fosters trust, and brings in an abundance of blessings.
Ruth’s Dream lives on….
The inauguration of Asha’s IT Lab at Kalkaji to honour the legacy of Ms. Ruth McKibben, a longtime supporter and true friend of Asha took place on 31st August, 2021.
Ayesha welcomed the gathering that included supporters and Friends from Ireland, Asha students from Kalkaji and the Asha team.
Victoria Thampi, Chair FOA (Ireland) recollected nostalgic memories of her association with Ruth as part of the preparation of her visit to Kalkaji and shared her passion, commitment, and energy for the children and the students of Kalkaji.
Paul Kirk from the Methodist College Belfast reminisced about his association with Ruth with a quotation by W.B.Yeats- “Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” He shared fond memories of his visits to Kalkaji with Ruth and said that the IT Lab will change the lives of the students and provide them new opportunities and access to better resources and help them continue their education, specially during the pandemic.
Mr. John McKibben, Ruth’s father, attended the event and wished the project all success to keep alive the memories of his daughter.
Prince, a student from Kalkaji described his association with Asha as a child and member of Asha’s Bal Mandal. He shared fond memories of Ruth during her visits to Kalkaji and expressed gratitude for the IT Lab and how it will benefit the students like him in their educational endeavours.
Ms Soni, Asha’s Senior Supervisor also remembered her association with Ruth and thanked everyone for the project.
Finally, Mr. Freddy Martin, Asha’s Associate Director in his speech, shared the dreams of Ruth and recollected how the challenges were overcome to complete this project of IT Lab with advanced computers and high-speed internet connectivity from its humble beginnings in 2018.
He thanked everyone for their hard work, cooperation and support in making this possible.
Ayesha welcomed the gathering that included supporters and Friends from Ireland, Asha students from Kalkaji and the Asha team.
Victoria Thampi, Chair FOA (Ireland) recollected nostalgic memories of her association with Ruth as part of the preparation of her visit to Kalkaji and shared her passion, commitment, and energy for the children and the students of Kalkaji.
Paul Kirk from the Methodist College Belfast reminisced about his association with Ruth with a quotation by W.B.Yeats- “Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” He shared fond memories of his visits to Kalkaji with Ruth and said that the IT Lab will change the lives of the students and provide them new opportunities and access to better resources and help them continue their education, specially during the pandemic.
Mr. John McKibben, Ruth’s father, attended the event and wished the project all success to keep alive the memories of his daughter.
Prince, a student from Kalkaji described his association with Asha as a child and member of Asha’s Bal Mandal. He shared fond memories of Ruth during her visits to Kalkaji and expressed gratitude for the IT Lab and how it will benefit the students like him in their educational endeavours.
Ms Soni, Asha’s Senior Supervisor also remembered her association with Ruth and thanked everyone for the project.
Finally, Mr. Freddy Martin, Asha’s Associate Director in his speech, shared the dreams of Ruth and recollected how the challenges were overcome to complete this project of IT Lab with advanced computers and high-speed internet connectivity from its humble beginnings in 2018.
He thanked everyone for their hard work, cooperation and support in making this possible.
Asha team in Mayapuri practices the Asha value ‘Gratitude’
Hello folks, these days we are having conversations on Gratitude all over Asha. Yesterday I was a part of a moving conversation with some Asha Team members in Mayapuri. CHV Prema said she felt so grateful for the peace and joy she experienced at the Asha center where she always felt surrounded by love. Each time she felt stressed, she would come over to be with her Asha family.
CHV Sumitra said she was grateful for the water she got from the Tanker. Even though she had to fill it in buckets and bring it home everyday, it was much nicer than the salty water she had from a bore well earlier.
Corona Warrior Archana said that she was so grateful her one room home in the slum was saved from a demolition that was carried out right next to her house. She also thought of the many people who lived on pavements and under bridges and was fortunate that she had a home.
Warrior Sunny said he was unspeakably grateful for his books. He had seen so many children who had no books at all. He was in his final year at Delhi University because of his books.
Team Leader Shiny said that she experienced a heart full of gratitude for having learnt how to diagnose and treat all kinds of patients that came to the clinic. She felt so rewarded when each sick person became well through her hands.
CHV Prema felt grateful that she had the wonderful opportunity to make Asha Laddoos, feed young malnourished children and girls, and watch them gain weight.
A lot more was said. Everyone experienced a great deal of joy, positivity, energy and the true love and bonds of a family. They couldn’t wait to come to the Asha Centre each morning.
They are penning down daily Gratitude Reflections, and writing beautiful Gratitude letters to their family and friends.
What a wonderful testament to the power of Gratitude!
CHV Sumitra said she was grateful for the water she got from the Tanker. Even though she had to fill it in buckets and bring it home everyday, it was much nicer than the salty water she had from a bore well earlier.
Corona Warrior Archana said that she was so grateful her one room home in the slum was saved from a demolition that was carried out right next to her house. She also thought of the many people who lived on pavements and under bridges and was fortunate that she had a home.
Warrior Sunny said he was unspeakably grateful for his books. He had seen so many children who had no books at all. He was in his final year at Delhi University because of his books.
Team Leader Shiny said that she experienced a heart full of gratitude for having learnt how to diagnose and treat all kinds of patients that came to the clinic. She felt so rewarded when each sick person became well through her hands.
CHV Prema felt grateful that she had the wonderful opportunity to make Asha Laddoos, feed young malnourished children and girls, and watch them gain weight.
A lot more was said. Everyone experienced a great deal of joy, positivity, energy and the true love and bonds of a family. They couldn’t wait to come to the Asha Centre each morning.
They are penning down daily Gratitude Reflections, and writing beautiful Gratitude letters to their family and friends.
What a wonderful testament to the power of Gratitude!
Asha students conclude their virtual internships with Macquarie Group
Every year, Asha students get an opportunity to intern at Embassies, High Commissions, and Multinational companies. Due to the COVID pandemic, our students lost this opportunity last year. However, this year, Macquarie Group Foundation initiated a virtual Community Internship Program for our students. They used the Asha IT Labs for these virtual internships.
During a five-week period, each student received training sessions daily on topics such as MS Office, communication skills, MS Outlook presentation skills, banking fundamentals, resume building, and interview skills.
On the last day of the internship, a Graduation Ceremony was held in the presence of Sandeep Bhatia, Country Head of Macquarie, Manish Desai, Head of Macquarie Gurugram, and other staff.
Thank you, Macquarie for giving Asha students this amazing virtual internship opportunity.
During a five-week period, each student received training sessions daily on topics such as MS Office, communication skills, MS Outlook presentation skills, banking fundamentals, resume building, and interview skills.
On the last day of the internship, a Graduation Ceremony was held in the presence of Sandeep Bhatia, Country Head of Macquarie, Manish Desai, Head of Macquarie Gurugram, and other staff.
Thank you, Macquarie for giving Asha students this amazing virtual internship opportunity.
Asha continues to helps thousands of slum families in distress
Hello folks, the employment situation continues to be disturbing and worrying in the slums. As you may know, there is no job security, no benefits, no social security, no employment protection, and no savings. The economy is in distress due to the pandemic.
Asha continues to identify and help families in all ways possible. We are in this for the long haul, committed to standing with them for as long as it takes for them to get back on their feet. Thank you to everyone of you for your wonderful generosity.
Donate for Asha’s Covid-19 emergency response: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha continues to identify and help families in all ways possible. We are in this for the long haul, committed to standing with them for as long as it takes for them to get back on their feet. Thank you to everyone of you for your wonderful generosity.
Donate for Asha’s Covid-19 emergency response: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha Women’s Group President Ramwati from Zakhira leads the way in her community
Hello folks, you may have noticed that I haven’t said much about the Asha Womens Groups and how the members have been impacted by Covid. They haven’t been able to have large meetings for nearly two years now, and everyone can sense the loneliness they are experiencing, after being so used to wonderful weekly meetings, and accomplishing such enormous tasks for their communities for years. Many have suffered a great deal of financial distress, and the Asha family has stood with them all through these two years.
Here’s a story of one of them, a 60 year old woman called Ramwati, who lives in Asha’s Zakhira Slum Community. Her life exemplifies the lives of hundreds of women like her.
Ramvati became one of the first Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) members of Zakhira slum community. She was keen to gain knowledge on healthcare and absorbed all information on health shared by the Asha team during the weekly meetings. She would help share this knowledge with her community members, and became instrumental in highlighting the importance of healthcare interventions such as vaccines, maternal care, tuberculosis treatment, and so on.
As President, Ramvati was instrumental in providing leadership to develop the infrastructure in her community. The Women’s Group in Zakhira under her leadership, visited multiple elected politicians representing Zakhira. Drainage systems, sewage networks, bore wells and toilet blocks were constructed. The entire community began to look much cleaner and nicer.
When the pandemic happened, Ramvati’s husband like thousands of other slum dwellers, lost his job as a daily wage labourer. He was earning about 7 dollars a day on the days he got work. The Asha family came to her aid immediately, and provided her with groceries and financial assistance to help the family survive during such terrible times. Even after the first wave, the future looked bleak for Ramvati’s family. To help her family, Asha continued to provide them with essentials and funds.
No sooner had the first wave receded, than the second wave hit shortly thereafter. Her situation and that of her family got even worse.
Today, the second wave has abated, but has left behind great poverty for her family and many families like her.
Her husband gets work one day a week or once in two weeks. The Asha family continues to provide for them. That’s what family is all about, right?
When the vaccination for the elderly began in early 2021, Ramvati and her husband were among the first couples to register and receive the vaccine. She was then able to speak to her community members to dispel various myths on the harmful effects of the vaccine. Many elderly community members followed in her footsteps and she personally accompanied them to the vaccination centre.
Thank you for standing with Ramwati and hundreds of women like her, many of whom you have met in the past. What would they have done without you? You are true and faithful representatives of what Family stands for.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Here’s a story of one of them, a 60 year old woman called Ramwati, who lives in Asha’s Zakhira Slum Community. Her life exemplifies the lives of hundreds of women like her.
Ramvati became one of the first Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) members of Zakhira slum community. She was keen to gain knowledge on healthcare and absorbed all information on health shared by the Asha team during the weekly meetings. She would help share this knowledge with her community members, and became instrumental in highlighting the importance of healthcare interventions such as vaccines, maternal care, tuberculosis treatment, and so on.
As President, Ramvati was instrumental in providing leadership to develop the infrastructure in her community. The Women’s Group in Zakhira under her leadership, visited multiple elected politicians representing Zakhira. Drainage systems, sewage networks, bore wells and toilet blocks were constructed. The entire community began to look much cleaner and nicer.
When the pandemic happened, Ramvati’s husband like thousands of other slum dwellers, lost his job as a daily wage labourer. He was earning about 7 dollars a day on the days he got work. The Asha family came to her aid immediately, and provided her with groceries and financial assistance to help the family survive during such terrible times. Even after the first wave, the future looked bleak for Ramvati’s family. To help her family, Asha continued to provide them with essentials and funds.
No sooner had the first wave receded, than the second wave hit shortly thereafter. Her situation and that of her family got even worse.
Today, the second wave has abated, but has left behind great poverty for her family and many families like her.
Her husband gets work one day a week or once in two weeks. The Asha family continues to provide for them. That’s what family is all about, right?
When the vaccination for the elderly began in early 2021, Ramvati and her husband were among the first couples to register and receive the vaccine. She was then able to speak to her community members to dispel various myths on the harmful effects of the vaccine. Many elderly community members followed in her footsteps and she personally accompanied them to the vaccination centre.
Thank you for standing with Ramwati and hundreds of women like her, many of whom you have met in the past. What would they have done without you? You are true and faithful representatives of what Family stands for.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
ASHA COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: COVID POSITIVE PATIENT IN DELHI SLUM RECOVERS THROUGH ASHA’S CARE
Rekha is a 40-year-old woman who resides in Asha’s Anna Nagar slum community. She had settled down here after marriage around 30 years ago. Tragedy struck when her husband died in a road accident 10 years ago. Rekha was left alone to fend for her young son, so she started working as a domestic help to earn money and survive. For the past decade, Rekha has been working hard to provide for her family.
The second wave of coronavirus in India has been like a tsunami that has swept away many lives overnight. The new variant has started to affect many people living in the slums as well and Rekha is one of such case. Around 10 days ago, Rekha started to feel ill after work, she was experiencing joint pain and weakness suddenly. This was followed by symptoms such as vomiting and loose motion. Rekha believed that this would pass away in a few days and ignored her symptoms.
During this same time, Asha had strengthened its work of fighting the covid tsunami in all the slum communities. The Asha team in Anna Nagar are going door to door and reaching out to all slum dwellers. They are enquiring about everyone’s health and informing all about the new symptoms of the new variant of this deadly virus. While doing so, they came across Rekha’s home. After hearing about her symptoms, the Asha team immediately alerted her and asked her to get tested as soon as possible. As suspected, Rekha turned to be positive.
As per the covid safety guidelines, Rekha has been isolated in a separate room in her house. The Asha corona warriors visit her every 6 hours while maintaining social distancing, they monitor her oxygen levels and provide her with the correct nutrition and safety precautions. The Asha team records her health progress and oxygen levels in the Asha Health card every single day. Currently, Rekha’s oxygen level is 97 and she has stopped showcasing symptoms such as breathlessness and vomiting. Asha is also providing her with vitamins and medicines.
With the help of Asha, Rekha’s health is stable and she is on the road to recovery. Asha will continue to monitor her health over the next few weeks until she tests negative for covid. Meanwhile, Rekha’s young son has currently lost his job due to the ongoing lockdown. He is helping treat his mother with his small savings, while he is fearful for his own life and health. Thankfully, he has tested negative and is healthy.
India is currently experiencing the worst healthcare scenario in modern history, with a lack of oxygen and beds availability in hospitals. The death tolls are rising with every passing day and everyone is fearing for their lives. Asha has been spreading awareness and the undertaking of vaccinations for all the slum dwellers. Asha is prepared to fight the second wave and safeguard the health of all in the slums.
Donate for Asha’s Covid-19 emergency response: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
The second wave of coronavirus in India has been like a tsunami that has swept away many lives overnight. The new variant has started to affect many people living in the slums as well and Rekha is one of such case. Around 10 days ago, Rekha started to feel ill after work, she was experiencing joint pain and weakness suddenly. This was followed by symptoms such as vomiting and loose motion. Rekha believed that this would pass away in a few days and ignored her symptoms.
During this same time, Asha had strengthened its work of fighting the covid tsunami in all the slum communities. The Asha team in Anna Nagar are going door to door and reaching out to all slum dwellers. They are enquiring about everyone’s health and informing all about the new symptoms of the new variant of this deadly virus. While doing so, they came across Rekha’s home. After hearing about her symptoms, the Asha team immediately alerted her and asked her to get tested as soon as possible. As suspected, Rekha turned to be positive.
As per the covid safety guidelines, Rekha has been isolated in a separate room in her house. The Asha corona warriors visit her every 6 hours while maintaining social distancing, they monitor her oxygen levels and provide her with the correct nutrition and safety precautions. The Asha team records her health progress and oxygen levels in the Asha Health card every single day. Currently, Rekha’s oxygen level is 97 and she has stopped showcasing symptoms such as breathlessness and vomiting. Asha is also providing her with vitamins and medicines.
With the help of Asha, Rekha’s health is stable and she is on the road to recovery. Asha will continue to monitor her health over the next few weeks until she tests negative for covid. Meanwhile, Rekha’s young son has currently lost his job due to the ongoing lockdown. He is helping treat his mother with his small savings, while he is fearful for his own life and health. Thankfully, he has tested negative and is healthy.
India is currently experiencing the worst healthcare scenario in modern history, with a lack of oxygen and beds availability in hospitals. The death tolls are rising with every passing day and everyone is fearing for their lives. Asha has been spreading awareness and the undertaking of vaccinations for all the slum dwellers. Asha is prepared to fight the second wave and safeguard the health of all in the slums.
Donate for Asha’s Covid-19 emergency response: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha warrior Salma’s story of hope and determination
Salma is a 17-year-old Asha student, who was born and brought up within the tiny and congested lanes of Chanderpuri slum. Her Father shifted to New Delhi from the state of West Bengal a decade ago. He works as an Urdu teacher, teaching young students within the community. He barely earns any money as he teaches many poor students for free. While Salma’s mother, works from home, cutting threads of clothes from nearby factories. She earns a meagre sum for hours of hard work done.
As a child, Salma got associated with Asha and loved learning at the Asha centre. However, Salma was forbidden from stepping out often as her Father was very strict. The Asha team noticed how bright Salma was and did not want her to miss out on any opportunities. They visited her home and informed Salma’s father about Asha’s work and how Asha could be a great influence for young Salma. With time, her father granted permission and Salma was free to learn and soak up knowledge.
The Asha team in Chanderpuri were absolutely right about Salma! As she grew up, Salma grew extremely confident and excelled in her studies as well. Her confidence earned through Asha, also helped her achieve extraordinary results in school. Salma started to participate in extra-curricular activities and excelled particularly in the sport of running. She became such a good runner that she continuously stood first in all the races that she participated in from the 6th-12th standard!
Salma’s hard work and dedication earned her heaps of medals and certificates! These are proudly displayed at her home by her parents today. Her Father is extremely proud of her achievements and supports her unconditionally today. Salma’s immediate dream is now to attend college in Delhi University, she cannot wait to start her college education!
‘Asha Ambassadors took online classes as well during the lockdown to help students like me. Currently I am receiving free coaching in all subjects at the Asha study centre and free books as well. With Asha’s help, I am preparing myself to score high marks and excel my final exams.’ says Salma with a big smile.
Salma has also become an active Asha warrior in Chanderpuri. She is a prominent face here and is well known for her dedicated community service that she provides to the slum dwellers through Asha. Asha is proud to support and aid such young minds as Salma who are the bright future of their communities.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
As a child, Salma got associated with Asha and loved learning at the Asha centre. However, Salma was forbidden from stepping out often as her Father was very strict. The Asha team noticed how bright Salma was and did not want her to miss out on any opportunities. They visited her home and informed Salma’s father about Asha’s work and how Asha could be a great influence for young Salma. With time, her father granted permission and Salma was free to learn and soak up knowledge.
The Asha team in Chanderpuri were absolutely right about Salma! As she grew up, Salma grew extremely confident and excelled in her studies as well. Her confidence earned through Asha, also helped her achieve extraordinary results in school. Salma started to participate in extra-curricular activities and excelled particularly in the sport of running. She became such a good runner that she continuously stood first in all the races that she participated in from the 6th-12th standard!
Salma’s hard work and dedication earned her heaps of medals and certificates! These are proudly displayed at her home by her parents today. Her Father is extremely proud of her achievements and supports her unconditionally today. Salma’s immediate dream is now to attend college in Delhi University, she cannot wait to start her college education!
‘Asha Ambassadors took online classes as well during the lockdown to help students like me. Currently I am receiving free coaching in all subjects at the Asha study centre and free books as well. With Asha’s help, I am preparing myself to score high marks and excel my final exams.’ says Salma with a big smile.
Salma has also become an active Asha warrior in Chanderpuri. She is a prominent face here and is well known for her dedicated community service that she provides to the slum dwellers through Asha. Asha is proud to support and aid such young minds as Salma who are the bright future of their communities.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Elderly mother and son who were helpless and abandoned cared for by Asha
This is the story of 105-year-old Akhila and her 80-year-old son Ismail who reside within the tiny lanes of Asha’s Seelampur slum community. Their lives have been filled with constant sorrow and pain as this mother and son duo have suffered a lot at the hands of fate. Today, only Asha stands beside them emotionally supporting them and providing them with the necessary provisions to survive each day.
It has been more than 40 years that Akhila settled down in Seelampur. She had come to Delhi from the state of Uttar Pradesh with her 5 children, searching for her husband who had absconded for a year. She soon came to know from her sources that her husband had left her for another woman. Akhila was desperate and hopeless. Akhila and her children had no financial support and had to fend for themselves, picking up odd jobs to earn a meagre sum, just so they could survive.
Over the years, with tremendous hard work and dedication Akhila and her 2 eldest sons were able to build a home for themselves in Seelampur. Akhila also managed to get her 3 daughters married off. Time passed and Akhila became a grandmother, life was going fairly well for her family, until disaster struck.
One night, Akhila’s house came falling down, she lost everything overnight. Akhila’s neighbours had been building another floor on top of their three-storey home, this was illegal and highly risky. The newly constructed floor was unstable and fell down on Akhila’s family home. Her younger son and his daughter died as this floor fell in the kitchen. Akhila and her eldest son managed to survive as they were sleeping on the roof top.
Homeless and alone, Akhila and her eldest son had no one to turn to. At such a time, the Asha team in Seelampur heard about their troubles and rushed to help. The Asha team and Women’s group in Seelampur continuously made visits to the MLA office to make sure that Akhila and her son receive a room they can call home once again. Due to Asha’s resilient efforts, Akhila and her son received a 1 room house to shift into. They slowly started to settle down and lead their lives with the help of Asha.
The pandemic made the situation worse for Akhila and her son. Hunger was a prominent issue as this mother and son duo struggled to eat one time meal a day. To make matters worse, Ismail had started to develop mental issues since the past few years that aggravated during the lockdown. He has developed very high anger issues and has become disturbed mentally. Even the neighbours and children in the area are very scared of him and maintain their distance.
Asha made sure to provide Akhila and Ismail with food kits, cash and medicines through the Asha corona warriors in Seelampur. This helped this poor mother and son to survive some of the most difficult days during the lockdown. Asha has continued to provide monthly food kits to them till today as they are completely helpless and alone. Without Asha, Akhila and Ismail would be living in the streets today.
The Asha team in Seelampur have been taking extra care of Akhila and Ismail, making sure that the both of them complete their weekly visits to the Asha clinic for their checkups. Both Akhila and Ismail are also being counseled and motivated by the Asha team to register and receive the vaccination. The Asha corona warriors too make the extra effort to spend quality time with Akhila and have formed a deep bond with her. Today, Akhila cannot imagine her life without the Asha team in Seelampur. She is very grateful for Asha and hopes that Asha will continue to help poor souls like her.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
It has been more than 40 years that Akhila settled down in Seelampur. She had come to Delhi from the state of Uttar Pradesh with her 5 children, searching for her husband who had absconded for a year. She soon came to know from her sources that her husband had left her for another woman. Akhila was desperate and hopeless. Akhila and her children had no financial support and had to fend for themselves, picking up odd jobs to earn a meagre sum, just so they could survive.
Over the years, with tremendous hard work and dedication Akhila and her 2 eldest sons were able to build a home for themselves in Seelampur. Akhila also managed to get her 3 daughters married off. Time passed and Akhila became a grandmother, life was going fairly well for her family, until disaster struck.
One night, Akhila’s house came falling down, she lost everything overnight. Akhila’s neighbours had been building another floor on top of their three-storey home, this was illegal and highly risky. The newly constructed floor was unstable and fell down on Akhila’s family home. Her younger son and his daughter died as this floor fell in the kitchen. Akhila and her eldest son managed to survive as they were sleeping on the roof top.
Homeless and alone, Akhila and her eldest son had no one to turn to. At such a time, the Asha team in Seelampur heard about their troubles and rushed to help. The Asha team and Women’s group in Seelampur continuously made visits to the MLA office to make sure that Akhila and her son receive a room they can call home once again. Due to Asha’s resilient efforts, Akhila and her son received a 1 room house to shift into. They slowly started to settle down and lead their lives with the help of Asha.
The pandemic made the situation worse for Akhila and her son. Hunger was a prominent issue as this mother and son duo struggled to eat one time meal a day. To make matters worse, Ismail had started to develop mental issues since the past few years that aggravated during the lockdown. He has developed very high anger issues and has become disturbed mentally. Even the neighbours and children in the area are very scared of him and maintain their distance.
Asha made sure to provide Akhila and Ismail with food kits, cash and medicines through the Asha corona warriors in Seelampur. This helped this poor mother and son to survive some of the most difficult days during the lockdown. Asha has continued to provide monthly food kits to them till today as they are completely helpless and alone. Without Asha, Akhila and Ismail would be living in the streets today.
The Asha team in Seelampur have been taking extra care of Akhila and Ismail, making sure that the both of them complete their weekly visits to the Asha clinic for their checkups. Both Akhila and Ismail are also being counseled and motivated by the Asha team to register and receive the vaccination. The Asha corona warriors too make the extra effort to spend quality time with Akhila and have formed a deep bond with her. Today, Akhila cannot imagine her life without the Asha team in Seelampur. She is very grateful for Asha and hopes that Asha will continue to help poor souls like her.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
No one except Asha has helped me: 80-year-old Kanta Devi
80-year-old Kanta Devi, who once had a family and was well settled is now surviving at the mercy of her neighbours. Her destiny brought her to the Kalkaji Slum colonies 30 years ago.
She resided in one of the colonies of Delhi. She too had a small family. Her day started with sending off her two little children to school and her husband to the office. But her life took a turn and she lost everything. In an accident, she lost her husband and children. Tragically followed soon after by her parents. Kanta was the only child. Now she had no one to take care of her.
Kanta was left alone, distraught and helpless. Life became difficult for her, so she moved to the Kalkaji slum colony. Kanta built her small shanty in the corner of the slum but there was no electricity and water connection. This forced her to live on the street.
Today a 6 by 2 feet public bench is what she calls her home. Her home includes just a dirty blanket and a few water bottles. She cries silently when she thinks about her family. Kanta had a perfect family then. But as they say it, life is uncertain!
It was then that the Asha staff found her and learnt about her difficulties. The Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) and Bal Mandal (Children’s group) regularly provided her with some food. Asha team provided her with medicines and supplement and looked after her medical needs.
When the Covid pandemic struck, it became more difficult for her to survive. The Asha team did not forget her even during the lockdown and through Asha Warriors immediately rushed to her aid. Asha has been providing her continuously with ration and made sure that her neighbours cook and provide her with 3 times meal. An Asha warrior has been attached with her to emotionally support. Now, every day she looks forward to the Asha Warrior’s visit. The Women Association members take turns to give her a bath and get her clothes washed.
“I have no-one yet Asha team helped me like a family member. No one except Asha has bothered for this poor lady. Thank you very much,” says Kanta with tears in her eyes.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
She resided in one of the colonies of Delhi. She too had a small family. Her day started with sending off her two little children to school and her husband to the office. But her life took a turn and she lost everything. In an accident, she lost her husband and children. Tragically followed soon after by her parents. Kanta was the only child. Now she had no one to take care of her.
Kanta was left alone, distraught and helpless. Life became difficult for her, so she moved to the Kalkaji slum colony. Kanta built her small shanty in the corner of the slum but there was no electricity and water connection. This forced her to live on the street.
Today a 6 by 2 feet public bench is what she calls her home. Her home includes just a dirty blanket and a few water bottles. She cries silently when she thinks about her family. Kanta had a perfect family then. But as they say it, life is uncertain!
It was then that the Asha staff found her and learnt about her difficulties. The Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) and Bal Mandal (Children’s group) regularly provided her with some food. Asha team provided her with medicines and supplement and looked after her medical needs.
When the Covid pandemic struck, it became more difficult for her to survive. The Asha team did not forget her even during the lockdown and through Asha Warriors immediately rushed to her aid. Asha has been providing her continuously with ration and made sure that her neighbours cook and provide her with 3 times meal. An Asha warrior has been attached with her to emotionally support. Now, every day she looks forward to the Asha Warrior’s visit. The Women Association members take turns to give her a bath and get her clothes washed.
“I have no-one yet Asha team helped me like a family member. No one except Asha has bothered for this poor lady. Thank you very much,” says Kanta with tears in her eyes.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Malnourished woman delivers healthy twin babies through Asha’s intervention
Rubina is a resident of Seelampur staying in one room shanty with her husband, one child and her in-laws. Rubina’s husband works as an assistant in a butcher’s shop on daily wage basis, earning a meagre income of 6000-7000 INR (96 USD/ £ 69) per month, which is too insufficient for supporting the family.
To add to the family’s problems, the lockdown because of the pandemic resulted in the closure of the shop and his family was almost on the brink of starvation. Rubina was pregnant but her family had little resources or means to take care of her. Asha team supported Rubina’s family with emergency ration and other necessary items.
When Rubina visited Asha clinic at Seelampur, she was 3 months pregnant. Her BMI was calculated and she was found suffering from severe malnutrition and Anaemia. She was immediately registered for Asha’s special Malnutrition clinic and was provided high energy, high protein drink along with micro nutrient supplements.
Further, her pregnancy was regularly monitored by home visits and her ANC Check-up was done at Asha clinic as per schedule. Her health condition improved significantly and her pregnancy also progressed well. Asha’s CHV also accompanied her to the hospital for the check-up.
When the date of delivery approached, the doctors at hospital said that that, Rubina’s delivery will be done by operation as she is having twins and there were some complications. Rubina got very nervous and started crying. However, Asha’s CHV motivated and counselled her and prepared her for delivery. Asha’s CHV also accompanied her to the hospital and got her admitted for the delivery. Due to the efforts of the doctors and the Asha team, delivery was normal and Rubina delivered two beautiful twin babies on 26th January’2021.
The babies are healthy and were born with normal weight. The children were breastfed within 6 hours of delivery. After 24 hours monitoring at the hospital, Rubina was discharged and sent to her home. Asha team is ensuring adequate post-natal care for the mother and child by regular home visits. Asha also ensured that Rubina is provided balanced and nutritious food and takes her medicines on time. Both Rubina and her twins are doing well.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
To add to the family’s problems, the lockdown because of the pandemic resulted in the closure of the shop and his family was almost on the brink of starvation. Rubina was pregnant but her family had little resources or means to take care of her. Asha team supported Rubina’s family with emergency ration and other necessary items.
When Rubina visited Asha clinic at Seelampur, she was 3 months pregnant. Her BMI was calculated and she was found suffering from severe malnutrition and Anaemia. She was immediately registered for Asha’s special Malnutrition clinic and was provided high energy, high protein drink along with micro nutrient supplements.
Further, her pregnancy was regularly monitored by home visits and her ANC Check-up was done at Asha clinic as per schedule. Her health condition improved significantly and her pregnancy also progressed well. Asha’s CHV also accompanied her to the hospital for the check-up.
When the date of delivery approached, the doctors at hospital said that that, Rubina’s delivery will be done by operation as she is having twins and there were some complications. Rubina got very nervous and started crying. However, Asha’s CHV motivated and counselled her and prepared her for delivery. Asha’s CHV also accompanied her to the hospital and got her admitted for the delivery. Due to the efforts of the doctors and the Asha team, delivery was normal and Rubina delivered two beautiful twin babies on 26th January’2021.
The babies are healthy and were born with normal weight. The children were breastfed within 6 hours of delivery. After 24 hours monitoring at the hospital, Rubina was discharged and sent to her home. Asha team is ensuring adequate post-natal care for the mother and child by regular home visits. Asha also ensured that Rubina is provided balanced and nutritious food and takes her medicines on time. Both Rubina and her twins are doing well.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
With no one left to call her own, Asha Becomes her family
Haseena is a 65-year-old elderly woman who resides in Jeevan Nagar slum. She originally hails from the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. Haseena was an orphan and had no one to call her own while growing up. Life was extremely difficult as she had to learn to fend for herself from a young age. Hassena started picking up odd jobs since a young age to earn some money to survive on.
When she was a teenager, she shifted to New Delhi to make a better income. While continuing her work she met a widower who worked as a driver. Soon they fell in love and decided to get married. Tragedy struck when Haseena’s husband died suddenly 6 years back. By this time, Haseena herself was an old woman aged 60 and had no one else to depend on. Her step-children cared little for her after their Father’s death. Haseena was now completely alone and helpless.
The Asha team at Jeevan Nagar were in contact with Haseena for years and when they learnt of her sudden troubles, they became the pillars of support for old Haseena. Asha also successfully enabled Haseena to receive monthly old age pension of Rs 2500 (24.54 £ /34.29 USD) from the government. Asha has also been supporting her by providing her with a pack of groceries each month since the pandemic, these food items are able to last her for a month.
‘When I had no one left to call my own, there was Asha. I am thankful to Asha team for looking out for a helpless soul like me. Asha is my family’’ says Haseena. Asha is continually supporting such elderly within Delhi slums, they are completely abandoned and helpless, they require emotional support and unconditional love during their old age and Asha caters to these needs for them.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
When she was a teenager, she shifted to New Delhi to make a better income. While continuing her work she met a widower who worked as a driver. Soon they fell in love and decided to get married. Tragedy struck when Haseena’s husband died suddenly 6 years back. By this time, Haseena herself was an old woman aged 60 and had no one else to depend on. Her step-children cared little for her after their Father’s death. Haseena was now completely alone and helpless.
The Asha team at Jeevan Nagar were in contact with Haseena for years and when they learnt of her sudden troubles, they became the pillars of support for old Haseena. Asha also successfully enabled Haseena to receive monthly old age pension of Rs 2500 (24.54 £ /34.29 USD) from the government. Asha has also been supporting her by providing her with a pack of groceries each month since the pandemic, these food items are able to last her for a month.
‘When I had no one left to call my own, there was Asha. I am thankful to Asha team for looking out for a helpless soul like me. Asha is my family’’ says Haseena. Asha is continually supporting such elderly within Delhi slums, they are completely abandoned and helpless, they require emotional support and unconditional love during their old age and Asha caters to these needs for them.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha student Mohini: Her personal story of struggles and victory while defying the odds
Dr Kiran: 'This is the story of 19 year old Mohini who lives in Asha’s Tigri slum community. Her father is a day labourer and mother is a housemaid. Their combined income is about 150 US dollars a month.
Mohini became a member of the Asha family at the age of 9, by joining the Children’s group where she learned and blossomed in a safe and loving environment, away from an abusive environment where she was harassed and teased.
Through her hard work and with Asha’s guidance and mentoring, Mohini did exceptionally well in her school leaving exams, and secured a seat to study a Bachelors in Home Science at the prestigious Institute of Home Economics at Delhi University.
In early 2020, Mohini had a terrible accident, falling from her makeshift roof at her shanty, and she injured her back bone. She had to go through spinal surgery and took months to recover.
To make things worse, she was diagnosed with Covid and became very ill. The Asha family at Tigri took loving care of her in every way possible.
Mohini had wonderful experiences at an internship at the Australian High Commission through Asha in the summer of 2019. She says she became more expressive and confident than ever, and was delighted to learn many soft skills.
She is now in her final year of her Bachelors in Science, and is looking forward to her future with great hope and excitement. She would like to do her Masters next, and is held up as a role model for other young girls in her community.
'If I had not been a member of the Asha family, I would have been married after high school and possibly have had children.' says Mohini
Mohini is an excellent Asha Ambassador and continues to inspire and give hope to young students in her community and beyond. Get your passport made, Mohini! Who knows what the future holds for you.'
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Mohini became a member of the Asha family at the age of 9, by joining the Children’s group where she learned and blossomed in a safe and loving environment, away from an abusive environment where she was harassed and teased.
Through her hard work and with Asha’s guidance and mentoring, Mohini did exceptionally well in her school leaving exams, and secured a seat to study a Bachelors in Home Science at the prestigious Institute of Home Economics at Delhi University.
In early 2020, Mohini had a terrible accident, falling from her makeshift roof at her shanty, and she injured her back bone. She had to go through spinal surgery and took months to recover.
To make things worse, she was diagnosed with Covid and became very ill. The Asha family at Tigri took loving care of her in every way possible.
Mohini had wonderful experiences at an internship at the Australian High Commission through Asha in the summer of 2019. She says she became more expressive and confident than ever, and was delighted to learn many soft skills.
She is now in her final year of her Bachelors in Science, and is looking forward to her future with great hope and excitement. She would like to do her Masters next, and is held up as a role model for other young girls in her community.
'If I had not been a member of the Asha family, I would have been married after high school and possibly have had children.' says Mohini
Mohini is an excellent Asha Ambassador and continues to inspire and give hope to young students in her community and beyond. Get your passport made, Mohini! Who knows what the future holds for you.'
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
One Girl’s dream of Higher Education
18-year-old Kulsum lives in Zakhira slum community with her family. Kulsum’s very poor parents had migrated to Delhi from the state of Bihar in search of better opportunities.
However, life in Delhi was not easy. After struggling with odd jobs, her father found work as a scrap collector, earning about 100 USD a month.
Kulsum got associated with Asha through the Children’s Group when she was just 6 years old. She loved coming to Asha, and that is where she began to blossom, as she learnt about the Asha values and about community service.
Kulsum and her family reside in a tiny matchstick size house in Zakhira slum. The size of a room is barely the size of a single bed mattress. The family of 6 manage to conduct their daily activities in this small space.
Through Asha’s support, Kulsum was able to score 89% in her 12th final exams. Her excellent marks were sure to secure her a seat at Delhi University.
However, due to financial circumstances, her father refused to send her to university. The Asha team in Zakhira worked relentlessly for days to convince her father. The team told him not to worry about the finances; Asha would support her.
Finally Kulsum took admission at Delhi University, to study a BA in Economics and Political Science. What a victory after weeks of convincing her father!
It was at college where Kulsum, a shy girl began to shine. She started to participate in debate competitions and group discussions in class where she spoke her mind. She won many essay competitions, at one time also securing the 1st prize as a cash prize of Rs 2000/-. That meant the world to her. She remembered that day how she could not speak a word before a stranger. She could hardly recognise herself!
Today, Kulsum is in her 2nd year of university and enjoying her educational journey. She is an active Asha Corona Warrior, and is standing with her community during these worst of times.
“I really enjoy writing and want to become a Hindi journalist, writing for a newspaper or an online news website in the future. I know that Dr Kiran and the Asha family will always support me to achieve my dream” says Kulsum.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
However, life in Delhi was not easy. After struggling with odd jobs, her father found work as a scrap collector, earning about 100 USD a month.
Kulsum got associated with Asha through the Children’s Group when she was just 6 years old. She loved coming to Asha, and that is where she began to blossom, as she learnt about the Asha values and about community service.
Kulsum and her family reside in a tiny matchstick size house in Zakhira slum. The size of a room is barely the size of a single bed mattress. The family of 6 manage to conduct their daily activities in this small space.
Through Asha’s support, Kulsum was able to score 89% in her 12th final exams. Her excellent marks were sure to secure her a seat at Delhi University.
However, due to financial circumstances, her father refused to send her to university. The Asha team in Zakhira worked relentlessly for days to convince her father. The team told him not to worry about the finances; Asha would support her.
Finally Kulsum took admission at Delhi University, to study a BA in Economics and Political Science. What a victory after weeks of convincing her father!
It was at college where Kulsum, a shy girl began to shine. She started to participate in debate competitions and group discussions in class where she spoke her mind. She won many essay competitions, at one time also securing the 1st prize as a cash prize of Rs 2000/-. That meant the world to her. She remembered that day how she could not speak a word before a stranger. She could hardly recognise herself!
Today, Kulsum is in her 2nd year of university and enjoying her educational journey. She is an active Asha Corona Warrior, and is standing with her community during these worst of times.
“I really enjoy writing and want to become a Hindi journalist, writing for a newspaper or an online news website in the future. I know that Dr Kiran and the Asha family will always support me to achieve my dream” says Kulsum.
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha student from Peeragarhi slum bags a seat in Delhi University against all odds
Dr Kiran: ”This is Preeti, and she has scored an amazing 86% in her school leaving exams, all because of her hard work and the mentoring provided by the Asha Ambassadors in Peera Garhi slum community. Her father worked as a day labourer while the family could only afford a rented shanty. Two meals a day were a luxury. He sadly passed away due to kidney disease. Her mother had never left the house, but was forced to find some work. She began as a domestic help, but then suddenly lost work due to the pandemic.
Preeti says she never had enough in the way of books, school uniforms, and stationery, but she never complained, and was always sad to witness the circumstances of her family.
She has now found a place at Delhi University and will read Political Science and Economics. She can never forget what Asha has done and is determined to help the younger school students in her community.”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Preeti says she never had enough in the way of books, school uniforms, and stationery, but she never complained, and was always sad to witness the circumstances of her family.
She has now found a place at Delhi University and will read Political Science and Economics. She can never forget what Asha has done and is determined to help the younger school students in her community.”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Son of a tailor gains admission with a Bachelors of Commerce Honors programme at Delhi University
Dr Kiran: “Rohit lives in Kalkaji slum community in a shanty home no larger than a small car. Despite being sick, his father is forced to do some tailoring work in a factory on daily wages that add up to about 90 dollars a month.
Rohit scored a fantastic 90.75% in his high school exams in spite of having faced so much hardship and poverty all his life.
He has just found a place in the most competitive Bachelors of Commerce Honors programme at Delhi University!
Rohit dreams of being a banker someday. He is filled with gratitude to the Asha family for helping him with books, mentoring him, guiding him through the university admissions process, and paying for his university expenses.”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Rohit scored a fantastic 90.75% in his high school exams in spite of having faced so much hardship and poverty all his life.
He has just found a place in the most competitive Bachelors of Commerce Honors programme at Delhi University!
Rohit dreams of being a banker someday. He is filled with gratitude to the Asha family for helping him with books, mentoring him, guiding him through the university admissions process, and paying for his university expenses.”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Labourer’s son from the slums secures a seat in Delhi University
Dr Kiran: “Roshan’s father was a landless labourer in the state of Bihar and was forced to move to Delhi in search of work. The family moved to Kalkaji slum colony where they had to rent a shanty, such was their poverty.
Roshan would wake up early in the morning to help his mother with her household chores and help get his siblings dressed for school. He would study late into the night.
Both his parents have lost their jobs during the pandemic. “There have been days when there hasn’t been a single grain at home. I have studied through my hunger pangs, because I have a passion for learning. My parents have suffered a lot, and I want to help them lead a better life.” says Roshan.
He has just found a place at Delhi University through Asha, and will read English and History.
Way to go Roshan! We are proud of you!”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Roshan would wake up early in the morning to help his mother with her household chores and help get his siblings dressed for school. He would study late into the night.
Both his parents have lost their jobs during the pandemic. “There have been days when there hasn’t been a single grain at home. I have studied through my hunger pangs, because I have a passion for learning. My parents have suffered a lot, and I want to help them lead a better life.” says Roshan.
He has just found a place at Delhi University through Asha, and will read English and History.
Way to go Roshan! We are proud of you!”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Elderly man living alone in the slums cared for by Asha
Dr Kiran: ‘This is the sad story of an 86 year old man called Kayamuddin. He lives on his own in a small shack in a corner of a tiny lane in Tigri slum community.
Kayamuddin was a poor landless labourer in the state of Bihar. He moved to the Delhi slums at a young age. He tragically lost all three of his young children to illness while living in terrible conditions. Unable to cope with the grief, his wife died a few years later.
He was on the brink of starvation when the pandemic hit the Delhi slums and there was no work and no food.
Asha immediately rushed to his aid, and has been supporting him on a continuous basis since the end of March. He looks forward to his regular supply of groceries, medicines and regular check ups at the Asha clinic, and the visits of the Asha Corona Warriors who help him and provide him comfort. “ Asha has helped a poor man like me during such difficult times. No one except Asha has bothered to care for me. Thank you for watching over me,” says Kayamuddin with a sorrowful look in his eyes.’
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Kayamuddin was a poor landless labourer in the state of Bihar. He moved to the Delhi slums at a young age. He tragically lost all three of his young children to illness while living in terrible conditions. Unable to cope with the grief, his wife died a few years later.
He was on the brink of starvation when the pandemic hit the Delhi slums and there was no work and no food.
Asha immediately rushed to his aid, and has been supporting him on a continuous basis since the end of March. He looks forward to his regular supply of groceries, medicines and regular check ups at the Asha clinic, and the visits of the Asha Corona Warriors who help him and provide him comfort. “ Asha has helped a poor man like me during such difficult times. No one except Asha has bothered to care for me. Thank you for watching over me,” says Kayamuddin with a sorrowful look in his eyes.’
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Surviving against the odds with Asha’s support
This is the sad story of 72-year-old Jhallo Devi who lives on her own in the Mayapuri slum colony, abandoned by her family. Jhallo spent her childhood working on the farms of landowners in the state of Bihar. She was married off at the age of 12, never receiving the opportunity of an education.
She and her husband lived by the railway tracks in the slum. Her husband earned a meagre daily wage as a labourer and with it he supported his family of 6.
Jhallo’s husband died in an accident at the age of 40. She was left alone to raise her children. She saw terrible poverty during the coming years.
Her children got married, and abandoned her to live alone in her one-room shanty.
The Asha team became her family and took her under their care, providing her regularly with groceries, cooking for her, treating her ailments, and filling her life with love and affection.
“I cannot express in words what it means to me that the Asha family takes care of an old lady like me, “ says Jhallo. “ My knees are weak, and sometimes I cannot walk to the Asha centre, but the Asha family members always visit me at my home and take care of my needs. How shall I ever thank them enough?”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
She and her husband lived by the railway tracks in the slum. Her husband earned a meagre daily wage as a labourer and with it he supported his family of 6.
Jhallo’s husband died in an accident at the age of 40. She was left alone to raise her children. She saw terrible poverty during the coming years.
Her children got married, and abandoned her to live alone in her one-room shanty.
The Asha team became her family and took her under their care, providing her regularly with groceries, cooking for her, treating her ailments, and filling her life with love and affection.
“I cannot express in words what it means to me that the Asha family takes care of an old lady like me, “ says Jhallo. “ My knees are weak, and sometimes I cannot walk to the Asha centre, but the Asha family members always visit me at my home and take care of my needs. How shall I ever thank them enough?”
Donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Education paves the way for a better tomorrow
Dr Kiran, “Imagine living in a house built on a drain made of plastic and haystacks, with no ventilation, sanitation, water or electricity and water pouring into the home during the monsoon season.
Tragically, this was Rahul’s reality growing up in Anna Nagar slum in Delhi.
We never had a door at the entrance of our shanty, we used a bed sheet as a curtain.
Rahul was an intelligent child and an active member of the Asha Bal Mandal (children’s group).
Everything changed in Grade 9 when he began to spend time in undesirable company. Once at the top of his class, Rahul now regularly missed class.
Eventually he left school and began working as a waiter in a college canteen.
Whilst working at the canteen, he saw many Asha students from slum colonies who were studying in the same college.
He came to his senses, and decided to seek readmission to school. Whilst this was a difficult process, he succeeded with the help of the Asha team. It now seemed as though his life was back on track.
But tragedy hit the family when Rahul’s father died after suffering from cancer. No longer a carefree student, the responsibility for his mother and 3 siblings was on Rahul’s shoulders.
With Asha’s support, Rahul secured a place at the prestigious Delhi University, and got enlisted in a BA Honours program in Political Science. Asha took care of his college tuition and all his college expenses.
He received opportunities to do Asha internships at international corporations.
Rahul graduated in 2015 and secured a job at a well known company called Visa Facilitation Services Global. He then moved to a National insurance company.
With his income, he was able to save enough money to build a home and provide for his family.
In 2018 Rahul fell in love with one of his colleagues, Kiran! They moved out of the slum into their own home.
Rahul is a wonderful Asha alumnus, making regular financial contributions from his income to Asha.
What an incredible story! Redemption is always possible in the worst of circumstances. With love and encouragement. Many young people living in the slums now receive inspiration from Rahul!”
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Tragically, this was Rahul’s reality growing up in Anna Nagar slum in Delhi.
We never had a door at the entrance of our shanty, we used a bed sheet as a curtain.
Rahul was an intelligent child and an active member of the Asha Bal Mandal (children’s group).
Everything changed in Grade 9 when he began to spend time in undesirable company. Once at the top of his class, Rahul now regularly missed class.
Eventually he left school and began working as a waiter in a college canteen.
Whilst working at the canteen, he saw many Asha students from slum colonies who were studying in the same college.
He came to his senses, and decided to seek readmission to school. Whilst this was a difficult process, he succeeded with the help of the Asha team. It now seemed as though his life was back on track.
But tragedy hit the family when Rahul’s father died after suffering from cancer. No longer a carefree student, the responsibility for his mother and 3 siblings was on Rahul’s shoulders.
With Asha’s support, Rahul secured a place at the prestigious Delhi University, and got enlisted in a BA Honours program in Political Science. Asha took care of his college tuition and all his college expenses.
He received opportunities to do Asha internships at international corporations.
Rahul graduated in 2015 and secured a job at a well known company called Visa Facilitation Services Global. He then moved to a National insurance company.
With his income, he was able to save enough money to build a home and provide for his family.
In 2018 Rahul fell in love with one of his colleagues, Kiran! They moved out of the slum into their own home.
Rahul is a wonderful Asha alumnus, making regular financial contributions from his income to Asha.
What an incredible story! Redemption is always possible in the worst of circumstances. With love and encouragement. Many young people living in the slums now receive inspiration from Rahul!”
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Pursuing a childhood dream of higher education
This is the story of a girl called Sehra, who was born and raised in extreme poverty. She now lives in Zakhira slum colony. Her father makes plastic bags, earning US$ 68 a month with the responsibility of feeding a family of 8. Sehra spoke of her many struggles including going hungry for days at a time. She once fell terribly ill because she the water she drank in her slum community was dirty. Her father had to take large loans from a money lender to get her treated, and is still in debt.
Sehra was introduced to Asha through her older sister Zohra. Zohra has been a member of the Asha family for some time now. She is currently in her final year at Delhi university, reading Economics and English. She is one of Asha’s finest ambassadors and Corona Warriors.
Sehra says of her sister Zohra, “ My sister is my role model and inspiration in life. I look at my sister’s life and see the change Asha has brought about in her.
When I became associated with Asha, I realized that as a girl, I have the right to get a good education. I have also seen that the girls who are associated with Asha are much more confident, ambitious, and independent than the others.”
Sehra would study in the quiet study spaces at the Asha centre in her community. She found it nearly impossible to study at home that was just one small room occupied by 9 people.
The story ends( and begins) with a wonderful piece of news. Sehra has scored 81% in her high school National exam!
Sehra would like to study Economics and Political Science at Delhi University.
“Asha’s unconditional love and support have given me this wonderful success” says Sehra.
And it is of course a testament to her own hard work and determination.
Asha will be with her all the way through the admissions process to Delhi University and beyond. Asha thanks every member of the global Asha family for making this possible for Sehra and hundreds of other young girls like her. You are not only transforming the lives of individuals, but those of entire families and communities, changing generational deeply entrenched attitudes about the education of young girls.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Sehra was introduced to Asha through her older sister Zohra. Zohra has been a member of the Asha family for some time now. She is currently in her final year at Delhi university, reading Economics and English. She is one of Asha’s finest ambassadors and Corona Warriors.
Sehra says of her sister Zohra, “ My sister is my role model and inspiration in life. I look at my sister’s life and see the change Asha has brought about in her.
When I became associated with Asha, I realized that as a girl, I have the right to get a good education. I have also seen that the girls who are associated with Asha are much more confident, ambitious, and independent than the others.”
Sehra would study in the quiet study spaces at the Asha centre in her community. She found it nearly impossible to study at home that was just one small room occupied by 9 people.
The story ends( and begins) with a wonderful piece of news. Sehra has scored 81% in her high school National exam!
Sehra would like to study Economics and Political Science at Delhi University.
“Asha’s unconditional love and support have given me this wonderful success” says Sehra.
And it is of course a testament to her own hard work and determination.
Asha will be with her all the way through the admissions process to Delhi University and beyond. Asha thanks every member of the global Asha family for making this possible for Sehra and hundreds of other young girls like her. You are not only transforming the lives of individuals, but those of entire families and communities, changing generational deeply entrenched attitudes about the education of young girls.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
The power of Girls education
17-year-old Priya was born and raised in poverty in a tiny shanty hut by the railway line in Chanderpuri slum community located in the eastern part of the city of Delhi. Both her parents are daily wage labourers toiling hard everyday to raise the family of 8. Her father works in the local market manually lifting heavy cardboard boxes and carrying them to storage spaces and shops. He works 14 hours a day. Her mother sits all day in a dark corner of her shanty, cutting extra thread from locally made pairs of jeans, and gets paid 2 rupees (0.02 cents)for working on 12 pairs of jeans. Together they earn about 90 dollars in a month.
Priya loved to study but could not think of affording private tuitions during her high school year, something that was the norm for students from middle income families. She had just one school uniform that she washed every day after school. She has never ever been able to buy a book.
Priya began to visit the Asha centre at the age of 13. In her words, “ My life completely changed from the day I became a part of the Asha family. I did not even know what a Higher Education was till I became an Asha member. I loved studying at the centre, reading the books and other resources provided by Asha, and getting free coaching from my seniors at Asha.” She had to continue to do the job of cutting thread from jeans to help her mother, while she was at high school, and preparing for the all important national level exam.
Priya scored a wonderful 88.5% in this exam, and is now all set to find a place at Delhi University! Asha has helped her with the application process, and there is more work to be done, including pay for her entire college tuition. Then there will be the challenge of helping her navigate her first semester online due to the pandemic.
I am excited for Priya, and Asha is committed to providing her with all the support she will continue to need. And who knows where her journey will take her? We must believe in her, and help her to flourish and to reach her highest potential.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Priya loved to study but could not think of affording private tuitions during her high school year, something that was the norm for students from middle income families. She had just one school uniform that she washed every day after school. She has never ever been able to buy a book.
Priya began to visit the Asha centre at the age of 13. In her words, “ My life completely changed from the day I became a part of the Asha family. I did not even know what a Higher Education was till I became an Asha member. I loved studying at the centre, reading the books and other resources provided by Asha, and getting free coaching from my seniors at Asha.” She had to continue to do the job of cutting thread from jeans to help her mother, while she was at high school, and preparing for the all important national level exam.
Priya scored a wonderful 88.5% in this exam, and is now all set to find a place at Delhi University! Asha has helped her with the application process, and there is more work to be done, including pay for her entire college tuition. Then there will be the challenge of helping her navigate her first semester online due to the pandemic.
I am excited for Priya, and Asha is committed to providing her with all the support she will continue to need. And who knows where her journey will take her? We must believe in her, and help her to flourish and to reach her highest potential.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Reaching for the sky with Asha’s support
Hazmat is an 18-year-old Asha student who resides in Peeragarhi slum, West Delhi. Hazmat’s Father is handicapped from his right hand since birth and does not hold a stable job, her mother works as a help in the hospital nearby. Her Father’s family belongs to a small village in the state of Bihar, where his parents were farmless farmers. After his marriage, Hazmat was the eldest child born. With no stable job and income, this family of 3 lived each day not knowing when or how they would eat their next meal.
In search of a better future, Hazmat’s family relocated to New Delhi with big hopes and dreams in their eyes. Soon, the family expanded as 3 more children were born in the family. With a large family, there were more mouths to feed and little income to survive on. Hazmat’s Mother started to work in a hospital nearby earning a bare minimum of Rs.3000 a month. The entire family became dependent on her salary to feed themselves.
During her childhood, Hazmat remembers there were continuous issues with rent payment, food scarcity and school fees payment. These had become common occurrences that happened regularly, as her family struggled financially. ‘When I think of my childhood, it brings tears to my eyes. My family has seen very dark days. There were days when the cooking stove was never lit in our house’ says a teary-eyed Hazmat.
Hazmat got associated with Asha when the Asha team at Peeragarhi slum were visiting door to door informing the class 10 and 12 students of the free assistance provided at the Asha centre. When she arrived at the Asha centre, the Asha family welcomed Hazmat with open arms. It was at Asha where she was encouraged and guided for her future and provided with free books, sample papers, mock exam preparations along with free tuitions by the Asha Ambassadors. ‘Getting associated with Asha was definitely the biggest turning point in my life. Overnight, I became a member of the Asha family and could confide with the Asha team about my personal struggles, hopes and dream’ says Hazmat.
Asha’s intervention and Hazmat’s hard work came to light when she scored an amazing score of 86.75% in her 12th board results. Hazmat’s family and the entire Asha family is so proud of her. Through Asha’s assistance, Hazmat has currently registered online for admission to the Delhi University. She wishes to pursue a BCA degree i.e. Bachelor of Computer Applications and aims to become the first software engineer from the slums of Peeragarhi. Asha will do everything possible to nurture the ambitions and dreams of such passionate and driven students from the Delhi slums.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
In search of a better future, Hazmat’s family relocated to New Delhi with big hopes and dreams in their eyes. Soon, the family expanded as 3 more children were born in the family. With a large family, there were more mouths to feed and little income to survive on. Hazmat’s Mother started to work in a hospital nearby earning a bare minimum of Rs.3000 a month. The entire family became dependent on her salary to feed themselves.
During her childhood, Hazmat remembers there were continuous issues with rent payment, food scarcity and school fees payment. These had become common occurrences that happened regularly, as her family struggled financially. ‘When I think of my childhood, it brings tears to my eyes. My family has seen very dark days. There were days when the cooking stove was never lit in our house’ says a teary-eyed Hazmat.
Hazmat got associated with Asha when the Asha team at Peeragarhi slum were visiting door to door informing the class 10 and 12 students of the free assistance provided at the Asha centre. When she arrived at the Asha centre, the Asha family welcomed Hazmat with open arms. It was at Asha where she was encouraged and guided for her future and provided with free books, sample papers, mock exam preparations along with free tuitions by the Asha Ambassadors. ‘Getting associated with Asha was definitely the biggest turning point in my life. Overnight, I became a member of the Asha family and could confide with the Asha team about my personal struggles, hopes and dream’ says Hazmat.
Asha’s intervention and Hazmat’s hard work came to light when she scored an amazing score of 86.75% in her 12th board results. Hazmat’s family and the entire Asha family is so proud of her. Through Asha’s assistance, Hazmat has currently registered online for admission to the Delhi University. She wishes to pursue a BCA degree i.e. Bachelor of Computer Applications and aims to become the first software engineer from the slums of Peeragarhi. Asha will do everything possible to nurture the ambitions and dreams of such passionate and driven students from the Delhi slums.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Shabnam’s excellent results holds the keys to a brighter future for her family
17 year old Shabnam has been living in Zakhira slum colony all her life. Her father moved to Delhi from Bihar 20 years ago in search of a livelihood. He is a daily wage labourer, and has to feed a family of 6 on 105 dollars a month. Two square meals are a luxury. Usually it’s one.
Shabnam was never allowed to step out of the house alone as a young child. She spoke about how she would wake up at 4am, help her mother with household chores, get her siblings dressed for school, and went to school without breakfast. In the evenings she witnessed daily quarrels between her parents over not having enough food.
The Asha Children’s Group at our centre was the only place she was allowed to go. There she was enveloped in the safe haven of love and kindness. She would sit in the quiet study space for hours everyday. The Asha team and volunteers provided her with books, voluntary coaching, and mentoring.
A sudden tragedy struck in the family when her brother suddenly fell unconscious one day and had to be rushed to the hospital. Shabnam had to take care of the entire family at home while her parents were at the hospital with their son. Shabnam would study at night, sleeping for barely 2-3 hours everyday. She says she doesn’t know what she would have done without the emotional support of the Asha team and Ambassadors. They spoke words of comfort, and assured her of their full support.
As soon as her high school exams were over, the pandemic broke out. Her father lost his work instantly. The family survived through Asha’s regular help with finances and groceries. She says that the family would have starved without Asha’s assistance.
And now I have the best news ever! Shabnam has scored 89% in her high school leaving examination. She can’t wait to find a place at Delhi University. Asha is committed to supporting her fully in every way both through the admissions process, paying for her college tuition, and after. Let’s all hope that Shabnam and her family will one day receive all the happiness in the world.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Shabnam was never allowed to step out of the house alone as a young child. She spoke about how she would wake up at 4am, help her mother with household chores, get her siblings dressed for school, and went to school without breakfast. In the evenings she witnessed daily quarrels between her parents over not having enough food.
The Asha Children’s Group at our centre was the only place she was allowed to go. There she was enveloped in the safe haven of love and kindness. She would sit in the quiet study space for hours everyday. The Asha team and volunteers provided her with books, voluntary coaching, and mentoring.
A sudden tragedy struck in the family when her brother suddenly fell unconscious one day and had to be rushed to the hospital. Shabnam had to take care of the entire family at home while her parents were at the hospital with their son. Shabnam would study at night, sleeping for barely 2-3 hours everyday. She says she doesn’t know what she would have done without the emotional support of the Asha team and Ambassadors. They spoke words of comfort, and assured her of their full support.
As soon as her high school exams were over, the pandemic broke out. Her father lost his work instantly. The family survived through Asha’s regular help with finances and groceries. She says that the family would have starved without Asha’s assistance.
And now I have the best news ever! Shabnam has scored 89% in her high school leaving examination. She can’t wait to find a place at Delhi University. Asha is committed to supporting her fully in every way both through the admissions process, paying for her college tuition, and after. Let’s all hope that Shabnam and her family will one day receive all the happiness in the world.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha student Vivek- the first student from Kanchan Basti slum who will attend University
This is the story of 17 year old Vivek from Kanchan Basti in Mayapuri. In order to appreciate his remarkable achievements, it becomes important to understand the background of the community he belongs to.
He belongs to the Nat tribe from the state of UP. This is a Dalit( untouchables) community. They have been poor and landless, and have suffered discrimination for generations. They are strictly endogamous, marrying only among relatives. They are introvert and do not like to interact with others. When they first moved to Mayapuri 30 years ago, their primary source of income was begging and stealing. They are not given work in the scrapyard nearby because of the habit of stealing. They are now mostly working as rag pickers, or sellers of balloons at traffic lights or in the local market. Living in terribly unhygienic conditions is a habit, and they are not bothered by it.
There are 3000 families with homes by the scrap market, along an 8km stretch.
What makes Vivek’s story extraordinary is that no one in his community has ever gone to college in three generations. Vivek spent his childhood in a 6*6 ft room tied together with a tarpaulin sheet for the food, and garbage bags filled with empty bottles to fill in the yawning gaps. Their home is surrounded by large pools of stagnant water with mosquitoes breeding. There is solid waste all around, and they are immersed in the waste all day looking for metal and plastic.
Vivek’s family of 7 has to get by on 80 dollars a month. He does not have a bed or a chair in his home. They sleep on an overused mat with their bedding, clothes, cooking pots, and washing bowls all around the mat. It takes 4-5 hours for his turn to fill water through the water tankers. The nearest public toilet is 4km away.
Vivek says his father has had no work since the lockdown and the family has been entirely dependent on Asha for food and essentials, since then.
Vivek would love coming to the Asha centre as a student, and he was inspired by the senior university students and graduates. He came almost everyday during his high school year, and received books, a quiet place to study, volunteer coaching by Asha Ambassadors, and lots of mentoring and motivation.
He will be the first student in the history of his community, to go to university. Most students in Kanchan Basti drop out after grade 5. Vivek would like to do an Honours in Political Science. Asha stands firmly and fully behind him to help him achieve his goals in the midst of the toughest of circumstances.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
He belongs to the Nat tribe from the state of UP. This is a Dalit( untouchables) community. They have been poor and landless, and have suffered discrimination for generations. They are strictly endogamous, marrying only among relatives. They are introvert and do not like to interact with others. When they first moved to Mayapuri 30 years ago, their primary source of income was begging and stealing. They are not given work in the scrapyard nearby because of the habit of stealing. They are now mostly working as rag pickers, or sellers of balloons at traffic lights or in the local market. Living in terribly unhygienic conditions is a habit, and they are not bothered by it.
There are 3000 families with homes by the scrap market, along an 8km stretch.
What makes Vivek’s story extraordinary is that no one in his community has ever gone to college in three generations. Vivek spent his childhood in a 6*6 ft room tied together with a tarpaulin sheet for the food, and garbage bags filled with empty bottles to fill in the yawning gaps. Their home is surrounded by large pools of stagnant water with mosquitoes breeding. There is solid waste all around, and they are immersed in the waste all day looking for metal and plastic.
Vivek’s family of 7 has to get by on 80 dollars a month. He does not have a bed or a chair in his home. They sleep on an overused mat with their bedding, clothes, cooking pots, and washing bowls all around the mat. It takes 4-5 hours for his turn to fill water through the water tankers. The nearest public toilet is 4km away.
Vivek says his father has had no work since the lockdown and the family has been entirely dependent on Asha for food and essentials, since then.
Vivek would love coming to the Asha centre as a student, and he was inspired by the senior university students and graduates. He came almost everyday during his high school year, and received books, a quiet place to study, volunteer coaching by Asha Ambassadors, and lots of mentoring and motivation.
He will be the first student in the history of his community, to go to university. Most students in Kanchan Basti drop out after grade 5. Vivek would like to do an Honours in Political Science. Asha stands firmly and fully behind him to help him achieve his goals in the midst of the toughest of circumstances.
Click to donate for the cause of Asha: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Asha topper from Jeevan Nagar scores 94.% in his 12th board exams
Asha’s Jeevan Nagar nineteen-year-old boy Adil, scored a whopping 94 % (A+ Grade). What makes his achievement worth mentioning is the challenging circumstances he has overcome to emerge as a winner.
“I was born in great poverty to parents who wandered from one place to another like nomads.”
Adil’s parents migrated from Banaras to a slum in New Delhi in search of work. His father started working as a welder. After shifting their adobe from one slum to another, they finally settled in the Jeewan Nagar Slum community ten years ago.
“I live in a small shanty with my parents and four younger siblings. My father manages to earn INR 15000 ($ 200.03/ £ 175.18) per month. By the end of the month, it always becomes difficult for my parents to manage the household expenses. The only time we received new clothes was on Eid (a Muslim festival).
“I have seen people saying that they enjoy rain but trust me things were completely different for us. I remember our roof used to leak during the rains. My books used to get wet along with a lot of other things. The major challenge we face is from mongoose. They destroy so many things like food, clothes, and my books.”
At the age of ten, I joined the Bal Mandal (children’s association) and its activities were a natural progression arising from the comfort levels that I had started sharing with Asha centre and its staff”, shares Adil. “Things changed for me when I was in Grade 8. This is when I heard about Chandan bhaiya (brother). Then only I decided that I want to follow his footsteps” added Adil. Adil worked hard to achieve his dream. He was provided with much-needed scholastic materials and a space comfortable for studying in peace.
“This year everything is different because of COVID- 19. My father lost his job during the lockdown. It became extremely difficult for us to survive but Asha supported us in every possible way. I had terrifying moments before the results were announced. But the emotional support I received from Asha Ambassadors is beyond words.”
Adil who is now gearing up to pursue his dream to be an engineer has scored 94% in his 12th examination securing the highest in the subject of Physics- 95. This would have been impossible without his hard work and assistance from the Asha Team.
“When I saw my school-leaving exam result, I was incredibly happy. I want to thank the Asha team specially Sachin bhaiya (Asha Ambassador) who helped me prepare for the exams.”
Adil’s determination even in such circumstances is extraordinary. Along with that, he is a wonderful Asha Ambassador who believes in giving back to his society and helping his communities.
We wish him luck for a good career opportunity ahead and hope he makes a good living and takes his family away from slums, soon.
To donate for our cause, click here: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
“I was born in great poverty to parents who wandered from one place to another like nomads.”
Adil’s parents migrated from Banaras to a slum in New Delhi in search of work. His father started working as a welder. After shifting their adobe from one slum to another, they finally settled in the Jeewan Nagar Slum community ten years ago.
“I live in a small shanty with my parents and four younger siblings. My father manages to earn INR 15000 ($ 200.03/ £ 175.18) per month. By the end of the month, it always becomes difficult for my parents to manage the household expenses. The only time we received new clothes was on Eid (a Muslim festival).
“I have seen people saying that they enjoy rain but trust me things were completely different for us. I remember our roof used to leak during the rains. My books used to get wet along with a lot of other things. The major challenge we face is from mongoose. They destroy so many things like food, clothes, and my books.”
At the age of ten, I joined the Bal Mandal (children’s association) and its activities were a natural progression arising from the comfort levels that I had started sharing with Asha centre and its staff”, shares Adil. “Things changed for me when I was in Grade 8. This is when I heard about Chandan bhaiya (brother). Then only I decided that I want to follow his footsteps” added Adil. Adil worked hard to achieve his dream. He was provided with much-needed scholastic materials and a space comfortable for studying in peace.
“This year everything is different because of COVID- 19. My father lost his job during the lockdown. It became extremely difficult for us to survive but Asha supported us in every possible way. I had terrifying moments before the results were announced. But the emotional support I received from Asha Ambassadors is beyond words.”
Adil who is now gearing up to pursue his dream to be an engineer has scored 94% in his 12th examination securing the highest in the subject of Physics- 95. This would have been impossible without his hard work and assistance from the Asha Team.
“When I saw my school-leaving exam result, I was incredibly happy. I want to thank the Asha team specially Sachin bhaiya (Asha Ambassador) who helped me prepare for the exams.”
Adil’s determination even in such circumstances is extraordinary. Along with that, he is a wonderful Asha Ambassador who believes in giving back to his society and helping his communities.
We wish him luck for a good career opportunity ahead and hope he makes a good living and takes his family away from slums, soon.
To donate for our cause, click here: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Bedridden man receives aid from Asha
Forty-Eight-year-old Dharampal has been a resident of Dr, Ambedkar Basti for more than 20 years. He earned his living by playing the drums. An unfortunate accident some months ago broke his back, and he became totally bedridden. The doctor suggested spinal surgery. His family consisted of one son as his wife had died 2 years back. Dharampal’s accident had stopped the family income, so his 18-year-old son was forced to take up his father’s profession of playing the drums to take care of the family.
However, the emergence of pandemic and the consequent lock-down brought multi-faceted problems to Dharampal’s family. The family had no source of money as the lock-down had forced Dharampal’s son to stay at home and not to venture outside for work. Further, his treatment also suffered because of the present situation. The situation was really gloomy and dark.
However, Asha’s brave team of Corona warriors went to Dharampal’s house and comforted him with cheerful and motivating words. The Asha team also provided the family ration, which included essential supplies like wheat, sugar, pulses, and soap that was really needed for the survival of the family at this hour of distress. The Asha team told Dharampal not to lose hope and assured him that they will always be available at any time of their need.
Asha’s Corona Warriors are taking care of such vulnerable and needy families across all the slums under Asha’s programme locations at this grave hour of crisis.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
However, the emergence of pandemic and the consequent lock-down brought multi-faceted problems to Dharampal’s family. The family had no source of money as the lock-down had forced Dharampal’s son to stay at home and not to venture outside for work. Further, his treatment also suffered because of the present situation. The situation was really gloomy and dark.
However, Asha’s brave team of Corona warriors went to Dharampal’s house and comforted him with cheerful and motivating words. The Asha team also provided the family ration, which included essential supplies like wheat, sugar, pulses, and soap that was really needed for the survival of the family at this hour of distress. The Asha team told Dharampal not to lose hope and assured him that they will always be available at any time of their need.
Asha’s Corona Warriors are taking care of such vulnerable and needy families across all the slums under Asha’s programme locations at this grave hour of crisis.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
The touching story of a Mother
Suneshvari Devi is a 74-year-old woman who lives in Mayapuri slum. She hails from a small village in Bihar and has been living in Delhi for the past 25 years. Suneshvari was born in the late 1940s to farmless farmers. Suneshvari was married off at the tender age of 12. Her husband was 16 years old. Soon, she was blessed with 3 children, 2 daughters, and 1 son. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Her young daughters aged 6-10 passed away diagnosed with acute leukemia.
In 1995, Suryavanshi and her family came to Delhi and settled down in Mayapuri slum. Her young son took up multiple odd jobs to survive on. Over the years, he kept saving, this enabled him to open his vegetable selling stall.
However, their happiness did not last long. In 2019 her daughter-in-law suddenly suffered a paralysis which left her right hand paralyzed. When the lockdown came into effect suddenly, it took some days for old Suryavanshi to realise the effect it would have on her family. The little money her son sent each month via money order by post came to a stop.
The Asha field team heard of Suryavanshi’s condition and came to help immediately providing her with financial aid. Currently, Asha continues to work for the needy and poor amongst the Asha slums. The poorest are being provided with continuous financial aid, groceries, medicines, and sanitation products to make their lives a little easier during this pandemic.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
In 1995, Suryavanshi and her family came to Delhi and settled down in Mayapuri slum. Her young son took up multiple odd jobs to survive on. Over the years, he kept saving, this enabled him to open his vegetable selling stall.
However, their happiness did not last long. In 2019 her daughter-in-law suddenly suffered a paralysis which left her right hand paralyzed. When the lockdown came into effect suddenly, it took some days for old Suryavanshi to realise the effect it would have on her family. The little money her son sent each month via money order by post came to a stop.
The Asha field team heard of Suryavanshi’s condition and came to help immediately providing her with financial aid. Currently, Asha continues to work for the needy and poor amongst the Asha slums. The poorest are being provided with continuous financial aid, groceries, medicines, and sanitation products to make their lives a little easier during this pandemic.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Loving wife takes care of paralysed husband with aid from Asha
60-year-old A. Mahalingam, who stays with his wife Shanti in Asha’s Jeewan Nagar slum is paralysed on the right side and is unable to speak properly. He is bedridden and is looked after by his wife Shanti. Shanti also earns income for the family by selling snack foods from a corner shop in the community.
However, the emergence of Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown was a double disaster for the family. The shop, which was the only source of income for the family, was closed by the police and with a sick and ailing husband, Shanti had no place to go and no income to feed the family.
Facing a terrible crisis for existence, Asha corona warriors, who have been relentlessly helping the slum dwellers by creating awareness and sensitizing the residents on the disease, educating them on the safety and precautionary measures like hand washing, social distancing and staying at home, providing essential relief of food and other necessities to the needy, elderly and differently-abled, motivating and spreading joy during this period of gloom and distress, came to the rescue of Mahalingam’s family.
Asha’s brave corona warrior team went to Mahalingam’s house and handed food ration including wheat, sugar, oil, soap, and other necessary items. Asha’s team also cheered the family and told them that they are always there in case of any emergency. Asha’s Corona warriors are regularly helping such poor, needy, and elderly people in distress across all its slums in Delhi during the period of crisis.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
However, the emergence of Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown was a double disaster for the family. The shop, which was the only source of income for the family, was closed by the police and with a sick and ailing husband, Shanti had no place to go and no income to feed the family.
Facing a terrible crisis for existence, Asha corona warriors, who have been relentlessly helping the slum dwellers by creating awareness and sensitizing the residents on the disease, educating them on the safety and precautionary measures like hand washing, social distancing and staying at home, providing essential relief of food and other necessities to the needy, elderly and differently-abled, motivating and spreading joy during this period of gloom and distress, came to the rescue of Mahalingam’s family.
Asha’s brave corona warrior team went to Mahalingam’s house and handed food ration including wheat, sugar, oil, soap, and other necessary items. Asha’s team also cheered the family and told them that they are always there in case of any emergency. Asha’s Corona warriors are regularly helping such poor, needy, and elderly people in distress across all its slums in Delhi during the period of crisis.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Living with Asthma: Man provides for his family with financial aid from Asha
Gajender Pratap is a 50-year-old who resides in Safeda Basti slum, in the East of Delhi. He belongs to the state of Uttar Pradesh. Gajender’s parents barely earned anything, and the large family had to make do with the little they had.‘’I started working in the farms when I was 10 years old, it was difficult and tiring’’, says Gajender.
At the age of 14, he travelled to Delhi for work. Initially, he had difficulty finding work and slept on road pavements with empty stomach on most days. Soon, he found work as a labourer and started earning Rs 150 (1.97 USD or 1.59 £) a day.
As the years passed, he got married and became a father to 5 children. Gajender wanted his children to receive an education, however, they all dropped out of school. Around the same time, his health deteriorated, he was diagnosed with Asthma. However, Gajender had to continue working to provide for his wife and 2 younger children.
When the lockdown was suddenly imposed in India, Gajender’s hopes and dreams for his family came crashing down. Around the same time, Asha’s Chanderpuri team had started targeting the neediest families and sick people in their slums to help. The Asha team reached out to Gajender and his family to provide them with the required financial aid. Asha field teams and Asha corona warriors are continuously working and raising awareness against COVID-19 along with providing groceries, financial aid to the slum dwellers during this pandemic.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
At the age of 14, he travelled to Delhi for work. Initially, he had difficulty finding work and slept on road pavements with empty stomach on most days. Soon, he found work as a labourer and started earning Rs 150 (1.97 USD or 1.59 £) a day.
As the years passed, he got married and became a father to 5 children. Gajender wanted his children to receive an education, however, they all dropped out of school. Around the same time, his health deteriorated, he was diagnosed with Asthma. However, Gajender had to continue working to provide for his wife and 2 younger children.
When the lockdown was suddenly imposed in India, Gajender’s hopes and dreams for his family came crashing down. Around the same time, Asha’s Chanderpuri team had started targeting the neediest families and sick people in their slums to help. The Asha team reached out to Gajender and his family to provide them with the required financial aid. Asha field teams and Asha corona warriors are continuously working and raising awareness against COVID-19 along with providing groceries, financial aid to the slum dwellers during this pandemic.
DONATE FOR ASHA’S COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE: https://bit.ly/2tFvdy3
Facing starvation, helpless mother and her family receive relief from Asha
Bharti Devi is a 62-year-old woman who resides in the crowded slum Mayapuri. This slum exists right beside the railway lines. Bharti and her family have been living beside the railway tracks for more than 30 years. Bharti’s husband took up a job in Asia’s largest automobile scrap market, located in Mayapuri. Soon, he became a blacksmith and earned Rs.5000 (65.46 USD or 53 £) a month.
The income sourced from her husband’s job was not enough. This made day to day survival difficult. ‘’My children were always hungry, I was filled with guilt and remorse each time they asked me for more food,’’ says Bharti with teary eyes. Few years back, Bharti unfortunately met with a terrible accident while crossing the road. Her eldest daughter Sunita stepped in and took charge, she got a job at a cloth factory nearby.
A lockdown was imposed officially in India on March 23rd to stop the spread of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Asha had sourced an emergency Covid-19 response plan to assist slum dwellers. They met Bharti and heard her touching story. Asha provided Bharti with financial aid with this money she was able to buy some groceries for her family.
''I thought this was the end for us, we would die of hunger. I am highly thankful to Asha and Asha team for helping me and my family at such a critical time,’’ says Bharti. Asha is currently working in the slums within reasonable limits providing financial aid, groceries, medicines, etc along with spreading awareness about COVID-19 to all slum dwellers.
The income sourced from her husband’s job was not enough. This made day to day survival difficult. ‘’My children were always hungry, I was filled with guilt and remorse each time they asked me for more food,’’ says Bharti with teary eyes. Few years back, Bharti unfortunately met with a terrible accident while crossing the road. Her eldest daughter Sunita stepped in and took charge, she got a job at a cloth factory nearby.
A lockdown was imposed officially in India on March 23rd to stop the spread of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Asha had sourced an emergency Covid-19 response plan to assist slum dwellers. They met Bharti and heard her touching story. Asha provided Bharti with financial aid with this money she was able to buy some groceries for her family.
''I thought this was the end for us, we would die of hunger. I am highly thankful to Asha and Asha team for helping me and my family at such a critical time,’’ says Bharti. Asha is currently working in the slums within reasonable limits providing financial aid, groceries, medicines, etc along with spreading awareness about COVID-19 to all slum dwellers.
When you empower a Woman, you transform a Community
Haseena is a 65 year-old-woman who originally hailed from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Her parents were poor and worked on the farms. At the young age of 17, Haseena’s marriage was arranged to Saleem aged 21. Alas, it was an unhappy marriage as her husband was physically abusive. After 10 years of torture and abuse, Haseena took a stand and finally left him for good.
Haseena moved to Delhi to start fresh. She settled down in Trilokpuri slum in the 1990s. She soon fell in love and got married. Her husband was a good man however he was an alcoholic. In time, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He tragically passed away 1 year later. Haseena was left with her 8-year-old daughter Heena to provide for. At such times of need, Asha helped Haseena by providing her with the job of a Community Health Volunteer (CHV).
Haseena worked as a CHV for 19 years, enlightening slum dwellers about health issues such as Tuberculosis, AIDS, Malnutrition, Reproductive care, etc. She was instrumental in assisting the elderly to hospitals and assisting in late-night deliveries for the slum community members and their families.
Haseena has now taken up the vital role as the ‘President’ of the Women’s Association. She now keeps herself busy with addressing issues related to water, electricity, toilets, roads, drains, etc. within the slum to the government officials in her constituency.
Haseena moved to Delhi to start fresh. She settled down in Trilokpuri slum in the 1990s. She soon fell in love and got married. Her husband was a good man however he was an alcoholic. In time, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He tragically passed away 1 year later. Haseena was left with her 8-year-old daughter Heena to provide for. At such times of need, Asha helped Haseena by providing her with the job of a Community Health Volunteer (CHV).
Haseena worked as a CHV for 19 years, enlightening slum dwellers about health issues such as Tuberculosis, AIDS, Malnutrition, Reproductive care, etc. She was instrumental in assisting the elderly to hospitals and assisting in late-night deliveries for the slum community members and their families.
Haseena has now taken up the vital role as the ‘President’ of the Women’s Association. She now keeps herself busy with addressing issues related to water, electricity, toilets, roads, drains, etc. within the slum to the government officials in her constituency.
there is no success without sacrifice
Anshul lives with his family of four in Nepali Camp R.K Puram, South Delhi and is pursuing second-year graduation studies from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University.
His family originally hailed from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh and shifted to Delhi about 20 years ago. His father works as a security guard in a mall. The family used to live in a small room when Anshul’s father took a loan to build another room. To repay the loan Anshul’s father has to work 16 hours a day, as a security guard at night and as a gardener in the morning.
Anshul joined Asha when he was in the 12th standard. He had no dreams to study further as he wanted to work and support his father, but the Asha team encourage and supported him to study at Delhi University. His first day in college was the happiest as he saw his dream of becoming a blue-collared worker turning into a reality.
When he was in the second year Anshul decided to work as a night guard in a school as he could earn little money to pay off his college expenses. Although he works at night and attends an evening college, he still works as an Asha ambassador and teaches students in the slum. Anshul is looking forward to doing an internship in a multinational company under Asha’s Internship Programme.
His family originally hailed from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh and shifted to Delhi about 20 years ago. His father works as a security guard in a mall. The family used to live in a small room when Anshul’s father took a loan to build another room. To repay the loan Anshul’s father has to work 16 hours a day, as a security guard at night and as a gardener in the morning.
Anshul joined Asha when he was in the 12th standard. He had no dreams to study further as he wanted to work and support his father, but the Asha team encourage and supported him to study at Delhi University. His first day in college was the happiest as he saw his dream of becoming a blue-collared worker turning into a reality.
When he was in the second year Anshul decided to work as a night guard in a school as he could earn little money to pay off his college expenses. Although he works at night and attends an evening college, he still works as an Asha ambassador and teaches students in the slum. Anshul is looking forward to doing an internship in a multinational company under Asha’s Internship Programme.
A Mother’s love knows no bounds
Shakuntala migrated from a small village Gonda, Uttar Pradesh to Anna Nagar slum community 22 years ago. Her husband Murari started working as daily wage labour. They started living in a rented 25 sq ft shanty.
During this time Shakuntala joined the Women's Association. Shakuntla was advised to save amount as little as Rs 10 per month in her bank account. With the saved money Shakuntala purchased the same shanty where they were living on rent.
The couple was soon blessed with 3 girls. Out of the three, Bhawna was born disabled. She was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus i.e. water in the brain. The medical treatment of Bhawna exhausted all the money. Shakuntala used to carry Bhawna on her back to drop and pick up from school every day. After school, she also used to take her for physiotherapy.
“Four years ago, I was too bed-ridden due to extreme abdominal pain. Asha staff took me to the nearby hospital. I was diagnosed with Hernia and operated for the same. The whole time I was worried about my daughter, but Asha stood beside me and took care of both of us. I am thankful to the Asha team who has always stood beside me like a rock,” said Shakuntala.
Shakuntala still has hope for her three kids and want them to be as strong as she is.
During this time Shakuntala joined the Women's Association. Shakuntla was advised to save amount as little as Rs 10 per month in her bank account. With the saved money Shakuntala purchased the same shanty where they were living on rent.
The couple was soon blessed with 3 girls. Out of the three, Bhawna was born disabled. She was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus i.e. water in the brain. The medical treatment of Bhawna exhausted all the money. Shakuntala used to carry Bhawna on her back to drop and pick up from school every day. After school, she also used to take her for physiotherapy.
“Four years ago, I was too bed-ridden due to extreme abdominal pain. Asha staff took me to the nearby hospital. I was diagnosed with Hernia and operated for the same. The whole time I was worried about my daughter, but Asha stood beside me and took care of both of us. I am thankful to the Asha team who has always stood beside me like a rock,” said Shakuntala.
Shakuntala still has hope for her three kids and want them to be as strong as she is.
Asha made me believe in myself again: Arti
Arti’s family resides from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. Arti’s mother used to go to nearby houses for work while her father used to work as a tailor to generate more income in the family. After hard work of 8 years, they were able to make a semi-concrete room in the V.P Singh camp. With little did they had, they tried to sustain in it and be grateful for it.
Life was settling in for them, but things took a different turn after Arti's mother lost 2 children at the age of 4-5 years old. After the death of the youngest son, her mother now has become depressed and preferring to sit all day in a corner of the room. She sometimes even throws Arti’s books outside the room.
To live in a room where she sees deteriorating health of her mother has left Arti numb. She regained her confidence and desire to study when she met with Asha Ambassadors on their door to door visit. After joining Asha, she started believing again in her dreams. With Asha’s team constant support and motivation and with the help of supplementary books and continuous mock tests she has scored 82% in her school-leaving exams.
She has secured a seat at the prestigious Delhi University. She wants to work in a multinational so that she can afford a better and comfortable life for her mother.
Life was settling in for them, but things took a different turn after Arti's mother lost 2 children at the age of 4-5 years old. After the death of the youngest son, her mother now has become depressed and preferring to sit all day in a corner of the room. She sometimes even throws Arti’s books outside the room.
To live in a room where she sees deteriorating health of her mother has left Arti numb. She regained her confidence and desire to study when she met with Asha Ambassadors on their door to door visit. After joining Asha, she started believing again in her dreams. With Asha’s team constant support and motivation and with the help of supplementary books and continuous mock tests she has scored 82% in her school-leaving exams.
She has secured a seat at the prestigious Delhi University. She wants to work in a multinational so that she can afford a better and comfortable life for her mother.
Education opens doors for a bright future
Sweta resides in Indra Camp slum located in North-East Delhi. Her parents were migrants from Uttar Pradesh. To gain better income her father, Kanchan Lal, started a small business of buying and selling iron within the slum. He rented a small shop, earning a sum of Rs.15000 (210.56 USD or 163.08 £) a month to support his family.
Sweta’s eldest sister, Vinita was not just the first in the family to receive a college education but from the entire slum as well. Inspired by Vinita, Sweta was empowered to attend school. However, facing the daily taunts of the neighbours along with the eve-teasing started to take a toll. This caused Sweta mental trauma and, she realized she was fighting a never-ending battle against narrow mindsets.
Sweta associated with Asha in the 12th standard. Through Asha’s assistance, Sweta was able to get admission in Miranda College, Delhi University. ‘After associating with Asha, I got the opportunity to learn to communicate better. I also gained self-confidence as I interacted and took responsibilities for events’ recalls Sweta.
‘Asha and my sister opened the doorway to education for me. I would like to pursue an M.A in History and become a Professor of History.’ says Sweta. Currently, Sweta has finished her BA in History and is preparing for entrance exams for Masters. She also volunteers to teach Computers to young Asha students at the Peeragarhi slum Asha Centre, 3 times a week.
Sweta’s eldest sister, Vinita was not just the first in the family to receive a college education but from the entire slum as well. Inspired by Vinita, Sweta was empowered to attend school. However, facing the daily taunts of the neighbours along with the eve-teasing started to take a toll. This caused Sweta mental trauma and, she realized she was fighting a never-ending battle against narrow mindsets.
Sweta associated with Asha in the 12th standard. Through Asha’s assistance, Sweta was able to get admission in Miranda College, Delhi University. ‘After associating with Asha, I got the opportunity to learn to communicate better. I also gained self-confidence as I interacted and took responsibilities for events’ recalls Sweta.
‘Asha and my sister opened the doorway to education for me. I would like to pursue an M.A in History and become a Professor of History.’ says Sweta. Currently, Sweta has finished her BA in History and is preparing for entrance exams for Masters. She also volunteers to teach Computers to young Asha students at the Peeragarhi slum Asha Centre, 3 times a week.
A Mother’s fight against malnutrition
Israt’s marriage was arranged to 19-year-old Mohammed when she was barely 18. Israt gave birth to a girl in 2005 and occupied herself in motherhood. She soon got associated with Asha when Asha’s team members were encouraging women to join the women’s group within the slum.
When she was pregnant with her fourth child, complications cropped up as she could not get herself checked regularly at her village. Rajeeka was born prematurely at just 6.5 months weighing only 800 gm. Considering the critical situation, the doctors were not sure the baby would survive. The baby was kept for 1.5 months on a ventilator to observe her progress.
Initially, Rajeeka was too weak, she had to be spoon-fed and her recovery was very slow. She was prescribed liquid medicines of calcium and iron that were fed to her every day at the Asha centre. With so many mouths to feed Israt and her husband were not able to provide her with a nutritious diet.
When Zakhira’s Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) members heard of Rajeeka’s poor health, they collectively decided to donate money to buy eggs and milk for her. Despite the Women’s Group members themselves coming from difficult and poor families, they all contributed a little each to make sure that little Rajeeka gets healthier.
Rajeeka is currently healthy however her weight is still unstable and fluctuates. Asha is keeping a keen watch on her growth and weight and working towards improving the same.
When she was pregnant with her fourth child, complications cropped up as she could not get herself checked regularly at her village. Rajeeka was born prematurely at just 6.5 months weighing only 800 gm. Considering the critical situation, the doctors were not sure the baby would survive. The baby was kept for 1.5 months on a ventilator to observe her progress.
Initially, Rajeeka was too weak, she had to be spoon-fed and her recovery was very slow. She was prescribed liquid medicines of calcium and iron that were fed to her every day at the Asha centre. With so many mouths to feed Israt and her husband were not able to provide her with a nutritious diet.
When Zakhira’s Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) members heard of Rajeeka’s poor health, they collectively decided to donate money to buy eggs and milk for her. Despite the Women’s Group members themselves coming from difficult and poor families, they all contributed a little each to make sure that little Rajeeka gets healthier.
Rajeeka is currently healthy however her weight is still unstable and fluctuates. Asha is keeping a keen watch on her growth and weight and working towards improving the same.
With no one to call her own, Asha becomes her Family
Rambuli’s parents were immigrants who settled in Delhi in the early 1940s. Rambuli’s elder sister died during childbirth and Rambuli was married off to her widowed brother-in-law. She became stepmother to her sister’s two children at the age of 16.
Rambuli’s youngest daughter became sick and died, age 11, tragically followed soon after by Rambuli’s husband, who suffered a fatal heart attack. Rambuli and her children moved to Chanderpuri slum colony, her two remaining daughters and youngest son refused to take any responsibility for their ageing mother’s care.
Distraught and helpless, Rambuli found herself living alone at the age of 75. She was homeless and living in the dirt. Her home included just a bed, a few water cans, utensils and a small stove. It was then that the Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV) found her and learnt about her difficulties.
These days, the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) regularly provides Rambuli with basic groceries. The Chanderpuri slum community also shows her the kind of generosity Asha values so highly. Her neighbours share meals with her every day and the whole slum community lovingly refers to her as ‘Amma’ (Mother).
Rambuli’s youngest daughter became sick and died, age 11, tragically followed soon after by Rambuli’s husband, who suffered a fatal heart attack. Rambuli and her children moved to Chanderpuri slum colony, her two remaining daughters and youngest son refused to take any responsibility for their ageing mother’s care.
Distraught and helpless, Rambuli found herself living alone at the age of 75. She was homeless and living in the dirt. Her home included just a bed, a few water cans, utensils and a small stove. It was then that the Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV) found her and learnt about her difficulties.
These days, the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) regularly provides Rambuli with basic groceries. The Chanderpuri slum community also shows her the kind of generosity Asha values so highly. Her neighbours share meals with her every day and the whole slum community lovingly refers to her as ‘Amma’ (Mother).
Young Roshni’s journey in fighting TB
6-year-old Roshni, who lives near the railway line in Mayapuri slum community has shown her whole community the meaning of strength and determination. A year ago, Roshni complained of constant chest pain. The Asha team after careful checkup referred the child to the nearest government hospital. The doctors at the government hospital diagnosed retention of water in the lungs as the main cause.
The Asha team was sceptical and thought that the diagnosis might be wrong, they referred the case to Dr Ranju at Asha polyclinic. Dr. Ranju after an in-depth study of the case and the results suggested the parents visit another government hospital for the second opinion.
At the hospital, Roshni was diagnosed with Brain Tuberculosis and her treatment was started immediately. Because of her health, Roshni missed 2 months of her schooling and was told by the teachers to repeat a school year. After this, the Asha ambassadors started teaching Roshni at home.
It has been a year of constant medicines, prayers and hospital visits that have cured Roshni of tuberculosis. The family is grateful to the Asha team for their constant support and guidance in this one-year journey of their life which was filled with trials and tribulations. Roshni’s mother has now joined Asha women’s association and works as a lane volunteer.
The Asha team was sceptical and thought that the diagnosis might be wrong, they referred the case to Dr Ranju at Asha polyclinic. Dr. Ranju after an in-depth study of the case and the results suggested the parents visit another government hospital for the second opinion.
At the hospital, Roshni was diagnosed with Brain Tuberculosis and her treatment was started immediately. Because of her health, Roshni missed 2 months of her schooling and was told by the teachers to repeat a school year. After this, the Asha ambassadors started teaching Roshni at home.
It has been a year of constant medicines, prayers and hospital visits that have cured Roshni of tuberculosis. The family is grateful to the Asha team for their constant support and guidance in this one-year journey of their life which was filled with trials and tribulations. Roshni’s mother has now joined Asha women’s association and works as a lane volunteer.
A Family Planning Success Story
Amreen shifted to the Zakhira slum colony with her husband after marriage. In the year 2007, she got associated with Asha as she was expecting her first child. She started to visit the Asha centre for regular prenatal check-ups. In time, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl and continued visiting Asha for postnatal check-ups too.
In spite of contraception being a social taboo in their community, Amreen and Mohammad decided that they did not want children for a few years. Asha CHV provided the information of Copper T and assisted her to the government hospital for the procedure. This form of birth control kept her safe for 10 years. After removing the Copper T, she soon became a mother to another healthy baby girl.
In 2019, Amreen was surprised to find out she was expecting twins. She visited Asha to gain knowledge about women’s healthcare as she had a high-risk pregnancy. Soon, she gave birth to her twins, a healthy boy and a girl in a government hospital. Following this, encouraged by the Asha team, Mohammad recently underwent a successful vasectomy procedure.
‘Asha provides so much information about women and child healthcare, reproductive and family planning. With responsibilities at home, we do not have time to visit the hospitals as they are all far away. We only visit hospitals if referred by Asha, otherwise, we are totally dependent on Asha’ says Amreen.
In spite of contraception being a social taboo in their community, Amreen and Mohammad decided that they did not want children for a few years. Asha CHV provided the information of Copper T and assisted her to the government hospital for the procedure. This form of birth control kept her safe for 10 years. After removing the Copper T, she soon became a mother to another healthy baby girl.
In 2019, Amreen was surprised to find out she was expecting twins. She visited Asha to gain knowledge about women’s healthcare as she had a high-risk pregnancy. Soon, she gave birth to her twins, a healthy boy and a girl in a government hospital. Following this, encouraged by the Asha team, Mohammad recently underwent a successful vasectomy procedure.
‘Asha provides so much information about women and child healthcare, reproductive and family planning. With responsibilities at home, we do not have time to visit the hospitals as they are all far away. We only visit hospitals if referred by Asha, otherwise, we are totally dependent on Asha’ says Amreen.
ARTI: Asha team members selflessly work for people like me
Arti’s childhood was filled with despair as her mother suffered from mental health issues. When Arti was 10 years old, her mother was cooking and the stove burst, she suffered 60 percent burns and succumbed to her injuries. Arti had to grow up overnight. She became a second mother to her younger siblings. When she was 17 years old, she fell in love and got married.
Soon, Arti was expecting, her mother-in-law was overjoyed and got some protein powder from a godman to keep the baby healthy. A few weeks later, Arti was in pain. The doctor conducted tests and diagnosed that her baby would be born deformed. With a heavy heart, Arti and her husband decided to go ahead with an abortion.
Arti was hesitant to become a mother. The Asha team met her during this period and took her under their wings. She slowly gained confidence and was expecting again. Asha counselled her during pregnancy. Arti gave birth to her baby girl in 2016. She was born underweight, weighing 2 kilos. The Asha team provided moral support and free medicines to make her baby healthy.
‘Asha team members selflessly work all day, walking around the slum helping people like me.’ says Arti. Today, Arti’s child is of 3 years and healthy. However, her weight is still unstable and fluctuates. Asha continues to monitor her daughter’s health and weight along with providing nutrition counselling.
Soon, Arti was expecting, her mother-in-law was overjoyed and got some protein powder from a godman to keep the baby healthy. A few weeks later, Arti was in pain. The doctor conducted tests and diagnosed that her baby would be born deformed. With a heavy heart, Arti and her husband decided to go ahead with an abortion.
Arti was hesitant to become a mother. The Asha team met her during this period and took her under their wings. She slowly gained confidence and was expecting again. Asha counselled her during pregnancy. Arti gave birth to her baby girl in 2016. She was born underweight, weighing 2 kilos. The Asha team provided moral support and free medicines to make her baby healthy.
‘Asha team members selflessly work all day, walking around the slum helping people like me.’ says Arti. Today, Arti’s child is of 3 years and healthy. However, her weight is still unstable and fluctuates. Asha continues to monitor her daughter’s health and weight along with providing nutrition counselling.
Sapna nourished her child through Asha’s counselling and support
Sapna was the third child from a total of 7 siblings. Her parents were migrants from Uttar Pradesh. Sapna's father was a rickshaw driver and barely earned Rs.500 (7.04 USD or 5.41 £) a month. Sapna and her siblings never had enough to eat and slept on empty stomachs on most nights.
At the young age of 18, she fell in love with Hari Shankar aged 25. They were married soon and shifted to the slum community in East of Delhi. Soon, Sapna got pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl in the year 2006. However, the baby was born premature and underweight, weighing lesser than 2.5 kgs. During this time, Asha got associated with Sapna as they were keeping a track on new mothers within the slum community.
Unfortunately, complications with their baby girl started early. At 2 months old, she was struck with pneumonia and jaundice simultaneously. The Asha CHV provided guidance and nutrition counselling along with assisting them to all their hospital visits. The child was taken to private hospitals nearby and thousands of rupees were spent on her recovery.
With time, their daughter recovered but she continued falling sick every now and then. Asha assisted by providing calcium and iron supplements for their child. Today, Sapna and Hari’s child is a talkative young girl who is happy and healthy. They look forward to sending her to school very soon.
At the young age of 18, she fell in love with Hari Shankar aged 25. They were married soon and shifted to the slum community in East of Delhi. Soon, Sapna got pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl in the year 2006. However, the baby was born premature and underweight, weighing lesser than 2.5 kgs. During this time, Asha got associated with Sapna as they were keeping a track on new mothers within the slum community.
Unfortunately, complications with their baby girl started early. At 2 months old, she was struck with pneumonia and jaundice simultaneously. The Asha CHV provided guidance and nutrition counselling along with assisting them to all their hospital visits. The child was taken to private hospitals nearby and thousands of rupees were spent on her recovery.
With time, their daughter recovered but she continued falling sick every now and then. Asha assisted by providing calcium and iron supplements for their child. Today, Sapna and Hari’s child is a talkative young girl who is happy and healthy. They look forward to sending her to school very soon.
A woman who built her house
40 years old Radha shifted to Trilokpuri slum from her village after her marriage to Munna at the age of 16. The couple was blessed with five children. Her husband worked as a Security Guard and had odd working hours.
Radha had never stepped out of her home and had no knowledge of the world outside but one day in emergency she came to Asha for the treatment of her child. She was surprised to see the work of Asha and was curious to know more. She started visiting Asha regularly and became an active member of Mahila Mandal. Considering her ability Asha team encouraged her for the training of a CHV (Community Health Volunteer). Soon she started working as a CHV at Asha’s Trilokpuri slum community.
In 2008, when Asha started its Financial Inclusion Programme, Radha was the first one to open the bank account in her community. She decided to renovate her small shanty for which she took two separate loans of Rs 20000 and Rs 15000. With her little savings and the loan amount, she built a two-story house. She earned some extra to add to the family income by renting out 2 rooms. She repaid the loan amount on time. “My husband who once never let me speak now asks for my opinion in any big or small decisions. A lot of things have changed in my life because of Asha.”
Radha had never stepped out of her home and had no knowledge of the world outside but one day in emergency she came to Asha for the treatment of her child. She was surprised to see the work of Asha and was curious to know more. She started visiting Asha regularly and became an active member of Mahila Mandal. Considering her ability Asha team encouraged her for the training of a CHV (Community Health Volunteer). Soon she started working as a CHV at Asha’s Trilokpuri slum community.
In 2008, when Asha started its Financial Inclusion Programme, Radha was the first one to open the bank account in her community. She decided to renovate her small shanty for which she took two separate loans of Rs 20000 and Rs 15000. With her little savings and the loan amount, she built a two-story house. She earned some extra to add to the family income by renting out 2 rooms. She repaid the loan amount on time. “My husband who once never let me speak now asks for my opinion in any big or small decisions. A lot of things have changed in my life because of Asha.”
From Slum to Delhi University: Finding his purpose with college education
Dalchand is a studious 18-year-old boy who resides in Tigri slum community, South Delhi. His father started working at the young age of 15 years to earn a meagre sum for his family. After his marriage, he relocated to Delhi with his wife and settled down in the Tigri slum community in the 1990s.
Dalchand’s childhood was spent studying in a nearby government school with friends from the slum who did not have an inclination and motivation towards education. In 2018, Dalchand met Asha team when they visited his home to motivate him to pursue a college education. Dalchand at the time was preparing for his 12th exams and got associated with Asha.
The Asha team realized that Dalchand was intelligent but lacked motivation and they became instrumental in making him realize the importance of further education and how he could achieve his full potential. He studied very hard and scored 82% in his 12th exams. During his admission procedure in the Delhi University, the Asha team assisted him personally. Asha further supported him financially for his annual college fees.
‘Without Asha, I would have surely lost focus in my life. I was shown the benefits of a college education at a critical time in my life.’ says Dalchand with a big smile. Dalchand wants to become a Geomorphology Professor in the near future as he loves learning and talking about Geography.
Dalchand’s childhood was spent studying in a nearby government school with friends from the slum who did not have an inclination and motivation towards education. In 2018, Dalchand met Asha team when they visited his home to motivate him to pursue a college education. Dalchand at the time was preparing for his 12th exams and got associated with Asha.
The Asha team realized that Dalchand was intelligent but lacked motivation and they became instrumental in making him realize the importance of further education and how he could achieve his full potential. He studied very hard and scored 82% in his 12th exams. During his admission procedure in the Delhi University, the Asha team assisted him personally. Asha further supported him financially for his annual college fees.
‘Without Asha, I would have surely lost focus in my life. I was shown the benefits of a college education at a critical time in my life.’ says Dalchand with a big smile. Dalchand wants to become a Geomorphology Professor in the near future as he loves learning and talking about Geography.
Shivani secures her future through Education
Shivani is a bright 18-year-old girl who resides in the Trilokpuri slum community, East of Delhi. She lives in a joint family comprising of 16 members within a small house consisting of only 3 rooms. Her father, Radhe Shyam works as a bus school driver, he currently earns Rs.8000 (111.48 USD or 85.18 £) a month.
Shivani's grandmother and mother were core members of the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group). At the age of 6, Shivani joined the Bal Mandal (Children’s Group). ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the pot-luck meals and interactions with volunteers. I was a quiet and shy child and my childhood was enlightened by the impact of Asha’ says Shivani.
As a child, Shivani was keen on studying, the Asha team motivated her to study hard and continue her education. With a big family at home, finding a quiet place to study was a problem. Thus, the Asha centre became a place where Shivani studied preparing for her 10th board exams initially, then her 12th.
Shivani scored 91% in her 12th standard board exams in 2019. She also scored 95% in the subject of Political Science, becoming the highest scorer for this subject in her entire school. She was awarded a medal as an honour for her hard work and dedication. Currently, Shivani is looking forward to pursuing a 2 years-Teacher Training course. She wants to become a Teacher and help educate slum children like herself.
Shivani's grandmother and mother were core members of the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group). At the age of 6, Shivani joined the Bal Mandal (Children’s Group). ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the pot-luck meals and interactions with volunteers. I was a quiet and shy child and my childhood was enlightened by the impact of Asha’ says Shivani.
As a child, Shivani was keen on studying, the Asha team motivated her to study hard and continue her education. With a big family at home, finding a quiet place to study was a problem. Thus, the Asha centre became a place where Shivani studied preparing for her 10th board exams initially, then her 12th.
Shivani scored 91% in her 12th standard board exams in 2019. She also scored 95% in the subject of Political Science, becoming the highest scorer for this subject in her entire school. She was awarded a medal as an honour for her hard work and dedication. Currently, Shivani is looking forward to pursuing a 2 years-Teacher Training course. She wants to become a Teacher and help educate slum children like herself.
Mala’s story of dedication and hard work
19-year-old Mala dwells in Asha’s Mayapuri slum community. Her family is settled in a house on a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the railway line and Asia’s largest scrap market. Unfortunately, when Mala was just 2 years old, she contracted Meningitis. The Asha team took Mala to the hospital without wasting any time. With timely treatment, she recovered but it affected her eyes permanently (squint).
When Mala was thirteen, her father met with an accident which affected his spinal cord permanently. Her mother then took up responsibilities and started working in a nearby factory to earn a meagre amount of Rs. 6000 per month. In spite of heavy workload and household chores, her mother made sure that Mala had enough time to study.
Mala joined the Asha family as a Bal Mandal member. In the 12th standard, she scored 87% and stood first in her school. Asha helped her secure a seat in Bharti College of Delhi University. Mala will be graduating this year in Political Science. To give her professional exposure, Asha provided her with an opportunity to intern at the British High Commission under the Internship Programme.
Mala is an active ambassador in Mayapuri slum. She has imbibed all the Asha values and helps the young ones in their studies. “I want to be a Political Science teacher someday. Asha will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Mala.
When Mala was thirteen, her father met with an accident which affected his spinal cord permanently. Her mother then took up responsibilities and started working in a nearby factory to earn a meagre amount of Rs. 6000 per month. In spite of heavy workload and household chores, her mother made sure that Mala had enough time to study.
Mala joined the Asha family as a Bal Mandal member. In the 12th standard, she scored 87% and stood first in her school. Asha helped her secure a seat in Bharti College of Delhi University. Mala will be graduating this year in Political Science. To give her professional exposure, Asha provided her with an opportunity to intern at the British High Commission under the Internship Programme.
Mala is an active ambassador in Mayapuri slum. She has imbibed all the Asha values and helps the young ones in their studies. “I want to be a Political Science teacher someday. Asha will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Mala.
Ranjana copes with her illness with support from the Asha family
Ranjana, a 27-year-old woman lives in Asha’s Kusumpur Pahari slum community. She started visiting Asha to show herself to the doctor at the community centre and got associated with Asha. She soon became an active member of Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group).
In the year 2008, Ranjana was diagnosed with having stones in her gall bladder and was advised surgery immediately. She got a laparoscopic surgery and recovered well. After a couple of years, Ranjana became a mother to a healthy baby boy. However, in 2018, she complained of severe pain on her back along with nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound results confirmed that Ranjana had a kidney stone. To make matters more critical, Ranjana discovered that she was pregnant.
The Asha team took extra precautions for Ranjana. She was provided with nutrition counselling and self-care advice regularly. She also visited the community centre regularly to get antenatal check-ups done. When the due date arrived, Ranjana had to undergo a caesarean as her baby’s heartbeat was slow. The operation was a success and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Currently, Ranjana is a proud mother of 2 healthy boys. She is also undergoing treatment at Asha to get rid of the kidney stone with the help of medicines and self-care. She hopes to resume her active participation in the Mahila Mandal within her community.
In the year 2008, Ranjana was diagnosed with having stones in her gall bladder and was advised surgery immediately. She got a laparoscopic surgery and recovered well. After a couple of years, Ranjana became a mother to a healthy baby boy. However, in 2018, she complained of severe pain on her back along with nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound results confirmed that Ranjana had a kidney stone. To make matters more critical, Ranjana discovered that she was pregnant.
The Asha team took extra precautions for Ranjana. She was provided with nutrition counselling and self-care advice regularly. She also visited the community centre regularly to get antenatal check-ups done. When the due date arrived, Ranjana had to undergo a caesarean as her baby’s heartbeat was slow. The operation was a success and she gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Currently, Ranjana is a proud mother of 2 healthy boys. She is also undergoing treatment at Asha to get rid of the kidney stone with the help of medicines and self-care. She hopes to resume her active participation in the Mahila Mandal within her community.
Sonu’s life is an example of how hard work always pays
Sonu’s family migrated to the Jeevan Nagar slum colony in search of better opportunities. His father started working as a vegetable vendor. He was the only earning member of the family when Sonu was growing up and his meagre income was not enough to sustain the family of four.
A humble guy, Sonu has always been the soft-spoken one. He has been associated with Asha since he was five. He says how coming to Asha slowly changed his thought process and how Asha was an escape route from all the troubles. “I owe a lot to Asha, because of them I got to experience a world so much better than the slum. A world where there are opportunities for people like me and where there is hope.”
Sonu completed his schooling from a nearby government school. Asha guided him to enrol in a Diploma course in lab technician from the Institute of Public Health & Hygiene Mahipalpur, New Delhi in 2017.
He did his internship in the O2 Pathology lab where he worked with dedication and was later offered a job as a Laboratory Technician. Sonu wants to give back to his community in every possible way. “Thank you, Asha, for pulling youngsters like me out from misery and instilling hope once again in our lives “, smiles Sonu.
A humble guy, Sonu has always been the soft-spoken one. He has been associated with Asha since he was five. He says how coming to Asha slowly changed his thought process and how Asha was an escape route from all the troubles. “I owe a lot to Asha, because of them I got to experience a world so much better than the slum. A world where there are opportunities for people like me and where there is hope.”
Sonu completed his schooling from a nearby government school. Asha guided him to enrol in a Diploma course in lab technician from the Institute of Public Health & Hygiene Mahipalpur, New Delhi in 2017.
He did his internship in the O2 Pathology lab where he worked with dedication and was later offered a job as a Laboratory Technician. Sonu wants to give back to his community in every possible way. “Thank you, Asha, for pulling youngsters like me out from misery and instilling hope once again in our lives “, smiles Sonu.
Sharda found her calling and happiness in social work
Sharda is a 47-year-old year woman who resides in the Kusumpuri Pahari Slum community. She is a hardworking and self-made woman who likes to do social work. However, things were not easy for Sharda while growing up. Her parents were migrants from Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh in the 1970s who had settled in Dakshinpuri, Delhi. Her mother had 4 children, the eldest daughter being Sharda.
At the young age of 13-14, Sharda and her siblings started doing odd jobs to run the household. At the age of 17 years, she was married to her husband of 20 years. After marriage, they settled down in Kusumpur Pahadi in the year 1991. Soon, she gave birth to 2 sons and her family grew.
Sharda joined Asha with the job of a CHV (Community Health Volunteer) that was tailor-made for her. As an Asha team member, Sharda worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of healthcare and education within the slum community. She was also responsible for accompanying women to government hospitals nearby for operations such as Tubectomy, etc. With her dedication and assistance, Asha was able to breach into Kusumpur Pahari slum effectively.
Sharda is currently visiting local government officials in her area to start a project that improves and rebuilds the roads within her community. She believes she still has a long way to go and there is no stopping her.
At the young age of 13-14, Sharda and her siblings started doing odd jobs to run the household. At the age of 17 years, she was married to her husband of 20 years. After marriage, they settled down in Kusumpur Pahadi in the year 1991. Soon, she gave birth to 2 sons and her family grew.
Sharda joined Asha with the job of a CHV (Community Health Volunteer) that was tailor-made for her. As an Asha team member, Sharda worked tirelessly to improve the conditions of healthcare and education within the slum community. She was also responsible for accompanying women to government hospitals nearby for operations such as Tubectomy, etc. With her dedication and assistance, Asha was able to breach into Kusumpur Pahari slum effectively.
Sharda is currently visiting local government officials in her area to start a project that improves and rebuilds the roads within her community. She believes she still has a long way to go and there is no stopping her.
“Safe Motherhood” is just not a slogan in Asha slums
Laxmi was born to a very poor family in a small village of Haryana. Like the fate of other girls residing nearby she too was pulled out of school when she was in grade 3. She got married to Sanju in Dec 2017 when she was just 20 years old. They settled down in Asha’s Tigri slum community. Her husband Sanju works as a spot boy and earns INR 12000 per month (£ 152/ $ 168/ AUD 250).
In early 2018 they came to know that Laxmi was expecting. Her mother-in-law Kamlesh, brought her to the Asha centre. After a few check-ups, the Asha team found that the fetal heart rate was slower than expected. As this was the first trimester, this was categorised under high-risk pregnancy. Laxmi was immediately referred to one of the renowned government hospitals.
Without wasting any time family also took her to the hospital. Things were fine until delivery. The doctor noticed there was no fetal movement in the womb. Unfortunately, she gave birth to a still child in November 2018. “We knew something was wrong. When my child’s body was brought to me, it looked like he was sleeping. The next day we buried him. It was heart-breaking”. Her family and Asha stood by Laxmi during this distressing period.
Laxmi got pregnant again in Jan 2019. The Asha team took extra precaution and conducted her check-up weekly. The Community Health Volunteer (CHV) along with her mother-in-law accompanied her to the hospital each time. In November 2019 Laxmi gave birth to a healthy boy. “My husband and I welcomed our child into our family. Although we will never forget our firstborn. My heart is full of gratitude for the Asha team specially Sunita for taking care of me and my baby” said Laxmi. The Asha team continues its post-natal care of Laxmi and her little angel.
In early 2018 they came to know that Laxmi was expecting. Her mother-in-law Kamlesh, brought her to the Asha centre. After a few check-ups, the Asha team found that the fetal heart rate was slower than expected. As this was the first trimester, this was categorised under high-risk pregnancy. Laxmi was immediately referred to one of the renowned government hospitals.
Without wasting any time family also took her to the hospital. Things were fine until delivery. The doctor noticed there was no fetal movement in the womb. Unfortunately, she gave birth to a still child in November 2018. “We knew something was wrong. When my child’s body was brought to me, it looked like he was sleeping. The next day we buried him. It was heart-breaking”. Her family and Asha stood by Laxmi during this distressing period.
Laxmi got pregnant again in Jan 2019. The Asha team took extra precaution and conducted her check-up weekly. The Community Health Volunteer (CHV) along with her mother-in-law accompanied her to the hospital each time. In November 2019 Laxmi gave birth to a healthy boy. “My husband and I welcomed our child into our family. Although we will never forget our firstborn. My heart is full of gratitude for the Asha team specially Sunita for taking care of me and my baby” said Laxmi. The Asha team continues its post-natal care of Laxmi and her little angel.
Every girl deserves her right to education
Rumana’s father and mother had an arranged marriage at a very young age. Her Mother’s family was settled in Delhi for 50 years while her Father had migrated from Badayun, UP. After their marriage, Rumana’s parents also settled down in the Chanderpuri slum colony.
Her mother got associated with Asha as a Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) member. She also enrolled young Rumana to become a member of the Bal Mandal (Child’s Group). As a Bal Mandal member, Rumana was opened to a new life of participating in events and rallies hosted by the Asha community center. Rumana joined school and studied till the 12th standard. ‘My childhood was brightened after I joined Asha. I have thoroughly enjoyed my childhood by spending so many of those days at the community center’ says a smiling Rumana.
Her elder brothers decided that Rumana was too young to travel alone to college each day. After 2 years of continuous counseling and the never give up attitude of the Asha team slowly there was progress made. In the year 2016, Rumana successfully got admission into Zakir Husain College in a Bachelor’s course studying Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) and Political Science.
Today, Rumana has finished her Bachelor’s degree with 1st division. Her college experience has provided her with knowledge and exposure to various things. Rumana is currently pursuing a computer course in designing along with working as a seamstress to polish her skills in designing and tailoring. She hopes to run her boutique within the slum colony someday. She also wishes to pursue a fashion diploma shortly to help achieve this dream of hers.
Her mother got associated with Asha as a Mahila Mandal (Women’s Group) member. She also enrolled young Rumana to become a member of the Bal Mandal (Child’s Group). As a Bal Mandal member, Rumana was opened to a new life of participating in events and rallies hosted by the Asha community center. Rumana joined school and studied till the 12th standard. ‘My childhood was brightened after I joined Asha. I have thoroughly enjoyed my childhood by spending so many of those days at the community center’ says a smiling Rumana.
Her elder brothers decided that Rumana was too young to travel alone to college each day. After 2 years of continuous counseling and the never give up attitude of the Asha team slowly there was progress made. In the year 2016, Rumana successfully got admission into Zakir Husain College in a Bachelor’s course studying Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) and Political Science.
Today, Rumana has finished her Bachelor’s degree with 1st division. Her college experience has provided her with knowledge and exposure to various things. Rumana is currently pursuing a computer course in designing along with working as a seamstress to polish her skills in designing and tailoring. She hopes to run her boutique within the slum colony someday. She also wishes to pursue a fashion diploma shortly to help achieve this dream of hers.
Coping with Cancer Deepak finds the will to live
A resident of Savda slum, Deepak’s father migrated from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh in the early 1990s. He got married and started living with his family in Thokar No.8 slum colony located on Yamuna’s riverbed. He started a small business of selling spices in the slum colony. He earned INR 50 (USD 0.7 cents/ 0.54 pennies £) a day.
In time, his father was blessed with 2 daughters and a boy. To help with the family income, Deepak started working at the tender age of 10 years in a road-side restaurant where he washed dishes. He earned a minimum salary of INR 300 (USD 4.19/ 3.25 £) per month. With this money, he helped support his family.
In the year 2006, Thokar No. 8 slum colony was relocated to Savda Ghevra as per government order. With Asha’s assistance, the government provided the family with a small piece of land. Asha identified and shortlisted the family for the team of builders from Northern Ireland to build a house for his family.
In the year 2017, Deepak was diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer and was bedridden for a few months. Deepak was operated on twice and underwent chemotherapy, slowly with time he started recovering well. His family went into severe difficulties, Deepak’s mother was forced to collect and sell plastic from the garbage. She currently earns a small sum of Rs.250 a day (USD 3.48/2.68 £) and provides for the family’s basic needs. Deepak and his family are thankful to Asha for putting a roof over their heads without which their lives would have been very difficult.
In time, his father was blessed with 2 daughters and a boy. To help with the family income, Deepak started working at the tender age of 10 years in a road-side restaurant where he washed dishes. He earned a minimum salary of INR 300 (USD 4.19/ 3.25 £) per month. With this money, he helped support his family.
In the year 2006, Thokar No. 8 slum colony was relocated to Savda Ghevra as per government order. With Asha’s assistance, the government provided the family with a small piece of land. Asha identified and shortlisted the family for the team of builders from Northern Ireland to build a house for his family.
In the year 2017, Deepak was diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer and was bedridden for a few months. Deepak was operated on twice and underwent chemotherapy, slowly with time he started recovering well. His family went into severe difficulties, Deepak’s mother was forced to collect and sell plastic from the garbage. She currently earns a small sum of Rs.250 a day (USD 3.48/2.68 £) and provides for the family’s basic needs. Deepak and his family are thankful to Asha for putting a roof over their heads without which their lives would have been very difficult.
Naseem’s story of perseverance is an inspiration to all in her community
Naseem's parents died young and she was only 5 months old when she was adopted by her Aunt (Father’s sister). Naseem’s Aunt worked as a seamstress and made a living of Rs.3 a day (0.042 cents/ 0.032 pennies) to feed her family. Her husband passed away soon due to Tuberculosis, so she decided to shift to Delhi for better work opportunities.
Her Aunt came to Delhi in 1982 with young Naseem and started living in the Chanderpuri Slum colony. Naseem started working at 10 years of age in a jeans factory by cutting threads, she was paid Rs.100-150 a day (2.09 USD/1.61 £). In 2005, when Naseem was 15 years old, she was married however her husband divorced her over the phone within a few days of the marriage. In the year 2011, Naseem got married for the second time to a professional tailor in Delhi who was 6 years older and made a decent living by earning Rs.15-20000 (278.55 USD/214.8 £).
The second marriage turned sour for Naseem as her husband declined to take care of his family and spent his earnings on himself. Soon she gave birth to 2 daughters yet her relationship with her husband only worsened. Naseem continued working hard, feeding and educating her daughters with the little money that she earned. A year ago, her husband decided to live separately from his family. He rarely meets his children and is believed to be having an affair.
Today Naseem is an active member of the Mahila Mandal who participates in all activities and rallies hosted by Asha. She has become an empowered woman who wishes her daughters to continue studying and move ahead in life.
Her Aunt came to Delhi in 1982 with young Naseem and started living in the Chanderpuri Slum colony. Naseem started working at 10 years of age in a jeans factory by cutting threads, she was paid Rs.100-150 a day (2.09 USD/1.61 £). In 2005, when Naseem was 15 years old, she was married however her husband divorced her over the phone within a few days of the marriage. In the year 2011, Naseem got married for the second time to a professional tailor in Delhi who was 6 years older and made a decent living by earning Rs.15-20000 (278.55 USD/214.8 £).
The second marriage turned sour for Naseem as her husband declined to take care of his family and spent his earnings on himself. Soon she gave birth to 2 daughters yet her relationship with her husband only worsened. Naseem continued working hard, feeding and educating her daughters with the little money that she earned. A year ago, her husband decided to live separately from his family. He rarely meets his children and is believed to be having an affair.
Today Naseem is an active member of the Mahila Mandal who participates in all activities and rallies hosted by Asha. She has become an empowered woman who wishes her daughters to continue studying and move ahead in life.
Early diagnosis helped Sagar recover from TB
Seventeen-year-old Sagar’s parents migrated to Dr Ambedkar Basti from their village in search of a better livelihood two decades ago. Sagar’s father Bansi found a job in a cloth factory and earns a sustainable amount. Bansi made sure to provide education to his three children to date. Sagar is studying in grade 11.
Sagar visited Asha Polyclinic to seek the treatment for severe stomach pain and vomit and often felt delirious with periods of unconsciousness. He was referred to Safdarjung Hospital under Asha’s Referral Programme. However, to his shock, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) that had started affecting his liver. Sagar’s family was devasted by the news.
Ms Ranjana, the team leader of Dr Ambedkar Basti counselled the family and took them to the nearest government-run DOTS (Directly observed treatment) centre. He was put on treatment for six months while the family was taken to a nearby government center for thorough check-ups and tests. Fortunately, no one else was found affected by TB. The team leader every day accompanied Sagar to the DOTS center as well as planned out a low-cost nutritious diet for him.
“Within a few days of me starting the treatment, I could feel the difference. My appetite grew and I gained some weight” said Sagar. Sagar is better now and off the medicine. He thanks Asha for standing strong with him and his family. He feels that psychosocial support must be made available for all patients. At present Sagar has resumed his studies.
Sagar visited Asha Polyclinic to seek the treatment for severe stomach pain and vomit and often felt delirious with periods of unconsciousness. He was referred to Safdarjung Hospital under Asha’s Referral Programme. However, to his shock, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) that had started affecting his liver. Sagar’s family was devasted by the news.
Ms Ranjana, the team leader of Dr Ambedkar Basti counselled the family and took them to the nearest government-run DOTS (Directly observed treatment) centre. He was put on treatment for six months while the family was taken to a nearby government center for thorough check-ups and tests. Fortunately, no one else was found affected by TB. The team leader every day accompanied Sagar to the DOTS center as well as planned out a low-cost nutritious diet for him.
“Within a few days of me starting the treatment, I could feel the difference. My appetite grew and I gained some weight” said Sagar. Sagar is better now and off the medicine. He thanks Asha for standing strong with him and his family. He feels that psychosocial support must be made available for all patients. At present Sagar has resumed his studies.
Zareena's Persistence provided the correct Diagnosis for her son's Illness
Zareena’s marriage was arranged at the tender age of 10 years to Vantu. Vantu made a living as a confectioner in a sweet shop and earned a sum of Rs.150 (2.09 USD/1.62 £) per day. At the age of 12, Zareena gave birth to her eldest son. Soon, she gave birth to 4 more children, 1 girl and 3 boys.
In the year 2013, her eldest son Irshad started complaining of pain in his left leg. The doctor suggested an incorrect diagnosis as a ‘nerve issue’ and prescribed medicines. The pain continued which led them to a bone doctor, this doctor prescribed painkillers in the name of medicines for 1-2 years. Irshad’s leg deteriorated and he was unable to walk anymore.
Zareena was ashamed of being unable to find a correct diagnosis for years and held herself accountable for her son’s misery. Thus, with nowhere to turn, she finally confided to the Asha CHV about her son’s illness in the year 2016. The Asha CHV immediately took her and Irshad to a renowned doctor in Safdarjung Hospital.
Irshad was correctly diagnosed with ‘Bone Tuberculosis’. The Doctor prescribed medicines, provided nutrition counselling and physical therapy. By the next 3-4 months, Irshad started walking properly. During this period, Asha provided free counselling and calcium tablets to help him. Today Irshad is a healthy young man who is on the road to recovery. He continues to visit his doctor once a month and takes his medicines without fail.
In the year 2013, her eldest son Irshad started complaining of pain in his left leg. The doctor suggested an incorrect diagnosis as a ‘nerve issue’ and prescribed medicines. The pain continued which led them to a bone doctor, this doctor prescribed painkillers in the name of medicines for 1-2 years. Irshad’s leg deteriorated and he was unable to walk anymore.
Zareena was ashamed of being unable to find a correct diagnosis for years and held herself accountable for her son’s misery. Thus, with nowhere to turn, she finally confided to the Asha CHV about her son’s illness in the year 2016. The Asha CHV immediately took her and Irshad to a renowned doctor in Safdarjung Hospital.
Irshad was correctly diagnosed with ‘Bone Tuberculosis’. The Doctor prescribed medicines, provided nutrition counselling and physical therapy. By the next 3-4 months, Irshad started walking properly. During this period, Asha provided free counselling and calcium tablets to help him. Today Irshad is a healthy young man who is on the road to recovery. He continues to visit his doctor once a month and takes his medicines without fail.
Sarita learns to empower herself one step at a time
Sarita came to Anna Nagar nine years ago from her maternal home Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh after her marriage. Her husband Praveen works as a peon in a nearby office. She remembers her early days, filled with unpleasantness as she could not adjust in tiny congested lanes of her slum community. For her to get accustomed to using a community bathroom was of primary difficulty.
It was a year of isolation before she visited Asha centre to get her checkup done for her first pregnancy. The team checked her properly and suggested her nutritional diet, proper exercise, and routine checkups. The team leaders at Asha motivated her to join the Asha’s Women Association. Slowing, she started attending meetings and the motivational sessions generated her curiosity to know more about Delhi and her surroundings. It was the first time she stepped out of her slum when she visited the red fort with the Mahila Mandal.
Currently, the 29-year-old Sarita has gained the trust of her community members and the families living in her lane acknowledge her leadership qualities and her dedication to resolving issues in her community all by herself. The significant effect of being a member of the women association has helped her to conquer different trials and tribulations in her personnel life too. Sarita says “being part of women’s association has given her wings to fly”.
It was a year of isolation before she visited Asha centre to get her checkup done for her first pregnancy. The team checked her properly and suggested her nutritional diet, proper exercise, and routine checkups. The team leaders at Asha motivated her to join the Asha’s Women Association. Slowing, she started attending meetings and the motivational sessions generated her curiosity to know more about Delhi and her surroundings. It was the first time she stepped out of her slum when she visited the red fort with the Mahila Mandal.
Currently, the 29-year-old Sarita has gained the trust of her community members and the families living in her lane acknowledge her leadership qualities and her dedication to resolving issues in her community all by herself. The significant effect of being a member of the women association has helped her to conquer different trials and tribulations in her personnel life too. Sarita says “being part of women’s association has given her wings to fly”.
Santosh has lost his eyesight but not his Spirit
Santosh is a young 10-year-old boy who lives in the slum community by the riverbed. In March, Santosh suddenly started getting painful headaches. The Asha CHV and his parents took him to a hospital nearby. An MRI scan revealed that a piece of paper was stuck inside his brain. There was no time to lose and Santosh was scheduled for brain surgery. The surgery was successful with few screws installed in his brain. The doctors told him that these screws would be removed after 10 years.
After a few months of the surgery, Santosh slipped by chance and fell on his head. He was in excruciating pain. The Asha CHV took him to the hospital where the doctors decided that he would have to go through another brain surgery. This surgery was a success at first. However, on the second day, Santosh realized he couldn’t see clearly. By the third day, Santosh had completely lost his eyesight and become blind.
Santosh’s poor parents were helpless and distraught. With 9 children in the family and an average income of Rs.150 a day ($ 2/£ 1.72), they could not afford to do anything but to accept fate.
Asha has been assisting Santosh and his family by providing counselling and guidance on how to handle a child with disabilities. Asha has also helped Santosh gain a disability card with which he will be able to gain access to medicines and health care easily. The Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) in his slum community is also caring for Santosh by providing grocery items and assistance for visit to hospitals when and as required.
After a few months of the surgery, Santosh slipped by chance and fell on his head. He was in excruciating pain. The Asha CHV took him to the hospital where the doctors decided that he would have to go through another brain surgery. This surgery was a success at first. However, on the second day, Santosh realized he couldn’t see clearly. By the third day, Santosh had completely lost his eyesight and become blind.
Santosh’s poor parents were helpless and distraught. With 9 children in the family and an average income of Rs.150 a day ($ 2/£ 1.72), they could not afford to do anything but to accept fate.
Asha has been assisting Santosh and his family by providing counselling and guidance on how to handle a child with disabilities. Asha has also helped Santosh gain a disability card with which he will be able to gain access to medicines and health care easily. The Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) in his slum community is also caring for Santosh by providing grocery items and assistance for visit to hospitals when and as required.
Nirmala’s struggles helped to pave the way for her Son
Nirmala was forced into marriage at 14 years of age. Her husband who was 19-year old was a tea seller in Lajpat Rai Market.
Soon Nirmala gave birth to her son and life got more difficult. During this period, she took up the job of a Maid. She started washing dishes every morning and evening. She was able to make a decent living of Rs.5000 (70 USD/ 57 £) a month. With the help of this money, she was able to provide her only son with basic school education.
Nirmala associated herself with Asha in the year 2001 when she joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association). Through Asha’s financial program, Nirmala took a loan of Rs.60,000 to further her son’s education. Nirmala and her husband paid back the loan amount with installments in due time.
With the course certificate in hand, her son was able to land a a lucrative job in a College Administrative department which paid him a monthly salary of Rs.20,000 (282 USD/ 228 £). Currently, Nirmala and her husband run a small snack shop outside their home to keep themselves occupied.
It has been more than 2 years since Nirmala has washed a utensil for anyone other than her family members. ‘I am grateful to Asha for helping me at such a critical time. My son has a respectable job and is feeding us now. It would never have been possible if we had not received the loan.’ says a happy Nirmala.
Soon Nirmala gave birth to her son and life got more difficult. During this period, she took up the job of a Maid. She started washing dishes every morning and evening. She was able to make a decent living of Rs.5000 (70 USD/ 57 £) a month. With the help of this money, she was able to provide her only son with basic school education.
Nirmala associated herself with Asha in the year 2001 when she joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association). Through Asha’s financial program, Nirmala took a loan of Rs.60,000 to further her son’s education. Nirmala and her husband paid back the loan amount with installments in due time.
With the course certificate in hand, her son was able to land a a lucrative job in a College Administrative department which paid him a monthly salary of Rs.20,000 (282 USD/ 228 £). Currently, Nirmala and her husband run a small snack shop outside their home to keep themselves occupied.
It has been more than 2 years since Nirmala has washed a utensil for anyone other than her family members. ‘I am grateful to Asha for helping me at such a critical time. My son has a respectable job and is feeding us now. It would never have been possible if we had not received the loan.’ says a happy Nirmala.
An empowered woman HELPS To empower other women
Maya was a wife and mother of 5 kids when she decided to take matters into her hand and open a small grocery shop in Asha’s Kalkaji slum community. Maya was married off at the young age of 17. Soon she gave birth to 2 sons, followed by 3 daughters. Her husband made a decent living working in a sack company. He earned 1000 Rs a month (14 USD/ 11 £).
“I was associated with the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) right from the beginning, so the Asha values were ingrained in me. I never understood the purpose of sitting around and gossiping during my spare time as many women in my community did, the Asha value of making one’s dignity highly empowered me to start my own business,” recalls Maya.
With the availability of Asha’s Financial Programme, Maya took a loan of Rs.40,000. (560 USD and 448 £). “My husband helped to set the shop location. I would never have been able to achieve the dream of being a businesswoman without the support of my husband” says an emotional Maya. This loan helped Maya buy various groceries sold in a typical Indian ration shop. In due time Maya and her husband repaid the loan. Her business turned profitable and Maya was able to support her family.
Today, Maya is a beacon of hope and an icon to many housewives in her slum community. She is still attached to Asha and helps guide and empower housewives such as herself.
“I was associated with the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) right from the beginning, so the Asha values were ingrained in me. I never understood the purpose of sitting around and gossiping during my spare time as many women in my community did, the Asha value of making one’s dignity highly empowered me to start my own business,” recalls Maya.
With the availability of Asha’s Financial Programme, Maya took a loan of Rs.40,000. (560 USD and 448 £). “My husband helped to set the shop location. I would never have been able to achieve the dream of being a businesswoman without the support of my husband” says an emotional Maya. This loan helped Maya buy various groceries sold in a typical Indian ration shop. In due time Maya and her husband repaid the loan. Her business turned profitable and Maya was able to support her family.
Today, Maya is a beacon of hope and an icon to many housewives in her slum community. She is still attached to Asha and helps guide and empower housewives such as herself.
SHAHJAHAN CREATED HER OWN PATH to SUccess
60 year old Shahjahan hails from a small village in Uttar Pradesh. She was born to a very poor family and her father married her off when she was just 15 years old. After marriage she shifted to her husband’ s little shanty in the Mayapuri slum community. Shahjahan’s husband was a factory worker and earned INR 150 ($2/ £2) per month.
In 1998, a young lady in crisp cotton sari knocked the broken door of Shahjahan's shanty and introduced herself as Thressi. Thressi told Shahjahan about Asha and encouraged her to join the women group. Shahjahan was reluctant at first but later she decided to give it a try and came to attend a weekly meeting. From that day till date Shahjahan has not missed a single meeting of the women’s group.
Shahjahan came to know about Asha’s Financial Inclusion program and convinced her husband to start a small grocery shop. Shahjahan got a loan of INR 5000 (£55/ $70). After repaying this loan, she took another loan of INR 10,000 ($140/ £110) and later a loan of INR 20,000 (£220/ $280). The family’s income doubled and the needs of the family were met adequately.
At present, Shahjahan runs the grocery store with the help of her son. Today, Shahjahan advises all young women to become educated and independent so they can face any harsh realities of life.
In 1998, a young lady in crisp cotton sari knocked the broken door of Shahjahan's shanty and introduced herself as Thressi. Thressi told Shahjahan about Asha and encouraged her to join the women group. Shahjahan was reluctant at first but later she decided to give it a try and came to attend a weekly meeting. From that day till date Shahjahan has not missed a single meeting of the women’s group.
Shahjahan came to know about Asha’s Financial Inclusion program and convinced her husband to start a small grocery shop. Shahjahan got a loan of INR 5000 (£55/ $70). After repaying this loan, she took another loan of INR 10,000 ($140/ £110) and later a loan of INR 20,000 (£220/ $280). The family’s income doubled and the needs of the family were met adequately.
At present, Shahjahan runs the grocery store with the help of her son. Today, Shahjahan advises all young women to become educated and independent so they can face any harsh realities of life.
Moving forward In life with a purpose
Vivekanand is a 19-year-old who resides in the Anna Nagar slum community. When he was 13-year-old, his house got on fire with his Mother inside. Unfortunately, his mother passed away as she suffered too many burns.
Failing to cope with the situation, Vivek’s father started drinking alcohol and stopped working. All the responsibilities fell on Vivek’s brother. It was not long when Vivek’s elder brother ran away and young Vivek was left to take care of his father. Soon, his father also passed away due to liver Cirrhosis.
Vivek’s uncle (father’s brother) came forward and adopted him. Circumstances had made Vivek very depressed and an introvert. Ayush, his uncle’s son used to visit Asha regularly. He informed the Asha team about Vivek, they immediately met him and counselled and motivated him to visit the center regularly. This was a turning point in his life. He started visiting Asha and enrolled himself in computer classes and all Asha activities.
Last year Vivek completed his schooling and scored 75% marks. The Asha team with the support of his uncle got him admitted to Desh Bandhu College, Delhi University. He is presently pursuing liberal arts. Vivek is on his way to achieving his goal for a better life and we hope that he will be able to recover from the tragedies in his life.
Failing to cope with the situation, Vivek’s father started drinking alcohol and stopped working. All the responsibilities fell on Vivek’s brother. It was not long when Vivek’s elder brother ran away and young Vivek was left to take care of his father. Soon, his father also passed away due to liver Cirrhosis.
Vivek’s uncle (father’s brother) came forward and adopted him. Circumstances had made Vivek very depressed and an introvert. Ayush, his uncle’s son used to visit Asha regularly. He informed the Asha team about Vivek, they immediately met him and counselled and motivated him to visit the center regularly. This was a turning point in his life. He started visiting Asha and enrolled himself in computer classes and all Asha activities.
Last year Vivek completed his schooling and scored 75% marks. The Asha team with the support of his uncle got him admitted to Desh Bandhu College, Delhi University. He is presently pursuing liberal arts. Vivek is on his way to achieving his goal for a better life and we hope that he will be able to recover from the tragedies in his life.
Through hard work and perseverance Radhika is living her dreams
Radhika's parents Hari Om and mother Goumti belong to a small village in Mathura, U.P. They migrated to V.P Singh Camp, an urban slum in Delhi 25 years ago. Residing in a slum area was not easy as problems like insufficient water and electricity supply, lack of basic hygiene and sanitation posed a lot of problems.
Radhika passed her high school with 78% and aspired to pursue higher education but her father being an Uber driver earns Rs 8000-/ ($115.428) per month and that is not enough for the family to flourish well.
Under guidance from Asha she got admission to B.A Program from a prestigious college of Delhi University. Initially, she did not want to go to a regular college as she used to believe she would not be able to adapt to the new surrounding with children from affluent families. With the support from Asha she overcame this fear. Today, she has become the first one in her family to go to college for higher education.
“My many friends have gotten married, but I am the SON of my family. I will achieve all my dreams. The Asha values and financial support from my extended family have brought me here and I know, this would only take me to greater heights of success” said emotional Radhika.
Radhika passed her high school with 78% and aspired to pursue higher education but her father being an Uber driver earns Rs 8000-/ ($115.428) per month and that is not enough for the family to flourish well.
Under guidance from Asha she got admission to B.A Program from a prestigious college of Delhi University. Initially, she did not want to go to a regular college as she used to believe she would not be able to adapt to the new surrounding with children from affluent families. With the support from Asha she overcame this fear. Today, she has become the first one in her family to go to college for higher education.
“My many friends have gotten married, but I am the SON of my family. I will achieve all my dreams. The Asha values and financial support from my extended family have brought me here and I know, this would only take me to greater heights of success” said emotional Radhika.
Where there is a will there is a way
Anjum is the only daughter of Samina and Md. Nisar. They migrated to a 5 by 2 feet small shanty at Zakhira slum community from Bihar 20 years ago. Nisar began to work as a daily wage labourer and earned very little, however, he never stopped dreaming big for Anjum.
As a child Anjum became an active member of Asha’s Bal Mandal (Child's Association). When Anjum passed her high school exam with the support of Asha, Nasir made sure that he visited all the nursing institutes with the Asha team. Unfortunately, when the time came for admission, Nasir's health deteriorated and he became bed ridden. Due to immense financial crisis, Anjum could not pay the fees and her admission was cancelled. A month later, Nasir passed away and all the financial burden fell on Anjum. She started working for a minimal amount of 2000 INR monthly as a night guard. Yet, every morning, Anjum came to Asha, she studied and prepared for next year admission of nursing course.
Last year, the Asha team looking at her strength and positivity decided to support her financially. Anjum got admission in a nursing college. Currently she is in her second year of nursing and juggles between her part time job and education. She never forgets what Dr. Kiran spoke about positivity and optimism about life.
As a child Anjum became an active member of Asha’s Bal Mandal (Child's Association). When Anjum passed her high school exam with the support of Asha, Nasir made sure that he visited all the nursing institutes with the Asha team. Unfortunately, when the time came for admission, Nasir's health deteriorated and he became bed ridden. Due to immense financial crisis, Anjum could not pay the fees and her admission was cancelled. A month later, Nasir passed away and all the financial burden fell on Anjum. She started working for a minimal amount of 2000 INR monthly as a night guard. Yet, every morning, Anjum came to Asha, she studied and prepared for next year admission of nursing course.
Last year, the Asha team looking at her strength and positivity decided to support her financially. Anjum got admission in a nursing college. Currently she is in her second year of nursing and juggles between her part time job and education. She never forgets what Dr. Kiran spoke about positivity and optimism about life.
HASINA: PERSISTENCE IN SPITE OF ALL OBSTACLES
65-year-old Hasina resides in the Seelampur slum colony. Hasina was married off at the age of 16 to a daily wage labourer. She soon became a mother of 2 Sons.
In 1990, Hasina relocated to Delhi with her husband. She took a small hut on rent at Seelampur. Her husband worked as a tailor and earned INR 5000 p/m ($70/ £57). She met an Asha staff and started attending meetings regularly, she soon developed an interest in learning about health. Soon Hasina started working as a CHV at Asha and gave her services for the next 10 years. In 2014, unexpectedly Hasina’s husband died. Soon both her sons too relocated to different cities, leaving her all alone. Hasina’s life took a turn for the worst when 6 months ago, she was paralyzed with 2 legs and a hand after a fall from the stairs. No family members came forward to help. Her sons even refused to attend her calls. It was then the Asha family stepped in to support her. They helped her to seek treatment from the hospital and took her for physiotherapy every day. The Women’s group has contributed to her monthly ration.
Hasina is on the road to recovery and hopes to resume her job soon. She believes that the only family she can count on is ASHA.
In 1990, Hasina relocated to Delhi with her husband. She took a small hut on rent at Seelampur. Her husband worked as a tailor and earned INR 5000 p/m ($70/ £57). She met an Asha staff and started attending meetings regularly, she soon developed an interest in learning about health. Soon Hasina started working as a CHV at Asha and gave her services for the next 10 years. In 2014, unexpectedly Hasina’s husband died. Soon both her sons too relocated to different cities, leaving her all alone. Hasina’s life took a turn for the worst when 6 months ago, she was paralyzed with 2 legs and a hand after a fall from the stairs. No family members came forward to help. Her sons even refused to attend her calls. It was then the Asha family stepped in to support her. They helped her to seek treatment from the hospital and took her for physiotherapy every day. The Women’s group has contributed to her monthly ration.
Hasina is on the road to recovery and hopes to resume her job soon. She believes that the only family she can count on is ASHA.
Shabrunisha: Inspiring many in her slum
Shabrunisha is a living example of one who has suffered the consequences of living amidst a patriarchal kinship. But what is laudable here is that despite all the miseries in life, Shabrunisha came out confident and willing to make a better life for herself and her children.
Shabrunisha was married off at a very tender age. In no time, she became a mother to five daughters and one son. When she was carrying her sixth child in her womb, Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV) started visiting her to perform check-ups on a regular basis and counselled her to register herself for delivery at the nearest government hospital. For the first time, Shabrunisha had a safe delivery in a hospital with proper maternal care and early childcare.
She joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and started absorbing the Asha values. Sticking to Asha helped her grow as a confident and strong woman. She also started a makeshift Snacks shop to become independent. “I give all the freedom to my daughters to learn and do all that I could not. “One of my daughter-Shahzadi is pursuing her master’s degree with the help of Asha, while Roshni and Shaheen are studying in school and regularly visit Asha” said Shabrunisha.
Shabrunisha was married off at a very tender age. In no time, she became a mother to five daughters and one son. When she was carrying her sixth child in her womb, Asha Community Health Volunteer (CHV) started visiting her to perform check-ups on a regular basis and counselled her to register herself for delivery at the nearest government hospital. For the first time, Shabrunisha had a safe delivery in a hospital with proper maternal care and early childcare.
She joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) and started absorbing the Asha values. Sticking to Asha helped her grow as a confident and strong woman. She also started a makeshift Snacks shop to become independent. “I give all the freedom to my daughters to learn and do all that I could not. “One of my daughter-Shahzadi is pursuing her master’s degree with the help of Asha, while Roshni and Shaheen are studying in school and regularly visit Asha” said Shabrunisha.
Sunaina: Conquering all odds!
Sunaina grew up seeing her father scorching himself under a fiery sun while toiling in a rented farm.
She lives in a tiny makeshift shanty alongside the riverbed near Asha's Chanderpuri slum colony. The family, already on breadline, of eight, has been struggling with a monthly meagre income of Rs 7000 ($101.65 /£80.75) to make the ends meet.
She lives in a tiny makeshift shanty alongside the riverbed near Asha's Chanderpuri slum colony. The family, already on breadline, of eight, has been struggling with a monthly meagre income of Rs 7000 ($101.65 /£80.75) to make the ends meet.
Sunaina has become one regular and active member of Asha since last two years. She received notes, guides, sample papers, tuitions and a comfortable place to study with the help from Asha Ambassadors and Graduates for these two years. With the tremendous help and support from her family and Asha Team, she scored 86% in her school leaving exam and secured a seat in B.A Programme in Zakir Husain College of the Delhi University. A pure-hearted and laborious Sunaina gives all the credit of her success to her parents and Asha Team. Despite all her adversaries, Sunaina's efforts paid off! Inspired by other Asha Alumni, Sunaina believes that she will also make her career bright and become an English Teacher soon.
Asha High School Topper Mehjabeen on her new journey
The family of Mehjabeen, daughter of a daily wage mason Mohammad Raees migrated to Janta Camp from Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur some two decades ago. Mehjabeen along with her parents, one brother and sister, and a grandfather live altogether in a shanty no bigger than the size of a car. With a meagre and non-fixed income, that usually ranges between Rs 7000 to 8000 (£76.47-£87.40/ $99.50- $13.71) per month, their monthly household expenses are barely managed. The Asha Ambassadors, while on a visit in search of bright students in and around the community, found a sincere Mehjabeen.
In 12th class, Mehjabeen was provided with much-needed scholastic materials and a space comfortable for studying in peace. This year, Mehjabeen scored 96% in her 12th examination securing the highest in the subject of Home Science- 98. With her dedication she got admission to B.A Programme in Zakir Hussain College under the University of Delhi.
A story of dedication and hard work
17-year-old Nageena dwells in Asha’s Seelampur slum community for years. The family of six includes Nageena, her parents and three siblings. The hunt to earn a dignified livelihood brought the family to this ghetto in the Eastern part of Delhi from a village in Uttar Pradesh some 20 years back. Since then, the family is settled in an unventilated house.
Nageena had joined Asha in class seventh when one of the Asha Ambassadors spotted an intelligent but naive Nageena studying in a nearby government school. She has been coming to the centre and taking help from question banks and other educational materials, free tuitions by the Asha Graduates and guidance by the supervisors and team leaders since then.
Nageena dreams of becoming an Air Hostess. This year, she has scored 80.25% in her school leaving exam and is all excited to become the first ever child of her house to go pursue University Education.
Nageena had joined Asha in class seventh when one of the Asha Ambassadors spotted an intelligent but naive Nageena studying in a nearby government school. She has been coming to the centre and taking help from question banks and other educational materials, free tuitions by the Asha Graduates and guidance by the supervisors and team leaders since then.
Nageena dreams of becoming an Air Hostess. This year, she has scored 80.25% in her school leaving exam and is all excited to become the first ever child of her house to go pursue University Education.
Journey of Harshit with Asha
Harshit and Harsh are twins, sons of a family living in Chanderpuri slum colony. Their father came to the city out of desperation for earning livelihood when the children were about 4 years of age. The family found a small piece of land in the east of Delhi next to railway line. They built a small makeshift hut with whatever material they could lay hand on. His father had to struggle to find a menial job, but he ensured that Harsh and Harshit enrol in a government-run school.
The turning point in Harshit ‘s life came when he walked into the Asha Centre when he was just 15. He could not believe his eyes when he realized there was a quiet place for him to study. Through his hard work and his journey with Asha, he was able to find a place in one of the toughest and most competitive programs at Delhi University, a Bachelors in Electronic Engineering. He did his internship at SMEC and Macquarie Global Services during his graduation. Harshit is about to graduate in July 2019 and has been placed at a renowned Indian company called Wipro through campus interviews. Harshit would like to do his Masters in Electronic Engineering in near future.
Harshit is a wonderful Asha Ambassador, having transformed the lives of many students in and around Chanderpuri. He is a mentor to one of the Asha students, Suman.
The turning point in Harshit ‘s life came when he walked into the Asha Centre when he was just 15. He could not believe his eyes when he realized there was a quiet place for him to study. Through his hard work and his journey with Asha, he was able to find a place in one of the toughest and most competitive programs at Delhi University, a Bachelors in Electronic Engineering. He did his internship at SMEC and Macquarie Global Services during his graduation. Harshit is about to graduate in July 2019 and has been placed at a renowned Indian company called Wipro through campus interviews. Harshit would like to do his Masters in Electronic Engineering in near future.
Harshit is a wonderful Asha Ambassador, having transformed the lives of many students in and around Chanderpuri. He is a mentor to one of the Asha students, Suman.
TUSHAR- A STORY OF HOPE
Twenty- year-old Tushar lives with his family of four in Mayapuri slum community. His slum is sandwiched between Asia’s largest scrap market and the busiest railway lines. His father is the only breadwinner of the family and he has always seen financial problem at his home.
With his excellent merit in school leaving exams, he was supported by Asha to secure and study in the renowned Shivaji College of Delhi University and is pursuing graduation in History Honours and presently he has completed his second year of his graduation.
Seeing his hard work, he was provided internship at British High Commission and Macquarie. After he completes his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue master’s in history of Art as he dreams of becoming a Historian or a Museologist someday. Tushar is an excellent Asha Ambassador takes special classes for the juniors, free of cost.
Watch his journey in his own words:
With his excellent merit in school leaving exams, he was supported by Asha to secure and study in the renowned Shivaji College of Delhi University and is pursuing graduation in History Honours and presently he has completed his second year of his graduation.
Seeing his hard work, he was provided internship at British High Commission and Macquarie. After he completes his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue master’s in history of Art as he dreams of becoming a Historian or a Museologist someday. Tushar is an excellent Asha Ambassador takes special classes for the juniors, free of cost.
Watch his journey in his own words:
A YOUNG LEADER IN THE MAKING
Twenty-four- year-old Mahinder lived in Ekta Vihar, R.K. Puram, a slum situated in the heart of Delhi. He called a single room his home, which he shared with five family members. His life was riddled with one struggle after another—from acquiring basic amenities to finding the time and resources for education.
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Seeing Mahinder’s potential from his high grades at secondary school, Asha’s Founder and Director Dr. Kiran Martin helped him transition from a government school to a private school for a higher quality education. Asha helped him with everything from purchasing books to practicing his communication skills. Asha also enabled him to get an education loan, which eased his impoverished parents’ financial burden and helped Mahinder to pursue a B. Tech course in Information Technology from one of India’s premier educational institutions.
Fueled by unrelenting determination, Mahinder went on to become the first child from the slums to receive a full scholarship from one of the top establishments in Australia—The University of Melbourne—where he’s pursuing post graduate studies in Computer Science. After he completes his degree, he plans to secure a job in the corporate sector while continuing to advocate for health and the empowerment of women through his association with Asha. Watch his journey here:
Fueled by unrelenting determination, Mahinder went on to become the first child from the slums to receive a full scholarship from one of the top establishments in Australia—The University of Melbourne—where he’s pursuing post graduate studies in Computer Science. After he completes his degree, he plans to secure a job in the corporate sector while continuing to advocate for health and the empowerment of women through his association with Asha. Watch his journey here:
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A ROLE MODEL IS BORn
When Asha started working in the slum community at Zakhira over a decade ago, a young illiterate Muslim woman named Shazda joined the Mahila Mandal (Women’s Association) despite her family’s orthodox beliefs. Her husband didn’t even know of her involvement.
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Her enthusiasm and dedication towards Asha’s work inspired the team to train her as a Community Health Volunteer (CHV). A keen and diligent learner, Shazda became an integral part of the healthcare program and eventually took over the CHV responsibilities—from conducting family planning workshops to providing door-to- door medical assistance to tracking community member health records.
Shazda worked tirelessly to help others and to acquire new skills, which led her to a promising job at a government-run hospital. Now she contributes to her family’s income and ensures that her children attend school every day. Her hope is that one day they would each aspire to make an impact through work, just like her.
Shazda worked tirelessly to help others and to acquire new skills, which led her to a promising job at a government-run hospital. Now she contributes to her family’s income and ensures that her children attend school every day. Her hope is that one day they would each aspire to make an impact through work, just like her.
FROM EXCLUSION TO EMPOWERMENT
When Farzana moved to Delhi with her husband over two decades ago, she was completely unprepared for the challenges ahead. The couple settled in Chanderpuri slum, where Farzana’s husband found work selling decorative fruit baskets. But with six children, her husbands’ income wasn’t enough to support the family. Searching for help, Farzana learned about Asha in 2000 and joined the Women’s Association even though her husband didn’t support her in stepping out of the house.
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Her situation only got worse when her husband passed away in 2015, leaving her in mourning and with only about 2,500 rupees to survive on, which is roughly $38. “I became socially excluded, but Asha gave me hope. Now, I work as a small-scale tailor while my elder son works where his father did,” commented Farzana.
Today Farzana champions women’s rights in her community and works fervently to educate the slum residents. A proud mother whose children are studying at The University of Delhi, Farzana states, “I am content that my children won’t have the life that I had.”
Today Farzana champions women’s rights in her community and works fervently to educate the slum residents. A proud mother whose children are studying at The University of Delhi, Farzana states, “I am content that my children won’t have the life that I had.”
BUILDING A BUSINESS, REBUILDING HOPE
The mother of five children, Bhuli is a widow living in Tigri slum. After her husband passed away, she started work as a domestic help in various homes. Despite working long hours, she couldn’t sustain the family and even thought of withdrawing her children from school at one point.
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However, after meeting the Asha team she was encouraged to take a loan to start a costume jewelry business. Asha facilitated her loan of 20,000 rupees and secured space in a shop for her to work in. During the day, she would go from door to door in nearby areas to sell her imitation jewelry.
She has now built up a great rapport with her customers, her business is thriving and her monthly repayment of 680 rupees is always on time. She also invests a portion of her savings back into her business. Today she is thrilled that she can send her children to school and wants them to advance to college.
She has now built up a great rapport with her customers, her business is thriving and her monthly repayment of 680 rupees is always on time. She also invests a portion of her savings back into her business. Today she is thrilled that she can send her children to school and wants them to advance to college.