How Astha Was Born
In the beginning of 80s, How Astha Was Born – Indore District Administration (M.P.) realized the need for Old Age Homes. There were genuine reasons for this. The social system had taken a new turn with nuclear families replacing the joint family tradition. Coupled with this was the mass exodus of young individuals to cities. In the process, the aged parents were left to fend for themselves. This rude shift from ‘big family’ to ‘small family’ was both mind-boggling and challenging.
The administration had a huge task ahead as no welfare scheme had ever been introduced before this. However, the administration was determined. And it stepped up efforts to find a befitting reply to the ‘self-centred’ thinking that had swept the society. And this is how Astha was born!
All About Astha Vraddhashram
It was in 1985 that Astha Vraddhashram (then, Astha Vraddhajashram) was formed with the combined efforts of the local administration and, the local chapter of Red Cross Society, while not to forget the massive initiative showed by the renowned philanthropists – Padmashri recipient Dr. Mahashabde, Dr. Girish Sipaha and others.
Easy access– Characteristic of the name, Astha Vraddhashram, from the very start has enjoyed the blessings of the Supreme Being. It is located on a sprawling 3-acre land at the Government Society Welfare Premises, Pardeshipura-Indore. In a way, you could say that it’s in the midst of the city and yet very cut out from the din and noise of the traffic! The Ashram has thus a very easy access.
Transfer of management-By 1991, the Ashram had 25 admissions. However, there were financial and other difficulties due to of which the administration handed over the reins of the Ashram to Kalyan Mitra Samiti in 1992- an NGO (Reg. No.23134).
A Challenge– For us at Kalyan Mitra Samiti, the entire process of taking over Astha Vraddhashram was a big challenge. We were handed a responsible task with no financial help except for assurance of Central Government Aid which too stopped on its own in 1992.
Goodwill of people– At Kalyan Mitra Samiti, our only thought, then, was to provide a cozy home to those elderly people who had been dumped by the society. And we did it. Thanks to the local Samaritans who came forward to help us at this juncture.
Today Astha Vraddhashram has 88 residents– 40 males and 48 females. With the social order having changed, the number is likely to increase in the future. We are sure that with the good will of the national and international public, this challenge too will be faced successfully.
Astha Vraddhashram Staff & Structure
At Astha, it is our earnest endeavour to see that the senior citizens stay healthy and enjoy the company of one another.To ensure that the work at Astha Vraddhashram runs smoothly, we have formed a Trust. Full transparency is maintained in all official transactions.
The following 4 appointees have been nominated by the Trust on the basis of qualifications and experience.They work on honorary basis and observe Sunday off.
Chairman: Mr. Prakash Jeewal,Mob.- 94245-07382
Vice-Chairman: Mr. P.M. Jeete,Mob.- 98260-23199
Secretary: Mr. D.S. Upadhyay,Mob.- 9425053884
Treasurer: Mrs. Vishakha Marathe,Mob.- 97526-57589
This apart, we have 17 members in the staff. They are permanent employees and are paid as per the Indian Government rules. They are also entitled for all benefits such as Provident Fund, etc.
Warden- Mrs. Lata Wakode
Computer Teacher- Mrs. Manju Chandak
Sandipani Bal Kendra Incharge- Mrs. Basanti Junawal
They too observe Sunday off.
This apart, we have 2 Cooks, 5-6 Boys for serving food to inmates, one sweeper, one gardener, etc. They get a weekly off as per the Roaster.
Medical– We have the following who regularly pay a visit at Astha to examine the residents. They get paid as per visit.
Doctor’s Visit- Dr. Sanjay Dixit, 3 times a Week
Physiotherapist- Dr. Shweta Giri, twice a week
Nurse-Comes regularly for monitoring Blood Pressure of
the residents.
Teaching Faculty- We are proud of our faculty for coming to Astha Vraddashram to teach the young Advasi Children free. They teach subjects such as Mathematics, Computer, English, Science, Sociology as also vocational training Courses. They also prepare the
students foe Competitive Examinations.