Sixty Six-Year-Old Hare Ram Pandey found an abandoned baby girl in poor condition and took swift action to rescue her.
“When I found this girl, she was in a very bad condition. There were ants all over her umbilical cord and her back. I immediately took her to a hospital, where she was treated for almost 21 days. The doctor had also lost hope but I knew that this girl was God’s gift to me and would survive,” says Pandey.
Hare Ram Pandey not only rescued the abandoned baby girl whom he named her Taapsee but also went on to give her a loving home. His sense of purpose expanded as he and his wife, Bhavani Kumari, extended their care to more girls in need. Operating the Narayan Sewa Ashram in Deoghar, Jharkhand, they are providing a nurturing environment for young girls who were abandoned by their parents in various places like trains, forests, or bushes. Pandey’s commitment to saving and raising these girls reflects a commendable dedication to making a positive impact on their lives.
In a very short while, Hare Ram Pandey received recognition for his exceptional work. Appearing on an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) on October 16, 2023, highlights the acknowledgment of his efforts and the impact he’s made in the lives of the girls he has taken under his care. KBC, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, is a popular Indian television quiz show, and Pandey’s presence on the show likely helped bring attention to his noble cause, potentially garnering support and awareness for the Narayan Sewa Ashram and its mission.
The story of Hare Ram Pandey’s commitment to helping abandoned girls continues to unfold with another touching incident. On Taapsee’s first birthday, Pandey received a call about another abandoned newborn girl, named Khushi. Rescuing her and witnessing her survival further strengthened Pandey’s resolve to make a lasting impact. This experience led him to register his Narayan Sewa Ashram as a trust, formalizing his dedication to providing a home and care for abandoned girls.
His emotional connection with Taapsee and the determination to ensure that no child should be abandoned drive Pandey’s mission. The quote, “When I first saw Taapsee, my soul bonded with this tiny human. How could anyone abandon these girls? They deserve to live, and I resolved to help as many girls as I could,” reflects the deep empathy and compassion that fuels his efforts to make a difference in these young girls’ lives.
Hare Ram Pandey’s reputation as a compassionate caregiver for abandoned girls has grown to the extent that local authorities, including the police and administration in Deoghar, rely on him whenever they encounter a case of an abandoned girl. Fondly known as “Baba” (dad) by these young girls, Pandey and his wife have created a nurturing home for them.
Being in an adivasi (tribal) area where there is no comparable trust in a 150-200-km radius, Pandey has become the go-to person for handling such situations. The fact that all calls concerning abandoned girls in the region are directed to him underscores the trust and recognition he has earned for his selfless dedication to providing a loving and secure environment for these vulnerable children.
It’s heartening to know that Hare Ram Pandey and his wife, along with the support of the local community, have not only provided a home but also education for the girls they’ve taken in. Taapsee and Khushi, who were themselves rescued and raised by the Pandey family, are now in junior college and have aspirations to become doctors. This reflects the success of Pandey’s mission not just in providing shelter but in empowering these girls to dream big and pursue their goals. The commitment to education is a crucial aspect of breaking the cycle of abandonment and providing these young individuals with the tools to shape their own futures.
Hare Ram Pandey’s dedication to his noble cause of providing a home and education for abandoned girls is admirable, but it’s evident that the challenges are significant. Supporting a family of 40, including himself, his wife, their son, and his wife, along with the girls they’ve taken in, poses a daily struggle. Pandey mentions that he used to work as a compounder but left the job due to corruption, and his income from farming on family land is no longer sufficient.
The financial strain he faces highlights the difficulties in sustaining such a charitable endeavor. Despite the hardships, Pandey’s commitment to the well-being and education of these girls remains strong. His story emphasizes the need for support and recognition of individuals like Pandey who are making a significant impact on the lives of the vulnerable and underserved in their communities.
Pandey says that their monthly basic expenditure is at least Rs 1.5-2 lakhs. He also spends Rs 20,000 per month on his cows. It’s evident from Hare Ram Pandey’s words that the local community plays a crucial role in supporting the Narayan Sewa Ashram and its mission. While he appreciates the help he has received, Pandey highlights the ongoing challenges, particularly in meeting basic needs such as food. The struggle is a daily concern that weighs heavily on him.
Additionally, the construction of a house for the girls, albeit incomplete without a roof or a bathroom, underlines the financial constraints faced by Pandey and his family. The absence of amenities like a washing machine further reflects the limited resources available. Despite these challenges, Pandey’s dedication to the well-being and education of the girls remains unwavering.
Discussion about this post