Coming of age

“The trust first started with generous donations from David Sassoon and continues to function with the help of donations from the public today,” says Niwara trustee Nirmala Sovani. The Trust was founded on August 9,1863,and has faced many challenges since,especially lack of funds and space.

But now,according to Sovani,these are problems of the past. “We receive around Rs 10,000 to 15,000 every day in cash and kind. People seem more willing to donate these days because their own earnings are higher than before. Those who want to help but don’t have the time send us money instead,” she says.

The old age home can now house around 200 people and the Trust hopes to begin building new wings and increase the capacity very soon. “Most of the money we receive is spent on the care of the inmates. However,in the last few years,we have started developing the property and now have a physiotherapy centre,a paediatric care centre,a public gymnasium and even an auditorium. We get a steady income from these buildings. So even though we are dependent on donations,we are not worried about how much comes in each day,” adds Sovani.

“I have been living at the Home for 20 years now. I am so happy that we are going to celebrate its 150th anniversary. It’s like home for people like us. In fact,it is better than home,” says 72 –year old Sulochana Naik,one of the residents.

Sovani,who herself is 83 years old and has been working for the Trust for the last 35 years. “Niwara has changed a lot over the years. At the anniversary function,these changes and the Trust’s journey over the years will be highlighted in the programme,” she says,adding,”Those who have contributed to our cause over the years will also be felicitated at the function and Ram Pradhan,the former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh,will preside over the festivities.”