Home Alone

While the women come together to discover their new surroundings, the unique house has also brought their parents together. Once worried about their daughters8217; futures, the couples now rejoice in the new found independence of Gharkul.

8220;Our only concern in the last few years has been our daughter,8221; says 75-year-old Smita Wadkar, Stuti8217;s mother. 8220;Who will take care of her after we are gone? She has a sister who is married and settled. We didn8217;t want to burden her. This seemed like the best option.8221;

Unsure of how their daughters would take to the concept, the parents first came together in 2005 and ran a one month camp for the girls. 8220;It was the first time they stayed alone, without their parents,8221; says Meena Kadkar, the caretaker of Gharkul. 8220;They adjusted beautifully, helping each other, doing odd jobs in the house and enjoying every moment of it.8221;

Encouraged by the success, the families painstakingly planned the big move. In collaboration with Inner Wheel Devlali, a beautiful bungalow was found in the heart of Ashwin Cooperative Society, home to many retired couples. Even as the families tried to help their daughters set up home, help poured in. Some donated utensils, others pitched in with the rent and many volunteered their time. Together, they got Gharkul in shape for a joyous house warming on November 1.

For the Srikantas, this project couldn8217;t have come at a better time. With both husband and wife having recently undergone bypass surgeries, the concern for their 30-year-old daughter was rising.

8220;But it all disappeared in a moment. It was wonderful to see the girls settle into their rooms each named after a flower,8221; recalls Shanta Srikanta. 8220;We parents take turns to stay here and help out. This house has opened a whole new world for us. We have come closer and our girls are becoming best friends.8221;

In their 8220;home away from home8221;, the women share their chores, take care of each other and follow the example set by their caretaker. Between yoga, cutting vegetables, decorating their new space and having endless conversations, these women are slowly learning to depend on each other and are well on their way to forming a new sisterhood.

Mangala Badgujar keeps an eye on her daughter Swati as she supervises the chopping of vegetables. Unable to pay the Rs 3000 monthly share for her daughter8217;s lodging and boarding, Badgujar volunteered to cook for the girls. Between stirring pots of hot dal and rolling out chappatis, she watches her daughter strike out on her own.

8220;This small house has rejuvenated my entire family,8221; says a grateful Badgujar. 8220;All my three children are differently abled and it was becoming very difficult for us to survive. Then it all suddenly fell in place. Through Prabodhini, both my sons found employment in nearby industrial units. And now my daughter has found a happy home.8221;

Two weeks after he has settled his girl, Dr M.A. Wadkar says he is no longer scared of death. 8220;I am a reassured man,8221; says the 76-year-old oral surgeon. 8220;Bigger cities have hostels for children like ours, but that option was never good for us. We want to be able to spend time with our daughter everyday and in Gharkul we can.8221;

To get in touch with Gharkul, call 0253-3290963