Beginings

In August 2011,  we announced that we had begun helping Rama Devi. Rama Devi  was a 72 year old Nepali woman, living homeless and unwanted…. Rama Devi was married when she was 13 but soon after her husband left her for another woman. Rama Devi did not have children of her own or any known relatives and was left penniless on the street. She currently lives in one very small room in extremely poor conditions as she had neither income nor family to support her.  “I am living alone with no income sources and I am helped by my neighbors for my food and clothing”, she says.

Suku Devi, age 92, and Kamala Shrestha, age 87. Suku Devi lives alone in a small room and has no one to help her. In our original contact with her she cried in desperation about her situation and is now so happy that people care and are assisting her with basic needs. Kamala Shrestha lives alone and has depended on neighbors to provide food for her. She said, “I sometimes go without food. I don’t want to bother anyone.” Thank you for participating with us in bringing light and hope to these three beautiful old women. Rama Devi, Suku Devi   and Kamala Shrestha  are not an exception; there are thousands of elderly in similar or worse conditions in the streets of Nepal. These elderly poor experience deteriorating health, malnutrition, lack of shelter, fear, depression, senility, isolation, and financial incapacity.

Krishna Devi Napit is a 82 years  old woman who is living in a small room with no care or provisions from her family. Her husband is no longer living  and her only son was killed in a conflict in Nepal. Krishan Devi is tearful when talking about how she has no means of provision for her daily  needs. She is a barber by the caste and has earned her living by going door to door providing pedicure services to families during the rituals. Jyoti foundation is honored to be a part of Krishana Devi’s life.

Laxmi Maya Moktan is a 98 year old woman. Her husband was killed 52 years ago in prison; he was a political activist. Laxmi lives in one small room where she sleeps and cooks; she pays $30 a month for rent and is taking care of her 65 year old adult son who does not provide help to her or support her. Her daughter in law does house hold chores for earning in a community. All three live in one small room. For the past 9 years, she goes to the temple from 5am to 5pm daily to clean the temple and to collect offerings which the people give. This is her only source of income. Many days, she goes without food if she does not earn anything at the temple. There are many days where she misses all 3 meals. Laxmi also has medical issues, including having poor eyesight. During our interview with her, she cried, sharing with us how she struggles to survive at this age in her life. 
We cannot help elderly people of Nepal like Laxmi without your help. Through your financial support, we are able to be a part of the many elderly people lives like Laxmi who suffer and live in such poor and desolate conditions. Please help us in “ Bringing Darkness to Light” (Jyoti) to the elderly in Nepal.

Shankar Dangol is a 72 years old man. He is living in a two bedroom house with a poor electricity supply. He does not have any family to support him. When he was physically able, he provided for his home by working in the field as a farmer as well as did household chores in the community, primarily during the festivals and events. However, due to his age and health he no longer can work in the field. His 75 years old sister Kusi Maya lives with him. She is ill and cannot work. Both brother and sister were supporting each other to meet their basic needs. Kusi Maya used to do household chores for earning in a community prior to becoming ill and immobile. Shankar supports his sister and sometimes receives help from the neighbors as he is physically fragile.

We  support their basic needs: shelter, food, medicine and daily errands. This is just a beginning for Jyoti Foundation but we are honored and proud to be a part of three beautiful old women’s life. Thank you for your part in adding to the quality of Rama Devi, Suku Devi,  Kamala Shrestha Krishna Devi, Laxmi Maya and Shankar’s  life.