Charity is more than just monetary aid

‘I don't want publicity for the work I do’ are the words of Suman R, (Name changed on request) who has been helping the needy from the past 40 years or so.

It all began in a small town of Kolkatta where she was brought up. Like any other child, Suman dreamt of becoming a doctor after completing school and helping the poor; but fate had other plans for her. After her mother's death, she had to leave her education plans and take care of her father and younger brother. When her friend went to a medical school and Suman was left to household chores, it broke her heart. But this didn't stop her from going out and helping others — even if it meant donating blood at a nearby hospital.

With parents constantly falling ill, Suman's childhood was always surrounded by doctors, hospitals and medicines. “I had seen my mother and father suffer. So, I always wanted to help people in their illness,” says Suman.

After marriage, she shifted to Mumbai but her zeal to help others never died. “My husband was supportive of my work and never stopped me from going to hospitals to donate whatever I could,” says Suman. Till, today, at the age of 63, Suman doesn't hesitate from going to various hospitals near her house and help those in needs. King George Hospital, is one of the most visited, where she often donates milk bottles, milk powder etc for the orphaned children.

Apart from this, she also sponsors a child every year through CRY. “Around 10 years ago, my friend had put down my name for it and I still continue to do it. But I prefer to go and meet the person in need and find out their problems,” says Suman. Human connection is very important for her as she feels without it we are nothing. Suman adds, “Unless we see others in pain, how will we learn or know what they are going through? Helping others means more than just giving someone monetary aid.”

There are no hard and fast rules about the money she spends in helping others; her aid sometimes runs up to a lakh or so. She feels if a person has the capability and resources for doing something good for others then nothing should stop him or her from doing so. As for today’s generation, she thinks they lack motivation. “Of course, they help others but forget about it in a jiffy and are not consistent,” says Suman. She blames today's hectic lifestyle for the lack of social awareness in youngsters as well as others as everybody is busy with their own plans and don’t have time to stop and think about others. She also thinks that many a times people get influenced by the name and fame and help big charity organisations but forget about the small places which really need their help and support.

“Rain, floods or even the sweltering summer sun can stop me from helping the deprived and I will continue to do so till my last breath,” says Suman.