This is no new bank for business transactions; it is a bank that deals in happiness. The Joy Bank is the first of its kind, where depositors can deposit useful things that can be distributed to the needy people at old age homes, orphanages, blinds' homes and many other places where the less fortunate live. It could be anything, a toy, a blanket, a new garment, a pair of shoes, books or money, whatever you wish.
The Joy Bank begun its operations at Belgaum in the New Year. It is the brainchild of Gouree Deshpande, a Master in Computer Applications (MCA) from Gogte Institute of Technology in Belgaum. Gouree, a topper at MCA, was selected in a campus interview to work with Mindtree consulting, but she soon got married and opted to pursue social causes, rather than work for a salary.
Gouree, in her twenties, feels that she would not have been successful in her endeavour, had it not been for her husband and family's support.
The Joy Bank, which started with 12 members, all of whom were from Belgaum and Bangalore, today has 31 members. Most of them are young. "We want to make this a daily bank where everyday, the needy draw something and well-meaning people deposit something useful," says Gouree.
Gouree got the idea of opening the bank after she had visited some orphanages. "We only wish people who really care for the destitute and the elderly join us," says Gouree. "Giving is the biggest pleasure, whether love or material goods. This, I believe, everyone should experience once in life."
The first donation event of the Bank is supposed to take place on January 8, for the Shantayee Vriddhashram, an old age home that has 16 senior citizens staying there. The ashram is run for people who are above 60 years and have no known relations or income.
The manager of the ashram, Nagesh Chougule, told DNA that he felt very glad to receive the offer. "It's heartening to know the young have concern for the old and the destitute," said Chougule. “I retired from government service 10 years ago, and have been working here since, and there is no better satisfaction than serving these people who have nobody in the world. Their gratitude is enough."
Former mayor of Belgaum, Vijay More, who runs social service organisations in Belgaum, said, "The readiness to give whatever little to the orphaned, young or old, is a noble one."
