अनोखी माँ

One More Feather In The Cap 

Compassionate artificial intelligence system is required for looking after those unable to care for themselves, especially elderly people. 

It was 25-Jul-2019, I was busy with my kid. Suddenly I heard a voice of doorbell. I saw an old lady at my door in poor condition and her age was more than 70. She said, "will you please give me some work? And in return could you please provide me food." As per her language and accent, she was looking well educated. She was looking too weak, anaemic, stressed, tired and couldn’t walk without support. I asked her about her family background. She said, "my husband passed away two months back, I have no children. We were staying in a rented house but now it's not affordable for me to pay the rent. so currently, I am staying at the temple". She showed me all legal documents like death certificate of husband, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card etc. after that I provided some food and asked her to come tomorrow also.

As she went, I thought that providing food will be only a temporary help for her so I have to find some sustainable solution for her food and shelter. 

The whole day I was thinking only about her. I thought Old Age Home is the only option left for her. So, I started contacting nearby Old Age Homes. All were ready to give admission to her but there was a big hurdle in this path as all old age homes were paid and charges were around Rs.8000/- to Rs.15000/- per month.

I had a word with Adv Mr Paresh Khadilkar for guidelines, contact and suggestions. As per his guidance, I contacted Mother Teresa Home but again there was a hurdle, they only accept people who came through the police department. Immediately I went along with the old lady to Bhosari, Pune police station and I met with Police Inspector Mr Avtade. Then I completed all the formalities with the help of Mr Avtade sir and constable Mrs Aasha Ma'am and we started going towards Mother Teresa Home along with constable Mrs Aasha Ma'am.

We completed all the admission formalities and we admitted her in Mother Teresa Home. 

It was a very affectionate moment for both of us which was like a mother dropping her child for the very first time to school. 

Throughout this journey, two of us built a unique relationship which I could see in her eyes. Embracing the emotions, the police and I returned back.

After two months I visited Mother Teresa Home to meet her and I was surprised.

She came near me without any support and she was not only looking healthy but also well dressed and the most important thing that she was happy. The moment she saw me, she was having a lot of things to speak and share with me. She described her routine, timetable and as she was sharing all, tears of joy rolled down from her eyes.

At that moment, I felt like I had conquered the world.

I am thankful to Adv Mr Paresh Khadilkar, Police Inspector Mr Avtade and Constable Mr Aasha for their valuable guidance and kind help.