Guardians of life

Summary of the initiative

Sr. Thankam John and her lay collaborators regularly visit 81 villages in eight areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, two states in central-eastern India. Thanks to word of mouth from caring neighbours and reports from local authorities, they reach out to and assist elderly and lonely people living on the margins of society. Sitting beside them, they listen to their stories and needs. They periodically organise simple gatherings where they share a meal and the warmth of human contact with others. Sick or frail elderly people are assisted in their huts, helping them to wash, cleaning their homes, preparing and sharing a little food with them, and delivering groceries, personal hygiene products, sheets, and simple clothing.

The “Guardians of Life_India” project aims to contribute to:

• guaranteeing basic assistance to lonely and abandoned elderly people;
• providing comfort items and personal hygiene products;
• promoting a mindset of care towards vulnerable people;