*Gharakul: A Home of Love and Care for Senior Citizens for 25 Years*: *Silver Jubilee celebrations*

Pragativahini News: Belagavi: Gharakul, the old-age home run by Swami Chhaya Pratishthan in Belagavi, has completed 25 years of dedicated service, providing love, care, security and peace of mind to senior citizens in the twilight of their lives. The institution will celebrate its Silver Jubilee on November 3.

The programme will be held at 10 am on the premises of the old-age home at Benakanahalli, Belagavi, in the presence of several dignitaries.

Silver Jubilee Committee Chairman Anil Potdar and other office-bearers shared details of the institution’s 25-year journey.
The seed of Gharakul was sown in 2001, when Shri Mukundrao Potdar envisioned a service initiative dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens. What began in a small rented house in Tilakwadi, with just three elderly residents, gradually expanded. The institution later shifted to the Camp area and has now grown into a well-established old-age home housed in its own spacious building amid the serene and picturesque surroundings of Benakanahalli.

More Than Shelter: A Home of Affection and Dignity
Gharakul functions with the belief that senior citizens need not just accommodation, but also love, respect, dignity and a sense of belonging.

The campus features a secure compound with fencing and security gates, a green garden, dedicated walking paths, a meditation hall, television and indoor games facilities.

A reading room stocked with newspapers, magazines and a collection of quality books encourages residents to pursue reading and expand their knowledge.

Separate rooms accommodating one or two residents, along with attached bathing and toilet facilities, have been provided for their comfort. A spacious, clean and well-equipped kitchen and dining hall are among the institution’s key facilities.

For spiritual well-being, temples dedicated to Shri Dattatreya, Shri Ganesh, Shri Vitthal-Rukmini and Lord Hanuman have been established in the presence of an Audumbar tree. Daily rituals and prayers are conducted at the temples.

Healthcare and Happiness Take Centre Stage
Nutritious, hygienic and tasty vegetarian meals, including breakfast and lunch/dinner, are prepared in accordance with the age and health requirements of the residents and on medical advice.

Doctors visit the home every day to conduct health check-ups, forming an important part of its care system.
Festivals, special celebrations and annual outings are also organised to bring joy, companionship and renewed enthusiasm into the lives of the elderly residents.

Ambitious Plans to Expand Services
As Gharakul celebrates its 25-year journey, the institution has drawn up several ambitious plans to extend its support to more senior citizens in the years ahead.

The proposed initiatives include constructing an additional floor over the main building to accommodate more vulnerable elderly persons, introducing a 24-hour emergency medical vehicle, establishing a modern rehabilitation centre staffed by trained nurses, setting up a treatment room equipped with medical facilities, and creating dedicated spaces for yoga and pranayama.
Other planned facilities include a digital room, upgraded security systems, a spacious auditorium, a water purification plant and a solar power system.

Appeal for Public Support

Gharakul regards its service to senior citizens as a social mission and collects only a nominal minimum maintenance contribution from its residents.

The institution primarily depends on generous public donations to meet the costs of infrastructure development, maintenance and day-to-day operations.

It has appealed to individuals and corporate organisations to support its service initiatives through personal contributions and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Eligible donations are entitled to tax benefits under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, subject to applicable rules and conditions.

Gharakul’s Silver Jubilee marks not merely the completion of 25 years of service, but also a renewed commitment to extending care, dignity, affection and hope to many more senior citizens in the future.

Swami Chhaya Pratishthan President Rajiv Potdar, Secretary N.B. Deshpande, Treasurer Chintamani Gramopadhye and other office-bearers of the Pratishthan and Silver Jubilee Committee were present at the press conference.