“Blessed are they whose bodies get destroyed in the service of others.” ― Swami Vivekananda
At 21, Tarak Mondol is no longer the uncertain young man who once stepped out of the Kishalaya Children’s Home in Barasat, West Bengal. Growing up in an orphanage, he faced challenges most of us can hardly imagine. Yet, today, he’s not only a black belt in Karate but also a respected martial arts instructor, guiding others with the same discipline and strength that helped him rise above his circumstances.
For Pawan, 23, leaving the same children’s home at 18 was a turning point. His first job at a local clothing store didn’t just feel like a paycheck, it felt like a new beginning, a chance to build a future and carve his own path. Though their journeys may seem different, they have a common thread: Aparna Das.
Now 60, Aparna Das has helped change the lives of almost 100 people, from children to the elderly. She has consistently devoted her time and energy to helping others because she found joy in making a difference in people’s lives.
However, decades ago, while focused on meeting the demands of a busy joint family, Aparna never imagined that one day she would be shaping the futures of so many. With nine brothers-in-law, along with her husband, mother-in-law, and father-in-law to care for, Aparna often felt overwhelmed. “I felt like I was losing myself,” she recalls. Her early years were consumed by household chores, caregiving, and running the home.
“It wasn’t the work that made me sad, it was the fact that I couldn’t pursue the things I loved,” she tells The Better India. She quietly embraced her role, setting aside her passions like playing the guitar, reading books, and following her own interests, for the sake of her family. But as the years went by, a subtle sense of disconnection from her true self began to take root.
After becoming a mother in 1994, Aparna found a new purpose in raising her daughter. She devoted herself to ensuring her child’s future was bright, pouring all her energy into nurturing and supporting her. But when her daughter moved to Kolkata to chase her own dreams, Aparna felt a void reemerge in her life. Recognising this, her daughter became an unexpected catalyst, urging her to rediscover her own passions.
“I’ve witnessed my mother make countless sacrifices throughout her life to ensure I had her time, attention, and care. When I moved to Kolkata to pursue my own path, I wanted her to finally use her time for things that truly bring her joy. It was then that I encouraged her to reach out to NGOs and start engaging in work that she is passionate about,” Suparna Das, Aparna’s daughter, shares.
“She motivated me to follow my dreams,” Aparna says, her voice filled with gratitude. That encouragement sparked a new chapter in her life, one focused on helping others.
Empowering the underprivileged
Around 2015, Aparna began her journey into social work by volunteering at Kishalaya Children’s Home in Barasat. What started as a way to make meaningful use of her time soon grew into a lifelong mission. She poured her heart and soul into caring for orphaned children, teaching them essential life skills and offering them unwavering love and support.
“I don’t believe we can do social work with money,” she emphasises, asserting that genuine service originates from the depths of one’s being. “Help others wholeheartedly, and everything will fall into place.”
For Aparna, this ethos meant not only serving others but also standing on her own feet. “I don’t take a single penny for my work, my earnings are my own,” she says. Over time, she built her own sources of income, including mushroom farming. “I once grew mushrooms in my home, and without even having to leave, I earned a good living from them.”
During the winter, Aparna spends her time making dried lentil dumplings, known as Bori in Bengali, which she sells within her community. “I don’t need to take money from anyone. I stand on my own, providing for myself and others with my own hands,” she says, a sense of pride in her voice. This work not only helps her sustain herself but also allows her to support the NGOs she cares about, contributing through donations and other forms of assistance.
At Aradhana Social & Development Organization, Aparna has formed deep, meaningful connections with the children; offering them more than just support, she gives them her heart.
“I owe much of my progress and success to Aparna ma’am’s unwavering support, and I believe others should draw inspiration from her generosity and kindness,” says Tarak.
Aparna’s approach to supporting the children goes far beyond meeting their basic needs. “I teach them to dream, to not feel sad about their circumstances, but to see a bright future ahead,” she explains. At Aradhana Social & Development Organization, she encourages the children to express themselves creatively through activities like poem recitations and singing, helping them gain confidence and discover their unique voices. She also teaches them valuable life skills, such as personal hygiene and responsibility, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-assurance.
“It’s not enough to teach them how to survive, we must teach them how to thrive,” she says.
Despite the challenges that come with Aparna’s age, she continues undeterred. She remains dedicated to serving her community by connecting those who wish to donate with organisations in need. Through her extensive network, she arranges for food, clothing, and medical support to reach those who require it.
‘If you have a skill, use it to build your future’
A particularly memorable moment came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when children at Aradhana Social & Development Organization were affected by the virus. Unable to offer financial support, Aparna was perplexed about how to help. “I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I had to find a way,” she recalls. To her delight, a friend offered to donate food in celebration of her granddaughter’s birthday. “It was such a relief,” she says. With this unexpected help, Aparna ensured the children received nourishing food and care, even when she couldn’t be there physically.
What sets Aparna apart from others is her belief in the power of personal responsibility. She does not just offer handouts, she empowers people to help themselves. This mindset has driven her to mentor and guide individuals toward self-sufficiency. For instance, she helped a young woman struggling financially start her own mushroom cultivation business. “If you have a skill, use it to build your future,” Aparna advises. Whether it’s teaching children life skills or helping adults start small businesses based on their talents, she believes in creating opportunities for people to shape their own destinies.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work has been mentoring young people,” Aparna shares with a smile. “Pawan is one of the young men whose journey has deeply touched me. When he first came to me, he had nowhere to go. I offered him shelter and helped him get back on his feet.”
Aparna remembers how Pawan struggled to find direction after leaving the Kishalaya Children’s Home. “I saw his potential and knew he just needed some guidance,” she says. She didn’t stop there, Aparna helped him find his first job at a clothing store, and later, a position at a restaurant. “I even helped him open a bank account and taught him how to manage his savings,” she adds.
Seeing Pawan today, thriving and independent, brings Aparna immense joy. “What stands out the most is how hard he worked to get where he is now. His success is my greatest reward,” she says, her voice filled with happiness. “I am so proud of him. He’s not just a success story, he’s like family to me.”
Caring for the elderly
Aparna’s dedication to the elderly mirrors her commitment to children, as she works tirelessly to ensure senior citizens at Shondhaneer Old Age Home in Madhyamgram receive the care and support they deserve. “At Shondhaneer, I join other volunteers to arrange breakfast and snacks for the residents. Another organisation handles their lunch and dinner, but I ensure their mornings begin with nourishing meals,” she explains. Her hands-on approach guarantees that the elderly are well-cared for and energised to start their day.
Her compassion extends to the careful management of donations as well. “Whenever people wish to donate food to old age homes, I direct them to Shondhaneer. I prefer offering dry snacks like puffed rice, biscuits, and fruits, simple, healthy options that are easy to store and distribute,” she shares. This pragmatic approach underscores her deep understanding of the needs of the elderly, ensuring that their daily requirements are met with thoughtful care.
Although her family initially struggled to understand her work, Aparna’s husband has since become one of her greatest supporters. “He used to ask me where I was going, what I was doing, but now he understands,” she says with a smile. His support, alongside her daughter’s, has been crucial in helping Aparna balance her social work with family responsibilities. “Time management is key,” she says, acknowledging the constant juggling act between her duties at home and her work in the community.
Aparna’s journey has not been without its challenges. Over the years, she encountered resistance from some NGOs where she noticed that children were not being properly cared for. Instead of ignoring the issue, she took action. “I saw that some NGOs weren’t meeting the children’s needs, and I couldn’t stand by. I spoke directly to the authorities, insisting they prioritise the children’s well-being, ensure proper care, and meet their basic needs, including food,” she says, highlighting her commitment to advocating for the vulnerable, even in difficult circumstances.
Inspiring the next generation
“I grew up in Kishalaya Children’s Home in Barasat, where I had the privilege of meeting Aparna ma’am. She became a significant influence in my life. After turning 18, I had to leave the home, and I was fortunate enough to stay with her. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she welcomed me into her home for a month and helped me secure a job. Along the way, I pursued my passion for karate and achieved a black belt. I completed my class 12 studies, and today, I am a karate instructor,” says Tarak.
“What stands out the most about Aparna ma’am is her generosity. She never asked for anything in return and was there to guide me at every step of my life. Everything I’ve achieved today is because of her. I consider her my mother, and I’m forever grateful for the guidance, support, and opportunities she has given me,” Pawan reflects,
Aparna has always been a strong advocate for the younger generation, believing that young people must learn empathy, kindness, and the importance of giving. “Teach your children to be kind and to help others,” she advises. “We are advancing technologically, but humanity must advance as well,” she says, urging parents to focus on raising children with strong moral values.
“I draw inspiration from my mother, father, and grandfather, who taught me that helping others is not just an act, but a way of life. They always opened our home to those in need, and we were raised to treat everyone like family, regardless of where they came from,” she adds. Through these lessons, Aparna hopes to inspire others to nurture children who grow up to be not only successful but also compassionate.
For Aparna, her work has never been about recognition or accolades. Instead, her mission is simple, “I do what I do because I believe in giving back to society. If we all give a little, we can change a lot.”
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All images courtesy Aparna Das
