A Ray of Hope- Samir Kwatra Restoring a Roof over the Heads of Homeless Senior Citizens in Mumbai

It is sad to see misery and suffering around. Times are getting increasingly turbulent. The pandemic has uncovered new dimensions of struggles and suffering. In such times, when people are struggling for the basics, it comes as a whiff of fresh air to come across someone who dedicates their life to the well-being of others. One of these people is Samir Kwatra. Samir was just a happy youngster before the pandemic stuck. At 27, his life was about his career, friends, and fun. However, the onset of Covid-19 made him uncomfortable. He found himself worried about people who didnt have the basic amenities to lead a comfortable life in these tough times. He spent a few months thinking about what he could do for them but didnt take any substantial step until the 2nd wave hit India. The magnitude of the issue hit Samir hard. He admits to not being able to sleep for several nights. Samir remembers how he watched the news all the time despite the motivation from his friends and family to do something else. Samir didnt want to do anything but help those in need. It is then that the reality of homeless senior citizens dawned on him. Seeing them struggling for life basics, roaming around clueless on the roads made Samir sad. He thus decided to do something for them. It led to the establishment of Ananta Khushiyan Niwas- a home for senior citizens who didnt have a roof above their heads. Ananta Khushiyaan Niwas came into existence on 14th July 2021, and Samir dedicated it to the memory of his father, Late Mr. Ravindra Kwatra. The shelter for homeless citizens is a free service. Samir says that many people drop senior citizens at the shelter and are not charged anything. Samir always felt like he had a connection with older people, and he thinks that this is the perfect time and way to touch maximum lives. He thanks his mother, Mrs. Rama Kwatra, brother Chinu Kwatra and other Ananta & Khushiyaan Family members for their incessant support in shaping the shelter. I would have never been able to touch so many lives had it not been for these people who always stand like a rock whenever we face any challenges, said Samir. Ananta Khushiyaan Niwas is located in Belapur.It is fully supported by renowned entrepreneurs Mr. Digvijay Singh & Mrs. Umita Singh. The shelter was inaugurated by Entrepreneurs Mr. Gautam Dhuri, Mr. Rakesh Kinger, and famous anchor, actor, choreographer- Mr. Raghav Juyal. Currently, Ananta Khushiyaan Niwas is a small shelter with a capacity of 15 people. It is managed by the team of the Khushiyaan Foundation. Samir was recently awarded the APJ Abdul Kalam Proud Indian Award 2021 for being a young social activist in Mumbai. Samir is humbled to receive this honour. While he doesnt expect any recognition, he says that it feels great to be honoured with a prestigious award. My goal is only to keep old people happy and well provided for in the last inning of their life; their blessings are more important than any award, said Samir.