The 80 year old mother of 800 abandoned girls #IndianHeroes

The cradle in front of her gate may bring a smile to your face initially until you understand the implications; it is where people come to place female babies they are abandoning.
That cradle was placed there in the mid-80s as a plea to the public NOT TO KILL the girl child and to instead place the baby in the cradle if the parents did not want it.

Even today, three decades later, it is still there. And it is still saving young girls.

Dr Sarojini Agarwal's daughter Manisha was eight years old in 1978 when the child died in a tragic road accident, riding pillion behind her mother. For a long time, Sarojini wept for her loss until finally she found inspiration from her own inner voice.

"You won't get Manisha back this way. Open your eyes and look. There are so many unfortunate gilrs who have nobody to call them your Manishas... be the mother of these children." 

In 1984, that thought would eventually develop into 'Manisha Mandir' presently in Gomti Nagar, Uttar Pradesh; a home for orphaned destitute girls where Sarojini provided food, shelter and clothing for every child in addition to educating them and making them self-reliant.

Unlike orphanages, here all the children live as a single family, united by a common surname (Bharity) and finally having someone to call Mummy.

All the girls are admitted to prominent schools in the area because Sarojini knows that 'good education alone can liberate girls from the hardships of society.' The girls are raised, educated and cared for and encouraged to lead independent lives once they turn 18, with many having been successfully reintegrated back into society in meaningful positions as principals, teachers, bank managers and other professionals.

Even as she and her husband live in a single room within the compound, Sarojini ensures that the girls do not want for anything. 

Manisha Mandir boasts its own library, computer lab, function halls, dormitories, a badminton court and garden. In addition to donations from kind philanthropists, she rents a function hall in the campus to meet the needs of Manisha Mandir.

From children rescued from brothels to those whose parents passed away, over 34 years, Sarojini - known in her locality as 'Maa' - has looked after 800 girls. 

Even today, in her 80s now, the zest to save every child who comes to the cradle at her gate remains. With National Awards for Child Welfare and a Mother India Award among her laurels, Dr Sarojini Agarwal is a true inspiration for those looking to turn their life around after facing their worst moment in life. 

You can read more about her and help her here at the Manisha Mandir website

Author's note:

For the last few years, I have been maintaining a list of real life Heroes of Kindness and Compassion from across the world. The aim, of course, is to restore faith in humanity for those who need it most.

This month, for the #MyFriendAlexa challenge, I will be showcasing local heroes from across the country who make a difference with their kindness. Yes, it is a Heroes of Kindness - Indian edition!

I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter.