Jharkhand man begs for alms to run orphanage

Dampara (Jharkhand), Sept 17 (ANI): Kantha Singh, a former motor mechanic, plays good samaritan for 42 orphans from tribal communities and runs an orphanage by begging for alms at Dampara village in Jharkhand.

Started in 2007, the orphanage had just 15 children. These children have been rendered homeless due to reckless alcoholism and polygamy prevalent in the area.

"They do not have any guardian. Some of them were even working, while others were living with relatives. We started the orphanage with 15 children, now we have 42. They are all taken care of and they are all studying," said Singh.

Singh has voluntary workers at the orphanage, who beg for alms in the surrounding villages. The offerings by the people are not always enough. At times, the children have to make do with just salt and rice.

"We go from village to village begging for alms," said Ramchandra Hembrum, a worker.

Singh's service has earned him an invitation from the President. He and the other workers at the orphanage are now hopeful that the President would do something for the children.

The unexpected development has left them all overwhelmed.

"He will meet the President and talk to her about how difficult it is to run the orphanage. He will also talk about the needs of the children and all we need to run the orphanage well. He will also talk about their educational and other needs," said Pather Saran, another worker.

Singh has also been taking care of the education of the orphans. He runs a school within the orphanage and hopes that the President will extend help, in his efforts to educate the children and ensure a good life for them. By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)