THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It’s close to 1 pm. Slowly, the sunken eyes of the fragile inmates of Ward Nine of General Hospital glimmer with hope as Radhakrishna Pillai walks in.
With homemade meals for the starving souls and an ear for their woes, the 83-year-old man has kindled hope and affection within the inmates. Be it a hartal or a public holiday, the compassionate man has not for once in the past 17 years failed to turn up at the ward.
It was on March 1, 2000, that the noble venture was launched by Matha Vanitha Charitable Society. The initiative was borne out of the commitment of a few broad-minded women under the patronage of Radhakrishna Pillai who retired as Superintendent from the Technical Education Department.
One would not see the members of the Society going around for funds as aid flows in from well-wishers and like-minded people. Pillai turned out to be a saviour for the inmates of Ward Nine when the government turned a blind eye towards their plight.
Pillai started his silent service much before the inception of the Society with his pension of `25,000. While teaching people around him the need to satiate the hunger of the uncared, Pillai also provided them medicines and clothes.
It was Pillai’s frequent interventions which earned the inmates of Ward Nine a roof over their heads, as they were forced to take shelter in the open verandah till then.
Pillai also supplies evening meals at Asha Bhavan, a home for destitute children, at Poojappura in the city. In the weekends, he also provides 10 kg of rice along with medicines to the visually challenged and cancer patients. The octogenarian also provide financial assistance to students from backward families.
“The venture could not be carried out successfully without the help of relatives, friends and some well-wishers,” said Radhakrishna Pillai. He receives amounts ranging from `100 to `50,000 which helps him in carrying out his mission. Every penny Pillai receives is properly audited, says George Joseph, a friend and member of the Society.