Chhatravas Chandra Arya Orphanage

FROM INFANCY TO SELF-RELIANT ADULTHOOD

Imagine the perils of being born destitute and abandoned or orphaned in New Dehli. What are your chances of mere survival let alone a happy childhood and promising adult life? This is the plight of untold numbers of boys and girls in the Indian capital today. Yet, despite the tremendous odds against them at birth, thousands have survived and gone on to become productive citizens through the efforts of one organization that has been helping homeless children for more than 80 years.

Founded in 1918 by the notable national religious leader, Swami Shraddha Nandji, according to the principles of self-reliance that inspired Swami Dayanand, the Arya Orphanage originally could give refuge to only 16 children. Due to the dedicated efforts of generations of administrators, staff, and patrons, the institution today provides a clean, safe home and an education through Grade 12 to about 1,100 boys and girls.

What is most noticeable about all the Chhatravas campus facilities is the industrious energy of the children and the pride they take in their home. The roughly 600 girls and 500 boys between the ages of 5 and 17 do most of the work keeping their separate living quarters spotless and orderly. Beds are moved against the walls in the daytime to create extra floor space for play and study activities. The children themselves keep both private and public areas clean and neat, and they tend the plants and flowers in the common areas to maintain a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere for work and play.

Thousands of orphaned and abandoned boys and girls have moved on at age 18 to colleges, marriages, and paid employment thanks to the refuge and education provide by the variety of residential and educational institutions that make up the Chhatravas Arya organization. Among recent accomplishments, a Middle School founded in 1995 has been upgraded to a Secondary School. Children with less academic aptitude can pursue courses in Industrial Training Institutes to acquire skills for employment. The goal for all is to develop the attitudes and means for self-sufficiency by age 18.

New Dehli orphans, destitute in infancy, have been enabled to rise above their misfortune to become teachers, nurses, office workers, electricians, mechanics, computer programmers, and college graduates. This miracle is possible because of the vision, dedication, and hard work of the people of Chhatravas. The charitable donations of caring individuals and organization have the power to make the miracle continue.