Mangaluru’s Sevaashrama: A beacon of hope for the abandoned elderly
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
In the twilight years of their lives, elderly individuals often face daunting challenges, with the unfortunate reality being that many are deprived of the privilege of being surrounded by their loved ones. The destitute - people without food, money or home - face the brunt of neglect, abandonment, abuse, violence, unfair treatment, denial of basic needs, and often seek shelter wherever they possibly can.
On the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed every year on June 15, we present the inspiring tale of Sevaashrama, an old age home that provides solace to the elderly who have been shunned and abandoned by their own families. Through this poignant story, we glimpse into the lives of those forgotten souls who have found a glimmer of hope amidst their adversity.
Nestled amidst the greenery of Belma village, on the outskirts of Mangaluru, Sevaashrama stands as a beacon of compassion. This home for the destitute, run by the self-funded Sevaa Bhaava Charitable Trust in collaboration with donations from philanthropists, aims to provide shelter, care, and a fresh lease on life to elderly men and women through selfless service.
Geeta R Shetty, the trust's correspondent and an unwavering pillar of strength, has dedicated her life to serving marginalized communities. Recounting the incident that ignited her mission, she vividly recalls the day she stumbled upon a man in the heart of Mangaluru City, desperately seeking help. Despite her best efforts to secure his placement in orphanages, she faced insurmountable barriers in the form of exorbitant deposit fees. It was this heart-wrenching encounter that sowed the seeds of Sevaashrama in 2013. Today, as the home enters its tenth year, it has become a sanctuary for 37 elderly inmates who once languished in the shadows of society.
A typical day at Sevaashrama begins at 6 am with a comforting glass of hot water, followed by meditation and gentle floor exercises. The residents then partake in a nourishing breakfast, fortifying them for the day ahead. Snack time arrives around 11 am, providing an opportunity for leisurely interactions, laughter, and even a friendly game of ludo. Lunch, served promptly at 1 pm, is followed by a much-needed rest period. In the evening, after indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic drink called ragi malt or kashaaya, the residents embark on rejuvenating walks, tend to gardens, or care for the cherished cows that have found a home at Sevaashrama. As the day draws to a close, a hearty dinner is served, accompanied by comforting hot milk. By 9:30 pm, the residents retire for a well-deserved rest.
While the residents find comfort in their daily routines, it is essential to acknowledge the deep scars that accompany them. Many arrive at Sevaashrama bearing physical ailments and emotional trauma, remnants of the difficult paths they have traversed. Recognizing this, the trust conducts weekly counseling sessions, offering a space for healing and emotional support. Inmates like the woman from Goa, who found solace at Sevaashrama after enduring her son's neglect due to alcohol abuse, share their stories, finding solace in the empathetic ears that listen.
To address the healthcare needs of the elderly, doctors from the renowned KMC visit Sevaashrama once a month, conducting thorough medical check-ups. The prevalence of eye-related issues among the residents prompted the trust to organize nearly 25 cataract surgeries, restoring the gift of clear vision to these deserving souls.
Sevaashrama cherishes the individuality of its residents and encourages their active participation in daily chores, gardening, cooking, and other activities. Geeta affectionately refers to them as "grannies" and takes pride in their shared moments of joy, including singing and dancing. Their spirits are palpable as they enthusiastically showcase their talents, bridging the gap between their painful pasts and a present filled with newfound happiness.
The Sevaashrama, which previously catered exclusively to women, recently marked a significant milestone in its decennial year with the inauguration of a new block for destitute men. This expansion ensures that more abandoned elderly individuals can find refuge within the compassionate walls of Sevaashrama.
Amidst the adversity that has marked their lives, these residents hold onto hope and faith. In an environment devoid of toxicity and cruelty, they discover a sense of relief and belonging. As an inmate poignantly expresses, "Even my own children did not care for me the way this home has. Sevaashrama is truly my home."
Although the trust operates without government aid, its unwavering dedication stems from the generosity of philanthropists and compassionate individuals who extend their support. Geeta emphasizes that monetary contributions, while crucial, are not the sole measure of support. She urges readers to spend time with the elderly residents, recognizing the immeasurable value of human connection and compassion.
Amidst her tireless efforts, Geeta harbors concerns about the future of Sevaashrama. Her fervent wish is for the home to remain a sanctuary exclusively dedicated to those in need, free of charge, and untouched by the commercialization that could erode its true purpose.
Life often presents challenges and inflicts pain upon us. Yet, in the face of uncertainty, the elderly residents of Sevaashrama exemplify the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Their journey resonates with the power of kindness and the courage to rise above adversity. As the sun sets on their lives, these remarkable individuals refuse to be overlooked, as they deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect that Sevaashrama so ardently provides.
Sevaashrama's journey is a story of profound human compassion, reminding us of the importance of uplifting the forgotten elderly members of our society. In a world that often forgets its elders, this humble abode shines brightly as a beacon of hope and humanity. As we reflect on their remarkable resilience, let us be inspired to embrace the vulnerable and foster a world that cherishes and supports our elderly population.
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Accused gunman at correspondents' dinner was believed to be targeting top officials, Blanche says
Washington (AP): The accused gunman who tried to storm the ballroom at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner with guns and knives travelled across the country before the event and is believed to have been targeting members of the Trump administration, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday.
Blanche also said officials believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then on to Washington, where in recent days he checked in as a guest to the hotel where one of Washington's glitziest events was being held Saturday night.
Investigators have not publicly named the suspect, but two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter have identified him to The Associated Press as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California.
Law enforcement officials who have examined the gunman's electronic devices and his writings preliminarily believe he intended to target administration members in attendance at the dinner. He attempted to charge into the cavernous ballroom at the Washington Hilton but was tackled to the ground in a chaotic scene that resulted in shots being fired, President Donald Trump being hurried off the stage and guests ducking for cover beneath their tables.
“It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president,” Blanche told NBC's “Meet the Press.”
The suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he carried within the last couple of years, Blanche said. He is not being cooperative and is expected to face multiple charges on Monday.
Video posted by Trump showed the suspect running past security barricades as Secret Service agents ran toward him. One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but was recovering, officials said. The gunman was taken into custody and was not injured, but was being evaluated at a hospital, police said.
“He failed,” Blanche said on CBS's “Face the Nation.” “Law enforcement did their jobs.”
Social media posts that appear to match the suspect show he is a highly educated tutor and amateur video game developer.
A May 2025 profile photo of Allen appears to match the appearance of the man in a photo of the alleged attacker being taken into custody that was posted Saturday night by Trump. The photo, posted to the social networking site LinkedIn, shows him in a cap and gown after graduating with a master's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Allen earned a bachelor's degree in 2017 in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. He listed his involvement there in a Christian student fellowship and a campus group that battled with Nerf guns.
The shooting at the security barricades happened minutes after the event got underway.
The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the room as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. Gasps echoed through the ballroom as guests realized something was happening. Hundreds of journalists immediately got on phones to call in information.
“Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. From one corner, a “God Bless America” chant began as the president was escorted offstage. Outside the hotel, members of the National Guard and other authorities flooded the area as helicopters circled overhead.
After an initial attempt to resume the event, it was scrapped for the night and will be rescheduled.
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