Farmer builds old-age home for destitute elderly in Bargarh

Rourkela: Saving diligently from his modest income, a 51-year-old farmer in Bargarh district’s Bijepur block has been running an old-age home for the past nine years that offers abandoned and destitute senior citizens a life of dignity.

Jalandhar Patel provides shelter, food, medical care and companionship to the elderly in the home he built from scratch — an effort supported by his wife Jasabanti and their two children. Patel spends around Rs 70,000 each month to care for the inmates.


Born in Samleipadar village — the birthplace of freedom fighter and social reformer Parbati Giri — Patel grew up inspired by her legacy of selfless service. After Giri’s death in 1995, Patel became deeply involved in social activities. During Giri’s birth anniversary events, he noticed the plight of the poor and elderly who came seeking food and support. That moment, he said, planted the idea of creating a permanent shelter for those abandoned by their families.

With his wife’s support, Patel set up the ‘Manav Kalyan Bikash Kendra’ and began saving a substantial part of his farm earnings to purchase land. In 2015, after nearly three years of savings, he bought 78 decimals of land on the outskirts of his village. By 2017, he had constructed a modest home that initially accommodated 10-15 people. He named it ‘Parbati Giri Old Age Orphanage’ and inaugurated it on Jan 19, 2017, in honour of the freedom fighter.

Initially, the home had no electricity, prompting Patel to install solar panels and an inverter. Later, with govt support, the facility received electricity, water supply, toilets and road connectivity. Over time, Patel expanded the home, which now houses 28 elderly inmates — 15 women and 13 men — all aged above 70 years.

“I purchased the land from my farming income and built the shelter for abandoned elderly people,” Patel said. “Before opening it, I formed a committee of villagers and identified the first five inmates from Bargarh district who agreed to stay. Since then, my family and I have been serving them.”

Patel and his wife personally look after the inmates, while a cook prepares their meals. His 26-year-old son and 22-year-old daughter are also actively involved. Patel bears almost all operational costs — spending Rs 45,000 on food and Rs 15,000 on medicines every month. Occasionally, villagers donate food on birthdays, anniversaries or remembrance days.

Farming remains Patel’s only source of income. He cultivates marigold on four acres and grows rice and vegetables on another three acres. From this, he not only supports the old-age home but also runs his six-member family, which includes his father and sister.

The lockdown brought severe challenges. “I struggled to run the home during Covid-19,” Patil recalled. “I had to buy groceries on credit, and a few people helped. But I never thought of giving up.”

When an inmate falls ill, Patel drives them to the hospital in his own autorickshaw and stays until treatment is completed. He also performs last rites for unclaimed bodies of the poor and helpless.

“Serving them gives my family immense happiness. Bringing a smile to their faces is our only goal. I will continue this work as long as I live,” he said. He also plans to construct additional rooms to accommodate more elderly people.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !