01 December 2024

Kalinga Bharati Foundation’s 10th Annual Winter Blanket and Food Distribution Drive in Vrindavan

On a chilly winter morning of 1st December 2024, Kalinga Bharati Foundation’s 10th Annual Winter Blanket and Food Distribution Drive in Vrindavan brought warmth and meals to 300 elderly widow mothers, spreading love and care in the sacred city.

A Warm Welcome in the Land of Devotion From Hiranmoyee India Foundation

Upon reaching the ashram of Hiranmoyee India Foundation, we were greeted with love and devotion. The elderly mothers, along with the team of Hiranmoyee India Foundation led by their founder Pranab Saikia, welcomed us with bhajans, kirtans, and the joyous sounds of Ullu Dhwani. The atmosphere was filled with spirituality and warmth as we received Vrindavani Vastra and tilaks on our foreheads. It was a welcome straight from the heart, reflecting the kindness and resilience of these incredible mothers.

Serving Food with Love by KBF Family

The next part of our mission was to distribute meals to 300 widow mothers who are cared for by the Hiranmoyee India Foundation. Watching their smiles and seeing their gratitude was a humbling experience. Each meal served was not just food but also a token of love and care.

Spending meaningful moments with the inspiring elderly mothers

After the meal distribution, we spent cherished moments interacting with these incredible mothers. Each conversation was a glimpse into lives filled with profound struggles and unimaginable pain. Many of these women, abandoned by their families and left to fend for themselves, have endured years of loneliness and hardship. Yet, in their eyes, we saw resilience, and in their voices, we heard grace.

Listening to their stories was deeply moving’a reminder of the strength of the human spirit even in the face of adversity. These mothers, some over 90 and even 100 years old, shared fragments of their lives with us, their voices trembling with both sorrow and courage. Despite all they’ve faced, they greeted us with smiles, warmth, and blessings that felt like treasures.

Witnessing their unwavering faith and strength, despite living in such challenging conditions, left us humbled and inspired. It reminded us of the power of kindness and the importance of being there for those who have been forgotten. For us, this was more than an act of service; it was a journey of learning, empathy, and connection.

Spreading Warmth with Winter Blankets

To help these elderly mothers endure the harsh winter of Vrindavan, we distributed 300 new blankets. In the biting cold, where survival without proper warmth becomes almost impossible, these blankets were more than just pieces of fabric’they were shields against the chill, a symbol of care, and a reminder that they are not alone.

As we wrapped each mother in a blanket, the gratitude in their eyes and the blessings they showered upon us were overwhelming. For us, it was a simple gesture, but for them, it was a lifeline, a source of comfort in their otherwise challenging lives. In the unforgiving winters of Brajbhumi, where even a few hours without adequate warmth can be unbearable, these blankets brought hope and relief.

Seeing their faces light up with joy was a moment we will carry in our hearts forever. It reminded us why acts of kindness, no matter how small they seem, are so crucial. For these mothers, abandoned and left to face life’s hardships alone, a warm blanket symbolized love, dignity, and the reassurance that someone cared.

Their blessings and smiles touched our souls, reinforcing our belief that spreading warmth’both physical and emotional’can transform lives. It was a poignant reminder that while winters may be cold, compassion can always light a spark of warmth in the darkest of times.

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

This heartfelt mission, which brought warmth and hope to the widowed mothers of Radhakund, Vrindavan, was made possible under the visionary leadership of Er. Akshay Kumar Samal, Founder and President of Kalinga Bharati Foundation. His unwavering commitment to serving those in need and his deep compassion for the marginalized are the driving forces behind every initiative of Kalinga Bharati Foundation. His guidance has not only shaped the direction of the foundation but also inspired every member of the team to put their heart and soul into helping those who are often overlooked by society.

A big thank you goes out to the entire KBF team, whose tireless efforts and dedication brought this initiative to life. Every member’s contribution, no matter how small, has been integral to the success of this mission. We are truly grateful for their selflessness, compassion, and hard work.

Special appreciation to the following team members who were present and played a crucial role in this drive:

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the following members who contributed to this great cause: Akshay Kumar Samal, Rabi Narayan Sahoo, Bijoy Mishra, Anil Jena, Niranjan Tripathy, Jajati Pal, Nirupama Pal, Sasmita Maharana, Rashmi Samal, Shrimanta Biswal, Nibedita Jena, Chandan Jena, Sasmita Nayak, Rudra Mohanty, Tanvi Biswal, Bishnu Priya Sahoo, Devapriya Acharya, Pramod Samal, Niraj Sahoo, Sangram Panigrahi, Narayan Kar, Suchismita Sahoo, Suresh Satpathy, Rekha Muni, Debapriya Acharya, Monalisa Mishra, Babita Mishra, Animesh, and Shreyash.

This initiative was a collective effort, and it is through such unity and compassion that we were able to make a meaningful impact. We are deeply appreciative of all the members who came together with a shared vision to spread love, warmth, and kindness.

A special thank you to Ichiban Corp Science Ltd for their generous support, which helped make this initiative even more impactful. Their contribution has made a tangible difference in the lives of so many mothers, and we are grateful for their partnership in spreading warmth and love.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to the Hiranmoyee India Foundation and their team, who welcomed us with open arms and helped facilitate this important mission. Without their support, this initiative would not have been as impactful.

We will continue to serve, to uplift, and to spread love, knowing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a world of difference.

The most heartwarming part of our visit to Vrindavan was the blessings we received from the elderly widow mothers. Their heartfelt words, hands raised in prayer, and smiles filled with gratitude touched our souls deeply. These blessings were more than just gestures; they were a reflection of their immense love and appreciation.

Despite the hardships they have endured, these mothers radiated kindness and grace, offering us blessings that felt like a divine gift. As they chanted Radhe Radhe and showered us with their heartfelt wishes, it felt as though we were embraced by the warmth of their prayers. Their blessings are our greatest reward, a reminder that every act of kindness creates ripples of positivity and joy. These moments reaffirmed why serving others is not just a responsibility but a privilege—a chance to receive blessings that are far richer than anything material.