Raju's life in the busy Nav Jeevan slum in Kalkaji was filled with challenges. At 32, he had already faced more struggles than many. His parents had moved to Delhi hoping for a better life, but Raju and his two younger brothers grew up in a single cramped room, dealing with poverty. His father worked hard, but their dreams always seemed out of reach.
At the age of 11, Raju turned to tobacco and alcohol, with no guidance to help him make better choices. His addiction brought pain to his family. In 2016, he got married and soon became a father to three children, but the responsibilities of life became too much for him.
Two years ago, Raju’s life took a sharp turn when he began to experience severe liver pain. A visit to Safdarjung Hospital revealed his liver was badly damaged, and he needed surgery. After a month in the hospital, doctors told him he could no longer work as a laborer. When he returned home, weak and unable to provide for his family, Raju felt defeated.
His mother, who was part of the women's association, reached out to the Asha team for help. They visited Raju and provided not only medical care but also nutritious meals through their Love and Lunch program. For two years, Asha supported him, bringing food to his door when he was too weak to walk. This care helped him slowly regain his strength.
Since Raju could not return to labor work, he started selling tea in his community. This small business allowed him to support his family again. Today, Raju is deeply grateful to Asha and Dr. Kiran for their support during his hardest days. He is no longer just a man facing illness; he is a father and husband who now gives hope to others.
