Sunita, a 55-year-old woman from neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh, has lived through a lifetime of hardship. Her first marriage ended in abandonment. Soon after, her family forced her into a second marriage. When she was unable to have children, she became the target of endless taunts and humiliation. She bore the cruelty in silence, but inside, the pain eroded her health. Anxiety and depression shadowed her every day, and her body slowly began to fail.
When Sunita and her husband moved to the Kalkaji slum in Delhi in search of a better livelihood, life did not improve. Her husband often left her for long periods, returning to his village without leaving her any money. Alone and destitute, Sunita sometimes starved herself. She felt forgotten, unloved, and broken.
It was during one of these dark times that a woman from Asha’s women's group noticed her fragile state and alerted the Asha team. A community health volunteer immediately visited Sunita and took her to Asha’s clinic. The senior nurse practitioner arranged for medical tests, which revealed cysts in her uterus, diabetes, and thyroid problems. Treatment began right away with medicines, regular check-ups, and counseling sessions. Slowly, with the consistent care of the Asha team, Sunita began to heal not just physically, but emotionally.
Recognizing her loneliness, the team invited her to join Asha’s Love and Lunch Program, where she found companionship, nourishment, and a sense of self-worth. For the past three years, this program has given her not just daily meals, but also the warmth of belonging to a family that truly cares.
Just as life was beginning to feel lighter, another painful challenge emerged. Sunita had lost most of her teeth and could no longer eat properly. Food, instead of being a source of strength, became a daily struggle. She grew weaker and avoided social gatherings out of embarrassment.
Asha once again stepped in. She was referred to Asha’s dental clinic, where Dr. Gandhi examined her and recommended dentures. After a few visits, Sunita was finally fitted with them. For the first time in years, she could chew her food with ease. She could smile without hiding her face. She could sit at the table with others and eat with confidence.
This simple intervention restored more than her health. It restored her joy, her self-respect, and her confidence.
Today, Sunita says, “For so many years, I thought I had no one in this world. But Asha has given me a family, and a reason to live with hope again.”
