‘Charity begins at hotel' seems to be the new concept as far as Hotel Vijetha is concerned in Srikakulam. It sends food every day for more than 100 children staying in two orphanages of Srikakulam town. The same food, which is cooked for staff, is being sent daily to Sumitra Mahila Welfare Society and Behara Mentally Handicapped Society where children, a majority of them are deaf and dumb, cannot even explain their needs to caretakers.
Charity of the hotel is the only ray of hope for Sumitra Welfare Society, located at Official Colony, as the government has been taking little care for the children. The government, which provided shelter in 2005, forgot to ensure food and clothing for the children. Hotel managing director Kamineni Shankara Rao has told The Hindu that he got the idea of sending food every day from the hotel when he visited the orphanage two years ago along with his daughter Varshita on the occasion of her birthday.
“We have already started Kamineni Punnaih Charitable Trust in the name of my grandfather who was a freedom fighter. He used to teach us that helping poor people would certainly give us peace of mind. That is why I am sending food to them everyday by allocating around Rs.60, 000 every month,” says Mr. Shankara Rao.
Problems continue
However, problems continue to haunt the orphanage. Ms. Sridevi, who took the initiative in setting up exclusive orphanage for deaf and dumb children, has been striving to get funds for the payment of electricity bills and clothing. The Transco officials disconnected power as the society has failed to clear Rs.40, 000 dues. “We are completely depending on individual donors as there is no financial support from the government. I request the officials to respond at least now to take care of deaf and dumb children,” says Ms. Sridevi (Mobile No: 9703390806).
