Q689. Help for NRI parents living

alone in Tamil Nadu . . .

Question: Hi, I am Balaji G. Ponnambalam from Tamil nadu, India. I am graduated with Textiles and have more than 15 years of experience in Textile exports, doing export of textiles and agriculture. During a train journey, I met an old couple who were returning back to their village after sending his only son and his family to Australia. When I spoke with them they expressed their lifestyles. They have sufficient money to live but felt alone in the old age. They were struggling to run day-to-day life, for example to purchase groceries, to go to medical checkup, to go to temple etc,. due to old age..They are seeking for relatives assistance nowadays.. Later, I come to know many parents are living like this situation. Finally, I decided to help at least 10 couple per month. I explain what I am going to do. 1. Taking the old couple to the hospital for periodic medical check up. 2. Buy and deliver groceries and other household items (including medicines) once in every month. 3. Taking them outing (for example - Temple, any relation house, marriage, etc) if needed. I can do this service in Tamil Nadu only. If any NRI is interested, they can contact us at Mobile 91- Warm Regards, Balaji G. Ponnambalam Answer: While I agree with you that many senior parents can do with some type of assistance, I am unable to publish your contact details for the following reasons: • While your intentions may be noble and you may genuinely want to help elderly parents of NRIs living in India, why do you want to make this NRI specific? many Indian senior citizens can use such help! • Do you plan to charge for such services? if so, how much? • Elderly people living by themselves are vulnerable to scams and since I have no idea of what your setup or background is other than the email you sent, I am unable to endorse the service you intend to offer. If you wish to continue with your plan, I suggest you set up a NGO through regular channels and advertise your services, perhaps through the Indian media.