As people grow older, the roles slowly reverse. Those who once cared for everyone else begin to need a little care themselves. But in today’s world of busy lives and smaller families, that care is often missing. Many seniors spend their later years feeling lonely and forgotten, far from the warmth of family and the comfort of familiar voices.
Amid this reality, Dipika Khinvasara, Founder Director of Devtaru Foundation, has chosen a different path. For her, helping the elderly is not a duty but a heartfelt purpose. Guided by her belief that “social work is the art of listening and the science of hope,” she has created a place where aging is filled with peace, purpose, and dignity.
What began as a small dream over ten years ago has now become Devtaru Foundation—a haven that not only cares for seniors but also reaches out to rural communities through healthcare and social programs.
Let’s step into Dipika’s world of care, where aging becomes a journey of comfort and respect!
Early Steps Toward Service
Dipika’s journey into social work began in her college years. She was involved with Virayatan, a Jain organization focused on education and personal development for underprivileged children. It was here that she first experienced the power of giving back. She also volunteered in relief efforts for victims of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which left a deep impression on her. Seeing pain and resilience up close strengthened her desire to dedicate her life to service.
After her time with Virayatan, she began counseling elderly people in Pune. She visited old age homes and individual homes, listening to seniors talk about their lives, their memories, and their loneliness. These conversations opened her eyes to a gap in society. While there were many initiatives helping the poor, very few focused on seniors from middle and upper-middle-class families. These individuals often kept their emotions hidden but still longed for care and companionship.
During this time, Dipika often wondered what kind of place she would want for her own parents if they ever needed support. “If my own parents ever needed to be placed somewhere, I’d want it to be a place filled with love, care, and a homely atmosphere,” she thought. That simple but powerful realization planted the seed for Devtaru Foundation.
Turning a Dream Into Reality
With her background as a counselor and her education in Fine Arts, Dipika brought creativity and empathy together to build something meaningful. She also worked as a lecturer at SNDT College in Pune before fully stepping into the world of social work.
In 2014, she founded Devtaru Foundation with the dream of creating a home for seniors that would feel like family. Her guiding thought was that elder care should be built not on charity but on self-respect. The goal was to provide an environment where seniors could live peacefully, surrounded by care and warmth, without feeling dependent or forgotten.
Her journey was not easy, but her dedication, along with the support of her co-founder Ajay Kulkarni, helped Devtaru grow steadily. Dipika often says that her values and strength come from her parents and that her children’s encouragement has been her greatest motivation.
Creating a True Home for the Elderly
At the heart of Devtaru’s work is its old age home in Pune, a thoughtfully designed space where comfort, safety, and care come together. Residents have access to clean, well-ventilated rooms with both single and shared options to suit individual needs.
Safety is a top priority. The premises have 24-hour security, emergency support, and wheelchair-friendly access for those with mobility challenges. A team of trained caregivers is available at all times to help with daily routines and offer emotional support.
Medical care at the facility is reliable and well-organized. Regular doctor visits, round-the-clock nursing, and a standby ambulance ensure timely assistance. Diagnostic services like ECGs and blood tests are also available to monitor residents’ health.
Nutrition is another key part of care. Residents are served healthy vegetarian meals four to five times daily, with special diets for those who need them. Food is treated as an experience of comfort and joy, with festive menus during celebrations that bring everyone together.
Caring for Mind, Body, and Spirit
At Devtaru, health means more than physical fitness. The foundation focuses equally on mental and emotional well-being. Residents take part in yoga and meditation sessions that keep them active and relaxed. Devotional music, bhajans, and community prayers bring a sense of peace and connection.
Fun and friendship are encouraged through games like chess and carrom, while cultural programs and lectures keep the atmosphere lively. These activities help seniors stay engaged, use their minds, and enjoy each day.
Residents also have access to newspapers, television, and the internet to stay informed and connected with family and friends. The goal is to help them feel independent and valued.
Healthcare That Travels to Those in Need
Dipika’s belief that care should reach everyone led to the creation of the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), a moving clinic that serves elderly people and women in rural and low-income areas.
The MMU is equipped with diagnostic tools and managed by qualified doctors and nurses. It provides consultations, tests, and preventive healthcare. For many in remote villages who cannot visit hospitals, this mobile clinic is a lifeline.
A special feature of the MMU is its real-time health data collection, which helps track community health issues and enables timely action. Through this effort, the foundation ensures that even the most underserved citizens receive the medical attention they need.
Expanding Horizons
To meet the rising need for senior care, the foundation is planning a new old age home in Khanapur, Pune. This larger facility will include nursing wards, physiotherapy centers, meditation halls, and recreational spaces designed for comfort and well-being.
The design focuses on sustainability, using solar energy and eco-friendly systems. Each residential wing will maintain privacy while fostering a sense of togetherness.
A detailed staffing plan ensures that caregivers, nurses, and support staff are available to provide consistent and compassionate service. Partnerships with hospitals and NGOs will further strengthen healthcare and community support.
Serving Beyond Senior Care
While elder care remains its core mission, the foundation also runs several community projects. The Village Facilitation Centre – Sahishnu connects villagers with welfare schemes and development programs, helping them access essential resources.
Another key initiative, the Hope Ride – Cancer Screening Journey, spreads awareness and offers free cancer screenings in both rural and urban areas. This program promotes early detection and timely treatment for those who might otherwise go unnoticed.
The foundation’s Women’s Health Empowerment Programs educate women on preventive health, nutrition, and hygiene. These sessions build confidence and self-reliance, encouraging women to live healthier, happier lives.
The Power of a Dedicated Team
Behind every project is a team of passionate people. Healthcare professionals, social workers, and young volunteers from Pune bring energy and warmth to the foundation’s work. Partnerships with clinics and diagnostic centers enhance the medical services offered, while volunteers organize events and assist residents in daily activities.
Dipika believes the success of the foundation comes from her parents’ teachings, her children’s encouragement, and the steady support of her co-founder, Ajay Kulkarni. Their shared vision has helped turn compassion into action.
A Future Full of Hope
Over the past decade, the foundation has become much more than an organization. It is a community built on respect, empathy, and human connection. It reminds us that aging can be peaceful and fulfilling when surrounded by love and care.
Dipika’s journey from a young volunteer to a leader in senior care is a story of quiet determination. Her work shows that caring for others is not a duty but a privilege. Through Devtaru, she continues to prove that with compassion and dedication, we can create a kinder world for everyone.
