Getting older isn’t easy these days. It’s not just about health—many elderly people feel lonely or forgotten because they don’t have family close by. The old way of families living together, with grandparents and grandkids all under one roof, is not as common anymore. Because of this, a lot of seniors end up feeling isolated and alone. That’s where the Devtaru Foundation comes in. Since 2014, they’ve been working hard to create a warm, caring space where older people, especially those without family, can live comfortably and with respect.
Based in Pune, Maharashtra, Devtaru Foundation cares for retired seniors in a way that looks after their whole well-being—not just their physical health but also their emotional and social needs. Led by Ajay Kulkarni and Dipika Khinvasara, the Founders and Directors, the foundation has carved a special place in the world of senior care. They don’t just provide a roof over people’s heads; they run programs that reach out to those who are often left behind. Their work is all about helping seniors live their later years with dignity and happiness, in a way that feels meaningful and full of life.
Let’s explore how Devtaru Foundation is changing senior care by offering hope, support, and dignity to the elderly!
A Sanctuary for Seniors
At the heart of Devtaru’s work is its Old Age Home located in Pune, a residential facility carefully designed to meet the needs of elderly residents requiring ongoing care. The home prioritizes comfort and security, providing individual living spaces that are clean, well-lit, and ventilated to promote a peaceful atmosphere. Both single and shared occupancy options are available, tailored to residents’ preferences and requirements.
Safety measures include 24×7 security personnel and emergency support systems, ensuring that residents can move about with confidence and peace of mind. The home is equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, featuring wheelchair-friendly infrastructure and round-the-clock access to trained caregivers who assist with daily activities.
The medical care component of the facility is comprehensive and responsive. Regular health checkups are conducted by visiting doctors, supported by a team of professional nursing staff present at all times. The availability of a standby ambulance highlights the foundation’s preparedness for medical emergencies, an essential feature in senior care. Residents benefit from diagnostic services such as ECGs, blood tests, and other routine screenings, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to maintaining optimal health.
Nutrition is addressed with equal care. The Old Age Home serves hygienic, balanced vegetarian meals 4 to 5 times daily, carefully planned to meet the dietary needs of elderly individuals. Special attention is given to those with medical conditions that require customized diets. Meals are not only nutritious but also culturally appropriate, with festive menus during significant Indian celebrations to foster a sense of community and joy.
Fostering Holistic Well-being Through Activities and Community
Recognizing that well-being encompasses more than physical health, Devtaru Foundation ensures that its residents remain mentally and emotionally engaged through a variety of recreational activities. Daily yoga and meditation sessions help maintain mobility and reduce stress, while devotional music and bhajan gatherings nurture the spiritual side of residents’ lives.
Indoor games such as carrom and chess promote social interaction and cognitive stimulation. Additionally, the foundation organizes regular community events, including festivals, cultural programs, and educational lectures, which help residents maintain social bonds and feel valued members of a larger family.
To support ongoing connection with the outside world, the home provides access to newspapers, television, and internet facilities, enabling residents to stay informed and in touch with their loved ones. This multifaceted approach to care ensures that residents experience not only comfort and safety but also a sense of purpose and belonging.
Bringing Healthcare to the Doorstep
In addition to its residential services, Devtaru Foundation runs a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) designed to extend healthcare access to underserved and marginalized populations, particularly elderly individuals living in rural villages and urban slums. This mobile clinic is equipped with diagnostic tools and staffed by healthcare professionals who provide essential services such as doctor consultations, preventive health screenings, and health education programs.
The MMU plays a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities by bringing medical care directly to those who might otherwise face significant barriers due to geographic distance, financial constraints, or social limitations. It specifically targets elderly citizens and women who often have limited access to healthcare facilities.
One notable aspect of the MMU is its integration of real-time health data collection, which allows for effective tracking of public health trends and enables timely interventions. Through its outreach, the MMU reduces the strain on hospitals and clinics, promoting preventive healthcare measures and building trust within marginalized communities.
Vision for Growth
In response to increasing demand and a growing awareness of elderly care needs, Devtaru Foundation is planning a major expansion with a new old age home in Khanapur, Pune. This proposed facility is designed to increase capacity and enhance the quality of care available to senior citizens.
The new home will feature a multi-winged residential complex capable of housing dozens of elderly residents. It is planned to include dedicated nursing wards, physiotherapy centers, meditation halls, and recreational spaces that promote holistic wellness. Emphasis is also placed on sustainability, with plans to incorporate solar energy and environmentally friendly systems.
A detailed staffing plan underpins the project, ensuring adequate numbers of caregivers, nurses, administrative staff, and cooks to maintain smooth and compassionate operations. The foundation has outlined a comprehensive monthly budget covering food, medication, maintenance, and other essential expenses. Partnerships with local medical providers and NGOs will strengthen the facility’s healthcare and social support network, reflecting Devtaru’s collaborative approach.
Diverse Social Welfare Initiatives
Devtaru Foundation’s commitment to social welfare extends beyond elder care through a range of community-focused projects that serve different vulnerable populations.
The Village Facilitation Centre – Sahishnu is a community hub aimed at delivering welfare services and supporting development activities in rural areas. This center helps bridge gaps in resources and information, empowering villagers with access to essential services.
Another key program is the Hope Ride – Cancer Screening Journey, which focuses on cancer awareness and early detection through community screenings. This initiative helps reduce mortality by facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly in underserved communities.
The foundation also conducts Women Health Empowerment Programs, which educate women about health issues, preventive care, and nutrition. These programs aim to foster self-reliance and improve the overall health outcomes of women who often face significant social and economic challenges.
Corporate Social Responsibility Consulting
In addition to direct service provision, Devtaru Foundation leverages its expertise by offering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) consulting to organizations looking to implement impactful social initiatives. The foundation assists in community mapping to identify needs, designs tailored CSR programs, supports execution, and ensures sustainability and ongoing evaluation of projects.
This strategic advisory role allows Devtaru to extend its impact by partnering with businesses committed to social good, thereby multiplying the reach and effectiveness of development programs.
Dedicated Team and Volunteer Network
The foundation’s work is supported by a committed team of founders, board members, healthcare professionals, and social workers who bring valuable experience from the NGO and medical fields. Collaboration with local clinics, laboratories, and diagnostic centers enhances the quality of medical services provided.
Volunteers, including youth and social workers from Pune, play an essential role in daily care and community outreach efforts. Their involvement strengthens the foundation’s capacity and fosters a spirit of empathy and service.
