Stephen Vidyakards Destitute Homes, Chennai.
"UDAVAM KARANGAL" (Helping Hands).

By Dayanita Singh

Stephen Vidyakar, an orphan himself, set up an orphanage 15 years ago. Today he has centres all over the state to look after destitutes, orphans and the mentally ill. He has no government support or grant money. His 1200 residents are supported on private donations, which range from a loaf of bread, to a truckload of rice, to money for cremations. Most of them have nowhere to return to, and stay with him for life; often as workers in his various homes.

In the last few years, many of the destitute women that he rescued from the streets turned out to be HIV positive. They are positive — possibly because of the number of times they have been raped, especially if they are mentally unwell. Stephen also gives shelter to children of parents who have died of AIDS and to positive babies, since most orphanages will not take them. His residents call him Pappa, and of course they adore him for the new life he has given them. I met an old women there who wanted to leave all of their possessions to him, and children who would not let go of his hands.