Simulia: Motivation is the key to help out others, no matter whether one is rich or not, says Gangadhar Mohanty, a retired Class IV government employee of Palasa in Khaira block of Balasore district.
At a time when wealthy people are reluctant to spend a tiny share of their earning to help others, Gangadhar has been lending a helping hand to the needy over the years even as he gets a meagre Rs 8,000 a month as pension.
He has become an angel of sorts for many in the area by extending them monetary assistance. A dhoti clad Gangadhar reaches out to the needy once he gets the news of their suffering, be it through a newspaper report or in person.
He has helped many people in Simulia area after coming to know about their problems from Oriya daily Dharitri, it was learnt. Gangadhar Rana, one of his young supporters, takes him on his bike wherever the elderly man desires to visit.
After serving the government for 23 years at the state secretariat, Gangadhar hanged his boots opting for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS). After retirement, he has set up Shunyamatha, a mutt, to create a spiritual ambience in the village. Gangadhar consecrated a Jagannath idol there and runs a Bhagabata Tungi from the mutt.
“Though my pension amount is not that big, I divide it into three parts – one part for my family, second part for the mutt and the remaining money to help the needy,” said Gangadhar.
Earlier, he used to donate the third part to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Later, he changed his mind and started helping the needy directly. Gangadhar believes everyone in the society should help each other in times of need.
His wife, three daughters, two sons and grandchildren have never come on the way of his social service, Gangadhar said, when asked about his family support. Moreover, his wife Sarojini’s cooperation motivated him to come this far, Gangadhar says. PNN
