How People End Up Abandoned and Begging on Roads

Every day, we pass by people sitting silently on pavements, sleeping under flyovers, or stretching their hands for a coin at traffic signals. Many of us look away, assuming they chose this life or are just lazy. But the truth is far more painful — and often ignored. At Amma Nanna Anada Ashramam, we have witnessed the real faces and stories behind those living on roads. Not criminals. Not cheats. But human beings, abandoned and forgotten by society. It Starts with a Crisis Most roadside dwellers were once part of a family. But a major crisis — like a mental illness, a stroke, a disability, or the death of a loved one — turned their life upside down. When they became dependent, families backed away, either due to poverty, shame, or lack of awareness. Some were once workers, laborers, or even farmers. A job loss or accident pushed them into depression and isolation. With no support system or care, they drifted to the streets. Mental Health is a Major Factor One of the biggest causes of abandonment is untreated mental illness. In many cases, individuals with schizophrenia, dementia, or severe trauma are misunderstood, even feared. They are locked in rooms, beaten, or simply thrown out. With no medicine, no food, and no care, they wander from place to place — dirty, confused, and vulnerable. Soon, society labels them as “mad beggars,” and that’s where the chain of suffering begins. Elderly Are the Most Vulnerable Many elderly people are abandoned by their own children, especially when they fall ill or can’t contribute financially. Left on the roads with just a torn bag or blanket, they beg not for money, but for survival — a piece of roti, a glass of water, or someone to talk to. Where Amma Nanna Ashramam Comes In We don’t ask them questions. We don’t judge them. We rescue them, clean their wounds, give them food, and treat them like human beings again. At Amma Nanna, we provide a safe home to hundreds of such individuals — mentally challenged, elderly, disabled, or completely abandoned. We offer food, shelter, medication, and most importantly — love and dignity. You Can Help Restore Their Lives The road was never their choice. It was forced upon them by circumstances and society’s failure. Your small support to Amma Nanna Anada Ashramam can help transform a life — from lying under a bus stand to sleeping safely in a bed, with a warm meal and gentle care. Let’s not ignore them. Let’s uplift them. Let’s encourage them by ensuring nutrition meal. Let’s give them the home they never had.