Odisha: Gagan Patel is a 65-year-old man from Odisha, who has been serving the underprivileged people for the last 38 years. He started his journey of social service with the single hope of improving others’ lives. Gagan Patel’s campaign works to provide poor families with food, clothing, and a safe shelter. 

Gagan Patel’s background

Gagan Patel is a resident of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He used to work in the Indian Post. In the year 1985, he started a campaign to educate underprivileged children. He faced challenges due to his job, however, he did not stop his noble work. He is wholeheartedly supported by his wife Annapurna, in his efforts. 

Inspiration for work

Gagan Patel shares a story which inspired him to launch this campaign. Years back, he saw a woman wearing tattered jute sack, sitting by the roadside near railway crossing. He offered her food, and she expressed a need for a saree. This experience made him determined to work for the welfare of people. He observed that tribal children in Bhubaneswar lacked basic facilities; they had no clothes or books.

Mothers would often request him to educate their children for free. To support their needs, Gagan Patel began dedicating part of his salary. He made appeals to well-off families, and over time, his home became a repository of donated items, like toys, clothes, sheets, and books. Along with his wife, Gagan cleans and refurbishes these items to make them available to poor families. 

Social service for 38 years

Gagan Patel has been engaged with this social service for 38 years. Along with his wife, Annapurna, he extends his efforts to preparing food for the underprivileged children during festivals and other special occasions. He has a Facebook page where he encourages people to donate old items for the betterment of those in need.