Tamilnadu Man inspired to give Free Ambulance Service, Meals
Tamilnadu Man inspired – When someone in the small town of Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, needs medical assistance or an ambulance, 35-year-old Durai Prithviraj is the first name that comes to mind.
Durai is the owner of two ambulances and the Rajesh Udhavum Karangal NGO, which helps individuals in need. Ambulances are utilized to transport people to and from the hospital within a 40-kilometer radius of Virudhunagar.
He performs all of this for free. He uses his savings or crowdfunds money from friends and acquaintances whenever he needs money. He not only provides free ambulance services, but also free meals to the poor, organizes funds for healthcare services, and more.
Tamilnadu Man inspired by an individual tragedy
Durai was in desperate need of an ambulance while living in Virudhunagar in 2008. His younger brother had been involved in an accident 20 kilometres from his house, at Aruppukottai.
“My brother was a young college student when he was killed in a car accident. There was no ambulance or hearse van nearby to carry his body to the hospital or return him home, so no one could aid him right away. In an interview with CSRBOX, Durai states, “I had to pay a considerable quantity of money to arrange the facilities and conduct his death rites.”
This episode bothered him greatly. What would have occurred if he had been unable to pay for the transportation?
This caused him to reflect on the predicament of those living in poverty. He was curious as to what they would do in such circumstances.
Durai received a position as a Village Administrative Officer in Aruppukottai in 2011, after graduating from college, with a fair pay. He began accumulating money from his job in order to buy a van for his hamlet to operate as an ambulance.
“Every month, I’d save roughly 50 percent of my wages to purchase the van. Apart from that, I would spend some more money from my pay, and raise the remainder of the sum from others to aid people in need. This includes bedding, blankets, clothing, food, and medicines, according to Durai.
Other government officers, individuals, businessmen, and extended family members come forward after hearing about Durai’s generosity and gave financial assistance. Durai’s service quickly became known throughout the state. Even media outlets backed him up by highlighting his efforts. He now has over 500 members in his Whatsapp groups who pitch in to aid whenever there is an urgent need.
An anonymous benefactor offered to supply another van to help Durai’s efforts.
“The donor purchased a used vehicle, had it modified by removing the back seats to fit a bed, and gifted it to Rajesh Udhavum Karangal,” Durai says.
The donor requested that the ambulance be named after his late grandmother, Aandalamma, in order to stay anonymous.
Durai didn’t stop there, either. He noted that some individuals were living in deplorable conditions in the rural districts surrounding Virudhunagar. They didn’t have a steady income, adequate food, or a place to stay.
“As a result, I renovated a portion of my home into a sleeping area for anyone who needs it.” Aside from that, we offer complimentary lunches to anyone who is hungry. This activity is carried out with the assistance of 15 Rajesh Udhavum Karangal volunteers. “They prepare, clean, and serve meals,” Durai explains.
There are also MBBS students and working doctors who provide free medical assistance.
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