Odisha couple brings festive joy to the needy with free gifts | Fusion - WeRIndia

Amidst the bustle of Bhubaneswar, Gagan Bihari Paital and his wife Annapurna are orchestrating a symphony of kindness on their rooftop in Chakeisiani.

Surrounded by stacks of used clothes, toys, and utensils, the octogenarian couple is on a mission to make festivals special for the less fortunate by gifting these items free of cost.

Retired from the Department of Posts, Gagan spends months collecting donated clothes, shoes, toys, and utensils from the residents of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

Annapurna, with skilled hands, stitches and cleans the items. Together, they distribute these gifts not only in the Twin City but also in tribal-dominated villages across Odisha.

This year has seen the couple providing clothes to hundreds of people during various festivals. Setting up stalls during these events, they offer the less fortunate an opportunity to choose and take home the items they need, free of charge.

The couple’s generosity extends beyond urban centers; Gagan travels to forested and hilly villages to distribute clothes and toys to tribal communities. The upcoming Bhubaneswar Baliyatra will witness another stall, bringing joy to the urban poor.

A month before each festival, Gagan and Annapurna appeal to resident welfare associations, apartment dwellers, housing societies, and offices for donations.

With a van, Gagan, often with the help of volunteers, collects these items, storing them in the largest room of their modest house.

Before distribution, the couple ensures each item is cleaned, stitched, and ironed, presenting them in the best possible condition.

This compassionate initiative began a decade ago after Gagan encountered a destitute woman at Vani Vihar.

Since then, the couple’s altruistic efforts have grown, touching the lives of many.

Gagan’s son and daughter-in-law actively support this philanthropic endeavour, embodying the spirit of giving within the family.

In the spirit of the season, Gagan and Annapurna’s selfless dedication is a shining example of how a simple act of kindness can illuminate the lives of those less fortunate, making festivals truly joyous for all.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1206422