Srinivasan (28) :

part time volunteer for nearly 4 years, decided to give up a lucrative job as a Chartered Accountant about 2 years ago to join Udavum Karangal full time. "Vidyakar, of course has been my biggest inspiration. It is a sad fact that very few who actually graduate in Social Work practice the good work. Mere talk is ineffectual. Action is imperative. Being naturally inclined to service, this is my contribution to society, to somebody, somewhere, someway. As an institution our biggest strength is our band of volunteers, who are there because they wish to serve the helpless. I often wonder, who is more blessed - the residents who come to Udavum Karangal, the volunteers who serve them, or 'Pappa' Vidyakar.

Sundari (38) :

"Secure in my 16 year old Government job in the central excise, I had often felt dissatisfied and felt the urge to serve the needy. But the biggest question was how? In 1989, I read about Vidyakar's efforts to restore an old mentally disturbed destitute person, who had suffered serious burn injuries. Those were the most difficult times when Udavum Karangal did not even have a vehicle of its own. And suddenly all my doubts vanished, as if by magic. 'How Can I help'?, turned into,'How I can help'! From a part time volunteer (before and after office hours) for 2 years, I joined full time after quitting my job. There was initially a lot of opposition from family and friends. When Pappa warned me that there would be more criticism than recognition in this field of work, I thought it was an exaggeration. But it turned out true. The criticism doesn't ruffle me though. I know we're doing good".

Rajeswari (45) :

'Mother' to 100 babies in Sishu Bhavan, closed down a 15 year old tailoring institute in Bangalore to join Udavum Karangal in 1994. "It was my natural interest in social work that compelled me to read about Vidyakar ,way back in 1985, of how he was struggling to look after 30 orphans with no help whatsoever. My first visit to Udavum Karangal lasted two weeks, at the end of which I had decided to join full time. Working in an institution that really and truly serves the needy requires total dedication and the ability to take on any sort of work. And I want to do my best".

Ramadurai (63) :

who retired as Senior Divisional Manager from United India Insurance Co., joined 3 years ago. Initially a volunteer for about 3 hours each day, he now handles most of the administrative work and is around, working for more than 10 hours a day. "Initially I was interested in serving society in some way. But with a genuine organisation, it is hard not to get involved wholeheartedly. I am truly happy to be part of an institution doing real service".

Joseph (28) :

has been with Udavum Karangal 10 years, as a full time volunteer. "As a college student in Kerala, I had been deeply moved by an account of Vidyakar's early struggles. What impressed me most was the absence of any imposed religious restriction. `Humaneness for Humanity', was the motto. I preserved the cutting. A year later in the middle of my graduation course I decided once and all to join Udavum Karangal".

Ravi (45) :

a former industrialist, now a full time volunteer for the past 8 years, transferred the ownership of his plastic moulding unit to Udavum Karangal a few years ago. "In our troubled society in which corrupt politicians and police harassment are so common, it is very difficult to do "real" service. Surmounting all these odds requires great determination. I don't think there is any other Institution in India that serves to provide succour to such a varied cross section of destitutes, irrespective of age, caste or creed. What we consider important is the fact that they need help. And I am here because I enjoy helping the needy".

Prema (50) :

formerly a Central Government Employee, came to Udavum Karangal for help, 4 years ago. "Family problems forced me to seek help, because I and my daughter had nowhere to go. Gradually, I started to help out as a volunteer. I have realised how much peace and happiness service can bring. One thing I know for sure, that God is not in the Temple, he is here, in Udavum Karangal. And I wish to serve `Pappa' till my last breath".

Venkataraman (34) :

a Maths Graduate from Bangalore, and former employee of a private company, suffered from periodic depressions and psychiatric disorders. He has been in Udavum karangal 4 years now. "Initially I continued to be depressed and uneasy. With regular medication and care, my condition improved and I became involved in office work too. Evenings, I help out teaching students Accountancy and Mathematics. With this sense of security I feel peaceful and calm".

Balgheese (20) :

came here as an orphan from Trichy. She had wanted to become a Doctor, but was educated only up to the 11th standard. Then she had run away to the city where she hoped to become an actress. Initially she was resentful and rebellious and attempted to escape a couple of times. Now she is a very highly esteemed volunteer who looks after old, female destitute patients. "I hated it at first. Looking after dying cancer patients, when I so wanted to be in films. But one day when I saw `Pappa' cleaning the sores of a little baby so gently and lovingly, a sudden change came over me. I gradually learnt to help others wholeheartedly. Now, I feel the work I do, is far better than anything I'd have done as a doctor or as an actress".

Gomathi (18) :

has been here for 8 years. She is currently doing her B.com II year in Narayanswami College, Chennai. Evenings, she helps out younger children with their studies. "This is my home I have never ever felt the absence of a family. My aim - to do a worthwhile professional course so that I can help my 'pappa' always.

Akila (28) :

Hailing from Andhra, was rescued from an attempted, near successful suicide three years ago. She was mentally depressed and exhibiting suicidal tendencies, because of an unhappy marriage .Now she is a very active volunteer looking after HIV + ve babies. "I was very depressed initially. Why did they rescue me when I wanted to die? But gradually I changed. Now I enjoy looking after the babies. I am no longer beset by worries. Life is not meant for worrying, it is only meant for caring".