Jajpur man on a mission to gift home to homeless

At a time when availing a house under a government scheme has become a dream for many, a man in Jajpur district has set an example for others by extending monetary help to homeless people to build houses.

Bharat Bai, a native of Dihakula village under Aunri panchayat in Binjharpur block, is on a mission to lend a helping hand to people who do not have a roof over their heads. 

Bai currently lives in Rourkela and runs a garment shop. His son is a homeopathy doctor based in Rourkela. Bai maintains his family with the earning from his shop and spends the rest to provide monetary assistance to the poor to help them build houses.

As per sources, Bai provides Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh to one person to help him/her build a house. He also ensures that the beneficiary builds a pucca house with the money.

People, who are benefited by Bai, are all praise for him for his noble gesture. 

“I have approached the panchayat office many times and appealed to the sarpanch, BDO and other officials to provide me with a house under the government scheme. However, none helped me. One day I was going to Dihakula market when Bharat Sir met me and provided me help to build a pucca house,” said Basudev Mallick, a differently-abled person. 

Another beneficiary, Pravati Behera, said, “He used to notice that we were living in a thatched house. We did not get any government help despite running from pillar to post. Later, he helped us build a house. Now we are living peacefully.” 

As per sources, Bai has not purchased any vehicle or land with his income. Rather, he spent the money for the welfare of others. Bai says it gives him self-satisfaction. 

“I used to work as a regional manager and took voluntary retirement 14 years back. The first house built with monetary help from me was inaugurated four days back. Three more houses are now under construction. We will extend more help if we learnt about other people having no roof over their head,” Bai said.