The Social problem :

Vrindavan has a high concentration of widows that migrate mostly from Bengal, Bangladesh and Nepal. There are 55 million widows in India living in dire conditions, but Government aids only support 0.0001% of the widowed population. Widows often encounter social stigma and discrimination, particularly in traditional communities, leading to isolation and marginalization. Many widows struggle with financial insecurity due to loss of their spouse's income, limited job opportunities, and lack of access to resources. Lack of education and job skills among widows hinders their ability to secure employment or start businesses, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Widows, especially those without social support networks, are vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and human trafficking. The loss of a spouse and the challenges they face takes a toll on widows' mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues.

The Social solution:

Team Paramhansa Yogananda Charitable Trust has launched the Matri Seva Program to provide basic food, shelter and spiritual upliftment to every single widow in India. It started operating in Vrindavan to bridge the gap by urgently supporting deprived elderly women, mainly widows. Since last 7.5 years the Trust has rehabilitated thousands of aged, abandoned destitute women, mostly widows, begging and living on the streets in abject poverty, disease and deprivation, giving them back a life of dignity and self respect. Currently, more than 3,200 of these destitute, abandoned Mothers receive complete need-based care on a daily basis.