A Life of Sacrifice and Service: Aparna Das Transforms Her Dreams into a Mission for Others

At 60, Aparna Das from West Bengal exemplifies the profound impact of compassion and selfless service. From her beginnings as a dedicated homemaker in a large joint family, she has become a beacon of hope for orphaned children and elderly individuals, transforming nearly 100 lives through mentorship, care, and empowerment.

Aparna’s journey began with sacrifices. As a young bride, her days were consumed with caregiving for her husband, in-laws, and extended family. Though she cherished her family responsibilities, she quietly set aside her passions, like playing the guitar and reading, to meet the demands of her role. However, years later, when her daughter Suparna moved to Kolkata to pursue her dreams, Aparna’s life took an unexpected turn.

Encouraged by her daughter to rediscover her own purpose, Aparna started volunteering at NGOs in 2015. Her first step was with the Kishalaya Children’s Home in Barasat, where she taught life skills and mentored children, helping them build confidence and a sense of self-worth. Over time, her work expanded to include the elderly at Shondhaneer Old Age Home, where she ensured they received care, nutritious meals, and companionship.

Aparna’s belief in empowering individuals extends to practical guidance. From teaching mushroom farming to helping young adults secure jobs and manage finances, she focuses on creating sustainable futures. Her protégés, like Tarak Mondol, now a karate instructor, and Pawan, a thriving young professional, attribute their successes to her mentorship.

Beyond her social work, Aparna is a staunch advocate for kindness and empathy, urging families to raise morally conscious children. “Technology is advancing, but humanity must advance too,” she says. Inspired by her upbringing in a household that welcomed those in need, Aparna remains dedicated to giving back to society.

Her life’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “If we all give a little, we can change a lot.” Aparna Das is living proof that it’s never too late to turn compassion into a lifelong mission.