Mann Ka Tilak Old Age Homes: A Haven of Care and Dignity for India’s Elderly

In a rapidly modernizing world, the plight of the elderly often goes unnoticed, lost amid the rush for progress and change. In India, elder abuse remains a harsh reality—hidden yet alarmingly prevalent. While traditionally, Indian society revered its elders, the present-day scenario paints a different picture.

News reports and national surveys have consistently exposed the mistreatment faced by many seniors. Statistics reveal that over 5% of the elderly population suffers from abuse and neglect. This equates to more than 150 million individuals who experience mistreatment or abandonment—a staggering societal issue that demands immediate attention and long-term solutions.

Moved by this grim reality, Wishes and Blessings, a Delhi-based NGO, resolved to take action and create a safe space for vulnerable elders. Thus, Mann Ka Tilak was born on April 25, 2018—a sanctuary designed to uphold the dignity and well-being of destitute elders. Founded on the belief that every elder deserves to age with respect, love, and comfort, the old age home offers holistic care completely free of cost.

Situated in Delhi, the home initially provided refuge to abandoned senior women, offering a secure environment where they could spend their golden years in dignity. The facilities include clean and comfortable housing, nutritious meals, recreational activities, timely medical attention, and, most importantly, emotional support. Understanding that elder care extends beyond physical needs, Mann Ka Tilak also focuses on mental well-being, fostering a nurturing environment where residents can find new hope and a sense of belonging.

In 2019, recognising the growing need for elder care, Mann Ka Tilak extended its services to include elderly men, further broadening its outreach. The success of this initiative encouraged the launch of a second home in Vrindavan in May 2022, specifically aimed at caring for underprivileged widows and abandoned women—those often overlooked by society. This second facility provides specialised care for women who have no one to turn to, becoming a beacon of hope in their lives.

Life at Mann Ka Tilak is marked by warmth, camaraderie, and care. Each resident is treated like family, receiving personalized attention tailored to their needs. Beyond daily essentials, the homes emphasize emotional healing, providing a space where elders can rebuild their confidence and form meaningful relationships. Regular activities, celebrations, and festivals bring joy and engagement, ensuring that no day feels ordinary. The homes have become places where laughter echoes, stories are shared, and memories are cherished.

In many cases, families that once abandoned their elders reconnect, often leading to emotional reunions. For others, Mann Ka Tilak remains their forever home—a place where they are surrounded by love, dignity, and respect in their final years.

Since its inception, Mann Ka Tilak has transformed the lives of over 100 elders, providing not just shelter but a second chance at life. However, the journey does not end here. Wishes and Blessings envisions expanding Mann Ka Tilak’s reach across India, with the mission of ensuring that no elder lives in fear or neglect.

Plans are underway to establish similar facilities in other regions, particularly in areas where elder neglect is rampant. The long-term goal is to create a network of old age homes that not only provide physical care but also promote mental well-being, inclusivity, and self-respect among the elderly population. The organization also aims to collaborate with other NGOs, government bodies, and private institutions to further this cause, ensuring a broader and more sustainable impact.