Success Stories - Part 2

• Name: Amina Azaruddin Munawar

• Age: 33 years

• Address: Ashraf Nagar, Kondhwa

• Family : Husband and two daughters

• Husband’s Occupation: Plumber

Amina lives in a rented house with her husband and two daughters. Her husband works as a plumber, and the family has been facing financial difficulties due to limited income. Despite her strong desire to support her family, Amina did not have the necessary skills or opportunities to earn.

Her journey towards empowerment began when she learned about a free tailoring training program organized by the Don Bosco Development Society, Koregaon Park, Pune, in collaboration with AXA Global Business Services. Motivated by this opportunity, she contacted the field staff and enrolled in the course.

Amina attended the training with sincerity and dedication. During the course, she learned essential tailoring skills and gained confidence in her abilities. Upon successful completion, she was provided with a sewing machine by the organization-an opportunity she describes as a major turning point in her life.

With this support, Amina started working from home. She began by stitching old and torn clothes from her neighbourhood and nearby market to practice and earn. Gradually, she expanded her work to stitching new clothes, including garments for children and salwar suits for girls.

During the Ramzan Eid festival, Amina earned approximately ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 through her tailoring work. This income not only supported her family but also allowed her to celebrate the festival with dignity. It marked her first step towards financial independence and boosted her confidence significantly.

Today, Amina is motivated to continue her work and further improve her skills to build a stable source of income. She aspires to become fully self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to her family’s well-being.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Don Bosco Development Society and AXA Global Business Services for providing her with training, resources, and the opportunity to transform her life.

• Name: Mrs. Bitta Annu Sheikh

• Age: 36 years

• Address: Ashraf Nagar, Kondhwa

• Family : Husband and four children (three daughters and one son); all children are currently studying.

• Husband’s Occupation: Works as a POP (Plaster of Paris) labourer at construction sites

Bitta lives in a rented house with her husband and four children-three daughters and one son, all of whom are currently studying. Her husband works as a Plaster of Paris (POP) labourer at construction sites, and the family has been facing financial challenges due to limited and irregular income. Managing daily household expenses and supporting her children’s education was a constant concern for her.

Motivated by the desire to contribute financially, Bitta was actively looking for an opportunity to learn a skill. She came to know about a free tailoring training program organized by the Don Bosco Development Society, Koregaon Park, Pune, in collaboration with AXA Global Business Services. With encouragement from the field team, she enrolled in the course.

During the training, Bitta showed dedication and interest in learning. She was trained in stitching various types of designer garments for girls and gained confidence in her skills. However, even after completing the training, she was worried about how to start her own work due to lack of resources. She had even discussed the possibility of taking a loan to purchase a sewing machine.

A turning point came after the final assessment of the course. Based on her strong performance, Bitta was awarded a sewing machine free of cost by AXA GBS. This support brought immense joy and relief, as it removed a major barrier to starting her livelihood.

With the new sewing machine, Bitta immediately began her tailoring work from home. During the Ramzan Eid festival season, she earned around ₹6,000 to ₹7,000, marking her first significant income. This achievement brought happiness and confidence to her and her family, and their financial condition has since started improving.

Today, Bitta continues her tailoring work and is steadily building her customer base. This opportunity has become a turning point in her life, enabling her to move towards financial independence and support her children’s future.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Don Bosco Development Society and AXA Global Business Services for providing her with training, resources, and a platform to transform her life.

• Name: Kiran Parshuram Jadhav

• Age: 32 years

• Address: Ganraj Mitra Mandal, Ram Nagar, Yerwada, Pune

Kiran Jadhav lives with her husband, two daughters, and one son. She is a homemaker, and all three children are currently pursuing their education. Her husband works as an auto-rickshaw driver. The family faced constant financial difficulties, as her husband’s income from driving an auto-rickshaw was not sufficient to meet household expenses and the children’s educational needs. Despite her willingness to work, Kiran could not take up a full-time job due to her responsibilities at home.

During a community survey, she was informed about a Beauty Parlour training course. Fortunately, the training center was located close to her home, which made it convenient for her to attend. Encouraged by this opportunity, she discussed it with her husband, who supported her decision wholeheartedly.

After enrolling in the training program conducted by AXA GBS and DBDS, Kiran diligently learned various skills such as facials, makeup, waxing, hair cutting, bridal makeup, manicure, and pedicure. She also received training in soft skills and customer handling.

Upon successful completion of the course, she was provided with a beauty kit with the support of AXA GBS. Using this kit, Kiran started offering small services from her home. Initially, she catered to known clients, but gradually, through word-of-mouth, her customer base expanded. She also began receiving service requests through the Yes Madam Salon App.

Today, Kiran runs her own home-based business and earns between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month. She is now able to contribute significantly to her children’s education and household expenses. This journey has brought a remarkable transformation in her life, boosting her confidence and self-reliance.

She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to AXA GBS for empowering her and transforming her life.

• Name: Laxmi Bhagwat Shinde

• Age: 32

• Address: Saidanagar, Chinchwad

Laxmi comes from a financially vulnerable background, where her family depends on daily wage labor for survival. Due to financial constraints and limited awareness, she was unable to give adequate attention to her health. She often experienced symptoms such as weakness and infections but ignored them, considering them minor issues. She had never undergone any medical tests or check-ups related to women’s health.

In 2023, after her marriage, Laxmi moved to her husband’s house and continued managing household responsibilities. However, even after marriage, her health remained a secondary priority due to her workload and lack of awareness.

Laxmi came to know about a cervical cancer screening camp organized in her locality with the support of the AXA GBS. Encouraged to participate, she attended the camp along with around 35 other women. During the session, participants were provided with important information about cervical cancer, related infections, symptoms, and preventive measures.

As part of the camp, Laxmi underwent screening tests, including HPV testing. Her results were normal, which brought her relief. However, the doctors advised her to maintain proper hygiene and continue regular health check-ups as a preventive measure.

Motivated by the awareness gained, Laxmi took her health more seriously. Following medical advice, she later underwent a sonography. During further examination at the health  center, doctors detected a lump in her uterus and advised timely treatment. She was informed about the importance of addressing the issue early to avoid complications.

Laxmi began her treatment as advised by the doctors. She was asked to follow certain precautions for three months, including avoiding physical strain and maintaining proper care. Although she experienced some discomfort initially, her condition has been improving with treatment. She has been scheduled for a follow-up check-up in December 2026.

This experience became a turning point in Laxmi’s life. She is now more conscious about her health, follows medical advice carefully, and maintains proper hygiene. She has also started encouraging other women in her community to attend health camps and undergo regular check-ups.

The intervention has not only improved her awareness but also enabled early detection and timely medical care, which is crucial for women’s health.

Laxmi expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating that through the initiatives of DBDS, underprivileged families like hers have greatly benefited. She appreciated the organization’s efforts in spreading awareness and providing access to essential healthcare services for women.

• Name: Meghna Samuel Gaikwad

• Address: Ganesh Nagar, Yerwada

• Family : Husband, two children, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-law

Meghna lives with her husband, two young children, in-laws, and sister-in-law. Her husband works in a private job and is the sole breadwinner of the family. Due to her responsibilities of caring for her young children, Meghna was unable to take up employment outside the home. However, she was determined to contribute to her family’s income by starting something from home. Financial constraints prevented her from enrolling in a beauty parlour course, despite her interest.

During a community outreach activity, a social worker from the Don Bosco visited her area to conduct a survey for the beauty parlour training program. Meghna approached the social worker to inquire about the course. After receiving detailed information and understanding its benefits, she enrolled in the free beauty parlour training.

Meghna successfully completed the training. Throughout the course, she actively participated and showed keen interest in learning new skills. Regular guidance and monitoring were provided by the trainer. After completing the course, Meghna started offering home-based beauty services such as waxing, threading, and other treatments within her community.

Today, Meghna earns an income of approximately ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per month, enabling her to support her husband and contribute to household expenses. She is confident about expanding her work further and improving her family’s financial condition.

Meghna expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the Don Bosco and AXA GBS Company for providing her with this opportunity and continuous support, which has helped her move towards self-reliance and dignity.

• Name: Mrunali Sanjay Padale

• Address: Vadgaon Sheri

• Family : Mother, father, and brother

Mrunali comes from a financially vulnerable family. She resides in Vadgaon Sheri with her parents. Her mother works as a domestic helper, while her father is often unwell and unable to earn a steady income. Due to these challenges, Mrunali had to put aside her aspiration of pursuing a beauty parlour course, as her family could not afford the training fees.

During a community visit, the field team informed Mrunali and her family about the free beauty parlour training program organized by the DBDS under the AXA GBS supported project. After understanding the benefits of the course, her parents agreed to support her participation.

Mrunali enrolled in the beauty parlour training. Throughout the training period, she showed dedication and enthusiasm in learning various skills. Regular monitoring and guidance were provided by Priya Madam and Leena Madam, while Sunanda Madam ensured quality training and hands-on practice. Over time, Mrunali’s confidence and technical skills improved significantly.

Upon successful completion of the course, Mrunali took a courageous step towards self-reliance by starting home-based beauty services. She now takes orders for services such as waxing and threading within her community. This initiative has enabled her to earn an income and contribute to her household expenses, reducing the financial burden on her family.

Mrunali’s journey reflects the transformative impact of skill development initiatives. With the right opportunity and support, she has moved from a position of financial constraint to one of dignity and independence. She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the AXA GBS Company for providing her with this opportunity and continuous support.

Pallavi has been living in Indira Nagar for the past 10 years with her husband and two children, Devansh and Abhisamarth. Her husband works as a driver and earns a monthly income of ₹15,000, which supports the family’s basic needs. Pallavi, who has studied up to the 9th grade, is a homemaker and previously engaged in small-scale alteration work using an old sewing machine at home. She attended the “Basic and Advanced Fashion Designing Training” program for women. 

Under the guidance of her trainer, Mr. Naushad Sayyad, Pallavi learned to stitch a wide range of garments, including blouses, salwar-kurtas, one-piece dresses, cigarette pants, and children’s clothing. In addition to basic stitching, she also mastered advanced techniques such as over locking, pico-fall, and hemming. Through consistent practice and dedication, she significantly improved her tailoring skills and passed the final assessment with good marks.

Before joining the training, Pallavi had only basic knowledge of stitching and lacked confidence in her work. However, the course helped her develop professional-level skills and boosted her self-confidence. Pallavi received a new sewing machine from AXA GBS, which brought her immense joy. Her previous machine was old and required frequent repairs, which limited her productivity and increased her expenses.

With the new machine, equipped with a motor and double shuttle, Pallavi’s efficiency improved significantly. She initially practiced by stitching clothes for herself and soon began taking regular orders from customers. Today, she is capable of stitching a variety of garments with better speed and quality.

Pallavi manages her household responsibilities in the morning and dedicates her afternoons to tailoring work. Her income has increased considerably-she now earns approximately ₹6,000 per month from tailoring, in addition to ₹4,000 from household-related work. Her blouse stitching charges have increased from ₹150-₹200 earlier to ₹350-₹400, reflecting her improved skills and quality of work.

With a steady flow of orders, Pallavi is now able to contribute significantly to her family’s income. She uses her earnings to support her children’s education and manage household expenses. The support provided through training and the sewing machine has played a crucial role in improving her financial condition and confidence.

Pallavi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the AXA GBS Company for empowering her with skills, resources, and an opportunity to build a better future for her family.

Ms. Pooja Vishwanath Rathod has been living in Indiranagar for the past 19 years with her parents and brother. Her mother is a homemaker, and her father works in a private company. She has completed her education up to the 12th grade and was keen to develop a skill that could help her become financially independent.

When the Don Bosco Institution organized a community meeting to introduce a tailoring training program for women and girls, Pooja attended the session along with around 15 participants. Motivated by the opportunity, she enrolled in the course.

Pooja completed a two-month tailoring training at the Don Bosco center. Although she had some basic knowledge of stitching earlier, the training provided her with advanced skills and practical exposure. During the course, she learned to stitch a variety of garments, including salwar-kurtas, dhoti and Patiala styles, sharara and chudidar, cigarette pants, and different types of blouses.

After successfully completing the training, Pooja continued practicing at home to improve her skills. The Don Bosco Institution distributed sewing machines to the trainees, and Pooja was delighted to receive one. This support enabled her to start her work more efficiently.

She initially began by stitching clothes for her family members and doing small alteration work. She also stitched her own salwar-kurtas and blouses to gain confidence. Gradually, she started taking orders from customers in her community.

In the beginning, Pooja charged around ₹80 for stitching a simple blouse. With continuous practice and improved skills, she has now become proficient in stitching a wide range of garments and is steadily building her customer base. She is now on the path to earning independently and contributing to her household.

She expressed her sincere gratitude to the AXA GBS Company for providing her with training, resources, and an opportunity to build a better future.

• Name: Pranali Popat Lingade

• Age: 25 years

• Address: Ganesh Nagar, Yerwada, Pune

• Family Background: Mother and elder brother

While conducting a survey for the beauty parlour course, we met Pranali. We informed her about the beauty parlour classes and explained the benefits of the course. She was convinced because she had a strong interest in beauty parlour work. However, due to her weak financial condition, she had been learning through YouTube. When she heard that she could attend a free beauty parlour course close to her home, she felt very happy and said she would complete the course sincerely. Her family members were also very pleased. Her mother said that she wanted to enrol Pranali in a beauty parlour class, but due to high fees, she could not afford it. She expressed gratitude, saying that we came like God for them.

Pranali immediately enrolled in the course, and her training began. During the training, she learned facial treatments, makeup, waxing, hair cutting, bridal makeup, manicure, pedicure, and massage. She attended the course regularly and learned with dedication and consistency. The curriculum also included technical skills and guidance required to start a business.

After completing the course, an exam was conducted, and she received a beauty kit from  AXA GBS Company. With the help of this kit, she plans to start and grow a small beauty parlour service business.

Pranali says that due to her poor financial condition, she could not pursue such a course earlier. However, through this course and the beauty kit, she has gained confidence and found new hope and direction in life. She is determined to work sincerely and start her own beauty parlour business. Her goal is to open her own parlour and improve her family’s financial condition.

She shared that the free training, beauty kit, and proper guidance have brought a positive change in her life. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to AXA GBS for enabling her to believe in herself. She feels very satisfied and happy.

• Name: Rukmini Bhalerao

• Age: 58 years

• Address: Bhaiyyawadi, Tadiwala Road, Pune

• Family : Husband and two children; Rukmini is a homemaker

Rukmini lives with her husband and two children and manages her household responsibilities. Due to her weak financial condition, she had been unable to seek proper medical care despite experiencing health issues such as fatigue, dizziness, and weight gain.

She attended a medical camp on 26th February 2026 at Bhaiyyawadi, Tadiwala Road. The camp provided free doctor consultations, medicines, and basic health check-ups, including blood pressure, sugar levels, and other essential tests.

Rukmini attended the camp seeking relief from her ongoing health concerns. During the check-up, the doctor assessed her BP, sugar levels, and other parameters and informed her about the possibility of diabetes, along with knee-related issues. This was the first time Rukmini became aware of her condition. The doctor prescribed medicines and advised her on necessary lifestyle changes to manage her health effectively.

Motivated by the guidance received, Rukmini began following the doctor’s advice diligently. She incorporated regular physical activity into her routine, including light exercises and walking, which helped reduce her knee pain. She also adopted a balanced diet, took prescribed medications regularly, and followed recommended practices such as applying oil for knee relief.

Within a month, Rukmini experienced significant improvement. Her knee pain reduced considerably, and her energy levels increased. She shared that she now feels much healthier and more active than before.

Encouraged by her own progress, Rukmini has started motivating other women in her neighborhood to pay attention to their health and avail themselves of such medical services. She attributes this positive change in her life to the timely intervention and support provided through the medical camp.

Rukmini expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the AXA DBS Company for organizing such a beneficial initiative, which has not only improved her health but also raised awareness within the community.

• Name: Samina Rahim Sayyed

• Address: Laxmi Nagar, Yerwada, Pune

Samina lives with her parents and two sisters. Her mother works as a domestic helper, and her father is engaged in daily wage labor. Due to financial constraints, her family could not afford to enrol her in a beauty parlour course, despite her interest.

Samina shares her experience of participating in the free Beauty Parlour Training Program organized by the DBDS. She expresses deep gratitude for this opportunity, which helped her overcome financial barriers. She came to know about the course when she met a social worker from Don Bosco while visiting the market with her mother. The social worker explained the benefits of the course to her and her parents, including how it could help her become self-reliant and contribute financially to the family.

Encouraged by this, Samina enrolled in the course and successfully completed the training.  During the training, she received continuous guidance from the trainer.  Today, Samina has started taking orders for home-based beauty services such as waxing and threading. She is now able to support her family financially and feels more confident and independent. 

• Name: Savita Vikram Shinde

• Age: 30

• Address: Ajantanagar, Chinchwad 19.

Savita has been living in Ajantanagar for the past 15 years with her family of seven members, including her husband, mother-in-law, and four children-three daughters and one son, all of whom are currently studying. Her husband works in a company and earns ₹15,000 per month, while her mother-in-law contributes to the household income by collecting recyclable materials, earning around ₹6,700 monthly. Despite their efforts, managing household expenses for a large family remained a challenge.

As a homemaker with the responsibility of raising four children, Savita had never had the opportunity to pursue any skill training. She had no prior knowledge of tailoring and was completely dependent on her husband’s income.

The Don Bosco Institution organized a free 45-day tailoring training program in Ajantanagar. Savita enrolled in the course along with 12 other women. The training, conducted under the guidance of trainer Ms. Manisha Kshirsagar, provided comprehensive skills in stitching various types of garments such as salwar-kurtas, dhoti and Patiala styles, skirts, frocks, blouses, one-piece dresses, and cigarette pants. She also learned technical skills like pico-fall and overlocking.

Despite her household responsibilities, Savita attended the training regularly and showed great determination to learn. By the end of the course, she had gained strong skills and confidence in tailoring.

During the International Women’s Day program, when she was awarded a sewing machine by the AXA GBS Company. This support enabled her to start her own tailoring business from home.

Initially, Savita began by stitching clothes for her family, gradually moving on to alteration work, making bags, and preparing godhadi (handmade quilts). With continuous practice, her confidence grew, and she started receiving regular orders from the community. Today, she is capable of handling all types of tailoring work efficiently.

Currently, she charges ₹200-₹250 for stitching a blouse and ₹300 for making a godhadi. Through her efforts, she earns approximately ₹6,000 to ₹7,000 per month. This additional income has significantly supported her family, helping her manage daily expenses such as food and household needs, while also allowing her to save some amount for the future.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the AXA GBS Company for providing her with training, resources, and an opportunity to change her life.

• Name: Shama Sabir Sayyed

• Age: 38 years

• Address: Ashraf Nagar, Kondhwa

• Family : Husband and three daughters; all daughters are currently studying

• Husband’s Occupation: Construction labourer

Shama lives with her husband and three daughters in a rented house. Her husband works as a construction laborer, and the family has been facing financial difficulties due to limited income. As a homemaker, Shama was unable to contribute financially, which often caused her stress and concern about her family’s future.

Her life took a positive turn when she came to know about a free tailoring training program organized by the Don Bosco Development Society in collaboration with AXA Global Business Services. Despite her household responsibilities, Shama completed the training with dedication and enthusiasm. The course not only equipped her with tailoring skills but also boosted her confidence. During the training itself, she showed initiative by seeking permission from her trainer and began practicing by stitching old clothes sourced from the nearby market, which also allowed her to earn a small income.

A significant milestone in her journey was receiving a sewing machine upon successful completion of the course. This support empowered her to start working independently from home and strengthened her confidence in her abilities.

During the Ramzan Eid festival, Shama earned approximately ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 through her tailoring work. This income brought great relief and happiness to her family. Her husband expressed pride in her contribution, as she is now able to support the household while continuing to manage her responsibilities at home.

Today, Shama is steadily building her livelihood and contributing to her family’s well-being. The training and support she received have given her a new sense of purpose, confidence, and financial independence.

She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Don Bosco Development Society, Pune, and AXA Global Business Services for providing her with this life-changing opportunity and guiding her towards a more secure and hopeful future.

• Name: Shumaila Arif Sheikh

• Age: 38 years

• Address: Laxmi Nagar, Yerwada, Pune

We met Shumaila during a survey. We informed her about the beauty parlour course and explained its benefits, which she understood and appreciated. However, due to family customs, she was not permitted to go out alone. We then spoke to her family and explained that the class was being conducted close to her home. We assured them that women and girls from the same locality would attend the class, the trainers would closely supervise them, and our team would also make regular visits to monitor the training. After understanding this, her family agreed and allowed her to join the course.

Shumaila then enrolled in the course, and her training began. During the training, she learned facial treatments, makeup, waxing, hair cutting, bridal makeup, manicure, pedicure, and massage. She attended regularly and learned consistently throughout the course. The curriculum included not only technical skills but also essential knowledge for starting a business.

After completing the course, an exam was conducted, and she received a beauty kit from DBDS and AXA GBS. With the help of this kit, she plans to initially provide beauty services from home and gradually expand her business.

Shumaila shared that due to traditional family norms, she was earlier limited to household work and could not pursue anything beyond it, despite having completed her 12th standard education. However, with the efforts of the trainers in convincing her family and the supportive attitude shown by them, she was able to complete this free training course.

She expressed that the free training, beauty kit, and proper guidance have brought a significant positive change in her life. She conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to her family, and AXA GBS. She feels very satisfied and happy with this opportunity.

• Name: Siddhant Arjun Thakur

• Age: 15 years

• Address: Subhash Nagar, Yerwada, Pune

• School: Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Madhyamik Vidyaniketan Prashala, Pune

• Family : Parents; father works as a security guard

Siddhant attended the “Climate Change Awareness Session” organized by the DBDS. Through the session, he developed a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental conservation. He learned that planting trees is essential, but more importantly, it is crucial to plant and nurture the right kinds of trees, especially native species.

During the session, Siddhant was introduced to the inspiring work of Rahibai Popere, popularly known as the “Seed Mother,” who has cultivated hundreds of diverse plant species on her farm. This example helped him understand the significance of conserving native biodiversity by planting indigenous trees such as fruit-bearing plants, flowering plants, vegetables, medicinal plants, and trees like banyan, peepal, umbar, and tamarind.

Inspired by the session, Siddhant decided to take action. He began collecting seeds of native trees and committed to planting at least one tree. Due to limited space at home, he used his saved pocket money to purchase a peepal sapling, which he donated to an organization working in tree conservation. Additionally, he planted a hibiscus plant in a pot at home and took care of it with dedication.

When the plant eventually bloomed, Siddhant felt a deep sense of joy and accomplishment. He shared that the experience made him realize that even small actions can create meaningful change.

Siddhant expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the DBDS and AXA GBS Company for organizing such an impactful session, which not only increased his awareness but also inspired him to take responsible action towards protecting the environment.

• Name: Tarannath Joshi

• Address: Datir Patil Colony, Ramnagar, Chinchwad

Tarannath Joshi has been residing in Ramnagar for the past 30 years with his wife. Their daughter, Yashoda, lives nearby and supports them, while their son resides in Nepal. As an elderly couple, access to timely healthcare had been a challenge.

A free general health and eye check-up camp was organized in their community by the Don Bosco. Medical teams from Vaishnavi (for general check-ups) and H. V. Desai (for eye care) were present at the camp. Tarannath and his wife both attended and underwent thorough examinations.

During the camp, cataracts were detected in both of his eyes. He was referred to the H. V. Desai Center in Sambhajinagar for further evaluation. Although an initial surgery date was provided, it could not be followed due to health-related issues.

With continued support and follow-up, on 5th January 2026, their daughter Yashoda accompanied them to the H. V. Desai Center in Sambhajinagar, Chinchwad. From there, they were transported to H. V. Desai Hospital in Mohammadwadi for the surgical procedure. On 6th January 2026, Tarannath successfully underwent cataract surgery in his left eye.

The operation was completed smoothly, and his vision improved significantly. Importantly, the entire treatment and surgery were provided free of cost through the referral and support of the DBDS. 

Tarannath’s wife, Seema, could not undergo surgery at the same time due to high blood pressure. She has been advised to return once her condition stabilizes, and her surgery is planned in the coming months.

The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Don Bosco and AXA GBS Company for their continued support and impactful initiatives.

• Name: Vasudev Ganpat Hajare

• Age: 73

• Address: Mahatama Phule Nagar, Chinchwad, Pune.

Vasudev has been living in the M. Phulenagar community for the past 50 years with his family, which includes his wife Kanhopatra, son Santosh, and daughter-in-law Radhika. Earlier, he worked as a laborer, but now he remains at home due to age-related health conditions. His wife contributes to the household income by working as a cook, earning around ₹5,000 per month, while his son works in a company and earns ₹20,000 per month. The family resides in their own house.

Kanhopatra has been actively involved in various community programs organized by the Don Bosco , including health awareness sessions, financial literacy programs, and legal awareness initiatives. Her regular participation has helped the family stay connected with important services and information.

On 16th July 2025, a free general health check-up and eye screening camp was organized in the community by the Don Bosco , in collaboration with medical teams. Vasudev and his wife attended the camp, where doctors examined his vision and diagnosed cataracts in both eyes. He was advised to undergo surgery on his right eye at the earliest, and arrangements were made for a free operation.

However, due to a decline in his health, Vasudev was unable to undergo the surgery as initially scheduled. With continuous follow-up and support from the Don Bosco team, he later visited Shankarrao Mahamulkar Eye Hospital in Morwadi, Chinchwad, for a fresh examination. On 6th October 2025, he successfully underwent cataract surgery on his right eye at the facility.

The operation was successful, and Vasudev’s vision improved significantly. Although he faces challenges such as hearing impairment and difficulty in speech, his wife has been providing constant care and support. Following the surgery, he experienced some health issues due to pre-existing conditions, but he has now stabilized and is doing better.

The family is planning to proceed with the cataract surgery for his left eye in the coming months, as advised by the doctors.

Vasudev and his family expressed deep gratitude for the support received through the Don Bosco. The free treatment, continuous guidance, and follow-up enabled him to regain his vision and improve his quality of life.