The Vriddha Mitra programme, supported by the Tata Trusts, is helping the elderly navigate the health, financial, and social challenges of ageing through a community-based care model.
For most of his life, 79-year-old Chandrika Prasad (lovingly referred to as Dadaji by people around him) earned a living as a trolley puller and daily wage
labourer in Varanasi. But when age and failing health made work impossible, he and his wife lost their only source of income. With little savings to fall
back on and no support from their family, life became increasingly difficult.
A documentation lapse led to the cancellation of their ration card, cutting off access to subsidised food. Also, with Dadaji's deteriorating eyesight, even routine tasks became a challenge. Then came another setback. After being attacked by a stray cow, he suffered a serious hip fracture. Unable to continue treatment due to the challenges of managing hospital care, Dadaji returned home bedridden and in constant pain, while his wife struggled to care for him alone.
A documentation lapse led to the cancellation of their ration card, cutting off access to subsidised food. Also, with Dadaji's deteriorating eyesight, even routine tasks became a challenge. Then came another setback. After being attacked by a stray cow, he suffered a serious hip fracture. Unable to continue treatment due to the challenges of managing hospital care, Dadaji returned home bedridden and in constant pain, while his wife struggled to care for him alone.
Recognising that the challenges of ageing extend beyond healthcare alone, the Vriddha Mitra programme supported by the Tata Trusts, and implemented
by the Society of Community Health Oriented Operational Links (SCHOOL), seeks to improve the well-being of older people facing multiple vulnerabilities.
Built on a community-based model, trained community officers identify needs early through regular home visits and connect older people to healthcare,
welfare schemes, nutrition support, and companionship. The programme aligns with the Tata Trusts' long-standing commitment towards addressing the
social determinants of health and strengthening last-mile support systems with a focus on the elderly.
It was through one such visit that a community officer identified Dadaji's worsening vision and encouraged him to attend an eye screening camp, where doctors diagnosed a cataract. Through Soni Netralay, a healthcare partner of the programme, he received free surgery that restored his sight.
The team also recognised the couple's food insecurity and arranged regular ration support, while simultaneously helping them secure an Ayushman Card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
As community officers continued their regular visits, they learned that Dadaji's prolonged bedridden condition stemmed from the untreated hip fracture. The team coordinated with Georgian Hospital, another programme partner, and facilitated his admission for treatment. The support extended beyond treatment. The team arranged transportation and ensured cooked meals for both him and his wife during hospitalisation. In April 2026, Dadaji underwent a successful hip surgery, with treatment costs of nearly ₹60,000 covered through Ayushman Bharat and programme-supported partnerships. Ten days later, he came home.
The change was profound. After months of pain and immobility, Dadaji could walk again. Apart from physical recovery, he found emotional relief in the fact that he was not facing his challenges alone. A community officer continues to visit regularly, checking in on the couple's well-being.
"Without the Ayushman Card and the help from the Vriddha Mitra team, I could never have afforded these treatments. Their regular home visits gave me confidence that I could recover, and their support made it happen." says Dadaji.
It was through one such visit that a community officer identified Dadaji's worsening vision and encouraged him to attend an eye screening camp, where doctors diagnosed a cataract. Through Soni Netralay, a healthcare partner of the programme, he received free surgery that restored his sight.
The team also recognised the couple's food insecurity and arranged regular ration support, while simultaneously helping them secure an Ayushman Card under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
As community officers continued their regular visits, they learned that Dadaji's prolonged bedridden condition stemmed from the untreated hip fracture. The team coordinated with Georgian Hospital, another programme partner, and facilitated his admission for treatment. The support extended beyond treatment. The team arranged transportation and ensured cooked meals for both him and his wife during hospitalisation. In April 2026, Dadaji underwent a successful hip surgery, with treatment costs of nearly ₹60,000 covered through Ayushman Bharat and programme-supported partnerships. Ten days later, he came home.
The change was profound. After months of pain and immobility, Dadaji could walk again. Apart from physical recovery, he found emotional relief in the fact that he was not facing his challenges alone. A community officer continues to visit regularly, checking in on the couple's well-being.
"Without the Ayushman Card and the help from the Vriddha Mitra team, I could never have afforded these treatments. Their regular home visits gave me confidence that I could recover, and their support made it happen." says Dadaji.
Dadaji's journey reflects what becomes possible when the right support reaches
the right person at the right time. Through the Vriddha Mitra programme, supported by the
Tata Trusts, vulnerable older people are finding pathways back to confidence, security and a
better quality of life.
