Nakuru-based Philanthropist Rani Ramchandani on Thursday celebrated Hindu Festival Diwali by visiting the elderly and vulnerable locals in Kaptembwa, Nakuru West Sub County.
A time for feasts, prayers and fireworks, Diwali is one of the most important festivals in the Indian Community. It is known as the festival of lights as people illuminate oil lamps or candles to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
For some, Diwali marks the beginning of a new year. It is also the social highpoint for Indians as people – buoyed by festive cheer – throw parties, meet friends and family and exchange gifts.
According to Rani, Diwali is a festival of spreading happiness and that is why she together with her donors chose to put a smile on the face of the vulnerable in the informal settlement of Kaptembwa.
She appealed to everyone in the society to play a role in the little way that they can to ensure everyone including the vulnerable have a reason to smile.
“My donors and I felt it wise that as we mark this Diwali, we also spread festive happiness to the less fortunate in society and that is why we came here to make this donation” stated Rani.
Under the initiative and through partnership with her donors, Rani has been able to donate 780 wheelchairs and many other walking devices in 36 counties across the country.
She has also been able to distribute 4,500 dignity packs to various girls, 3,300 food hampers and 680 blankets up to now.
Her appeal to the society is to help identify the PWDs in need so that they can also be beneficiaries of the charity work.
On their part, locals who could not hide their joy lauded Rani Ramchandani for the gesture adding that it was a great sign of love for the vulnerable in society.
Led by Stephen Ng’etich, they said life has not been easy in the informal settlement especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to thank Rani for remembering us even as they celebrate the Diwali.May the Almighty God bless her so much so that she can continue to assist many in society” said Ng’etich.
Over 60 elderly persons and widows received donations of maize flour, blankets and shoes each.
In addition, wheelchairs were donated to 6 locals who are physically challenged.
The 6 who received the wheelchairs narrated their ordeal during the COVID-19 pandemic when they had to go through harsh times to meet their basic needs.
Led by Moses Muhanji, they revealed that as PWDs life has been tough for them with very few well-wishers stepping in for them.
They were however quick to note that Rani Ramchandani and her donors have shown true humanity.
“With these wheelchairs our lives are now eased. We can now go about our daily duties” said Muhanji.
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