"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
21 Aug 2023
In the bustling streets of Puducherry, a city in southern India, a 49-year-old man named A Joseph has emerged as a symbol of selflessness and change. Despite his own physical challenges, Joseph has dedicated himself to uplifting the lives of others through acts of kindness and social service.
Joseph, who hails from Ariyankuppam and has dwarfism, uses a portion of his income to support various social causes. He purchases food and clothing for the underprivileged, raises awareness about epidemics, and distributes refreshing buttermilk to police personnel working under the scorching sun.
His journey towards compassion began in 2008 when he helped a blind person who had fallen on the road. This incident ignited a passion within Joseph to assist differently-abled individuals and the elderly who live on the streets.
Despite having discontinued his formal education after the ninth grade, Joseph later cleared his Class 10 examination as a private candidate. He established his own shop specializing in printing tasks, bookbinding, and rubber stamp making. With a monthly income ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000, he supports his mother and provides clothing and food to those in need. He even offers free bookbinding services to government school students.
Joseph actively engages in campaigns during elections, emphasizing the importance of voting through door-to-door canvassing. He collaborates with doctors to organize free health camps and educates the public about disease prevention, particularly regarding dengue and malaria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a crucial role in spreading awareness and encouraging vaccination.
Through his unwavering dedication and acts of kindness, A Joseph has become an epitome of compassion and welfare, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.