As a school boy studying in primary school, L. Gopinath was helped by kind philanthropists who had sponsored his school uniforms, text books, and stationery. When he was studying in Class X, Gopinath, with his meager savings, bought a banana and gave it to an old lady. Several years have passed, yet the smile that lit up her face on receiving the banana still remains fresh in his mind.

Gopinath began wondering if one tiny act of charity could make an old woman so happy, what the impact would be if some of his friends join hands to work for others. That was the beginning of the idea of starting an organization to help the needy. In 2007, when he was still in college, Gopinath and his friends began to participate in several initiatives to help the children of the orphanages, and the needy. They saved their pocket money and began to plan the projects based on the funds that were available.

They christened their group Sri Annai Karangal Association and had their trust registered in 2012. All the members have now grown up and are working. They continue to set aside a small sum from their monthly earnings to spend it for various causes.

“All the projects of Sri Annai Karangal Association are aimed at improving the quality of life of the needy. Our projects include planting saplings, providing essential monthly provisions to a chosen family that is unable to afford it, taking children from the orphanage homes on a one-day excursion, and organizing free medical camps.” Gopinath says.

Apart from these activities, Sri Annai Karangal Association is also involved in emergency blood donation. “We have created a database of about 7,800 donors from various blood groups who can donate blood during emergencies.” Gopinath says. He also has a list of stand-by donors who live close to the hospitals in and around the city. As soon as he receives a request for a particular blood, Gopinath sends the donor with the required blood group to the hospital. “Everyday, I get ten to 15 such requests from various hospitals,” Gopinath adds. Thanks to his network of blood donors, several lives have been saved. This blood donation activity began in 2007.

In order to further save time and to ensure that the donor reaches the hospital swiftly, Gopinath plans to launch an app that will directly connect the donors with the hospital. This, we are told, will save valuable time. The app is now being readied. It will be launched in a few months.

Gopinath can be contacted at +91 99941 48105.