Akshaya USA

In 2014 a case was filed against Akshaya trust alleging human right violations because an inmate from the home escaped alleging rape. The home was asked to submit monthly reports on their operations. Here is the list of human right abuses that occured at the Akshaya home. Akshaya has engaged in several unethical practices. I sincerely hope they clean up their act and learn to be more transparent about their fund raising and operations.

http://humanrightsfoundation.org.in/new/?p=146
These are the findings from the report:
Findings:

Many inmates speak clearly, coherently and with a clear statement that they were lifted forcibly and detained against their wishes, demand that they should be allowed to go.
The Trust Management has brandished several inmates as mentally ill, without any medical examination by qualified doctors.
Akshaya Trust Home does not have any records to mention any claim made by the relatives of any dead persons for performing of the funeral rites.
Akshaya Trust Home is not in touch with the family members of any of the inmates. There is no intimation given to the family members of the inmates after they were admitted to the Home or after their death or after their alleged escape from the Home. 63 inmates have allegedly escaped from Akshaya Trust Home. The particulars of the people who are brought inside the home is not provided to anyone including their family or any public body.
Akshaya Trust Home is registered under section 52 of Persons with disabilities Act 1995 and under the Tamil Nadu Registration of Psychiatric Rehabilitation of Mentally ill persons Rules 2002
The Akshaya Trust Home should admit only treated mentally ill persons who are disabled as per the Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) duly certified by a Psychiatrist.
The Tamil Nadu Registration of Psychiatric Rehabilitation of Mentally ill Persons Rules 2002, provides for the procedure for admissions and discharge of mentally ill person in Chapter II, Rule 15 to 18 and the Infrastructural Facilities and services to be provided in psychiatric rehabilitation centres in Chapter IV, Rules 19 to 22, the Organization and Conduct of Rehabilitation Work is described in Chapter V, Rules 23 to 28.
Rule 15 states that all admissions into and discharges from a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre of mentally ill persons, should be voluntary and made on the advice of psychiatrist. The Psychiatrist should certify that the person referred is a mentally ill person who requires only maintenance, medication and rehabilitation measures. There is no such certification for any of the mentally ill person as per this rule in Akshaya Trust Home.
Women and Men are not segregated. They live in separate rooms next to each other. There are HIV positive patients, T.B. patients, patients with tumors and mentally ill and disordered patients among the inmates. But they are not segregated according to their diseases.
The Akshaya Trust is not at all registered with the Social Welfare Department. They have just intimated the Social Welfare Department about their existence. The Social Welfare Department Authorities very well know that Akshaya trust is housing elderly people and destitute, who come in to Social Welfare Department’s purview. But the Social Welfare Department Authorities did not send any show cause notice till date to the Akshaya trust insisting registration.
The Akshaya trust home was inaugurated on 9th May 2013. Since then 118 inmates has died. Akshaya trust home claims that all these deaths are nature deaths. They have also got death certificates from the doctors saying that all the deaths are due to cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.
But the standard death certificate format issued by the Government clearly says that Cardiac arrest or Respiratory arrest cannot be mentioned as the reason for the death. This creates suspicious about the death of Akshaya trust home inmates.
The inmates of the home are physically abused and tortured by the employees. The inmates who wanted to go out were denied permission. It means that inmates brought in to the home were not allowed to go out at any cost. In other words most of the inmates are confined withinAkshaya home premises against their wish, which is against every individual’s liberty to be free.
The V.A.O. and Nagamalai Pudukkottai Police Station officials were informed about the death of the inmates. But none of these officials questioned the trust authorities about the huge number of deaths. Both of these authorities simply accepted all the documents submitted by the trust officials.
The owning’s of the inmates removed from them during admission were not accounted and was also not returned back to them.
Most of the inmates were under sedation and behave like robots.
From January 2014 onwards 57 inmates have died.
The Akshaya home management does not have any procedure or methodology for branding or identifying a person to be a destitute or mentally ill.
The dormitories were locked outside after sending the inmates into their respective dormitories.
Akshaya Trust Home took custody of so called destitutes without obtaining orders from the concerned Judicial Magistrate as required under the Mental Health Act. In few cases the police themselves have picked and handed over nearly 30 inmates to Akshaya Trust home without obtaining orders from the concerned Judicial Magistrate as required under the Mental Health Act.
Till date all the admissions / rescues made by Akshaya Trust are illegal.

The user Guna fails to mention the fact that after 100 days of intense scrutiny and investigation by all branches of intelligence in India - the high court has cleared Akshaya Trust of all allegations - Please read the latest article regarding the verdict . If you would like a copy of the verdict please email akshaya.usa@gmail.com or you can contact the high courts in India directly.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Court-says-no-sufficient-proof-against-Akshaya-trust-closes-PIL/articleshow/42392080.cms

No person by the name of Guna volunteered for the orgnaization.

Very moving video of the founder helping "untouchables" by feeding, shaving, bathing, hugging. Very obviously sincere love for fellow human beings. Bless Akshaya.

stories all over the internet, speak volumes of the founder.I wish Akshya all the very nest

I saw this video and felt so happy knowing there are people in this world that still have a heart and care for the rest of us. I wish the best for Akshaya and all of their volunteers for the priceless work they do.

I came to know about Akshaya through a CNN video where Narayanan Krishnan was brought on as part of some show that honored him for his selfless efforts. It was heartening to see the conviction and guts he has shown to leave the comforts of his own lifestyle behind to venture and do something for the welfare of those that have absolutely nothing, not even food to eat. I continue to support Akshaya in whatever way I can and have also spread the word about it.

I was shocked when I saw the video which inspired this organization.

I think it is a awesome job they are doing and me donating is the least thing I can do. I support this organization.

Inspiring and worthy of sharing...I wanted to send the story of this wonderful organization to others! Thank you!

Akshaya is a great organization to help spread humanity in the world. I like their mission of feeding the poor who cant feed themselves.It has been a pleasant experience donating to them.

I first heard about Akshaya USA from a video of the founder, and the charities work on Facebook. I googled the founder to find out more about the charity so I could donate. I was incredible impressed when I received a reply with a thank you for my donation and a proof of payment with tax-deductible information. I gave a small donation, around $50 however, I felt I was being treated as if I was a large donor, respecting my time and donation to an incredible worthy cause.
I am so impressed with the work of this charity that I thought about offering my services as a volunteer in any position, when I finish college in the future. The work of Akshaya keeps hundreds, if not thousands of people from dying from malnutrition and starvation each week. A future donation, scholarship or award, can literally keep hundreds of people from literally dying. I would only suggest one thing, that the charity sends emails reminders, and even "begging letters" to remind us all of their list that more needs to be done and donations are always happily accepted!

I believe this is the most genuine organization that really is only looking to help the needy. I personally feel very elated making my monthly donation to this organization. I wish it well and pray that people will keep donating for this excellent cause and keep this going as long as needed.

This organization really does a great job and need appreciation so that their deeds go all over INDIA. I would expect they get so much strength to go all over INDIA.

Amazing work being done!!! Everyone deserves kindness.

I am moved and inspired by this organization. Greetings from middle-USA...NEBRASKA!

I know Akshaya Trust thru CNN IBN ... He is Doing phenomenal job for the poor People... I wish him all the best and success in his life

Thanks
Mani

Really a Astounding job done by krishnan. He would have been serving clients in switzerland in a 7 star hotel but he chose this path to serve food everyday to people who live in the streets and who are mentally ill. I also like his nature to do the last rites to the persons whose bodies are not claimed by any of the family members. He has been building a2 to 3 buildings to bring all these guys in the road to give them proper shelter, food and good life and he is struggling for it. I actually ask the donors to pass on the message so that he can full fill his dreams. Thank you and hats of to his work.

Inthis day and age where individuals are sellfish and have no time to help their own , It is really wonderful to know that people like Narayanan Krishnan even exist. The basic needs for all life is food and shelter and that he went to great lengths to provide this to people who could not get it is truly inspiring. The least that persons like me can or should do is give a helping hand
May god bless his effort

I saw a video of Akshaya on facebook. I was absolutely in awe of this mans sincerity in dealing with the poor and downtrodden of India. I checked out his website and saw all the Rotary references there. I immediately made a donation because I trust Rotary 100% and if they are associated with this I knew that it was100% real and trustworthy.

This organization is working towards fulfilling basic needs of human being for those who are stranded and dejected by society. It has helped to look after those who cannot even look after themselves.

I admired their initiative and relentless efforts put in helping the needy in getting two square meal a day.

Just watched the video and saw what one person can do. Giving his all for others. The greatest of gifts is giving to others. The greatest of Honors belongs to him or her who gives of his wealth and person to the benefit of humanity.

Happy to see someone finally working for the right people. I wish you all the best and hope your teams dreams come true

I am very impressed with what you do for the women and young girls in the third world especially where women are treated as subservient to men. It's very unfortunate the way parents sell their children for money knowing that the kids have no other way out of this dilemma. You are are a savior to them and give them hope in life.
I like the idea of being hands on and not much of the money being wasted in administrative costs as with many of the large charities.

I came across a article on rediff.com way back in 2007/2008 which described about Krishnan. I am so moved by his story that I forwarded the link to couple of my friends. Not each one of can dedicate our lives to someone else. Its takes a great deal of courage to go this route and this man has doen it and shown it to all of us. Every day we see charities which to different causes. Of course each one of them are noble and worthy. However "helping the helpless" is unique. If the most vital organ of our body is dysfunctional, nothing else matters. And Krishnan understands that more than anyone of us. God bless.

Wonderful story of this man giving everything to help the homeless. A great great heart that deserves to be known.

Nice initiative. Hoping to see them helping more people...

I first came to know about Akshaya in January of 2010. I was very impressed with the work Mr. Krishnan was doing and first spoke to him in May 2010. A very humble, honestl individual, Mr. Krishnan is a role model for all youngsters.
I had the previlige of meeting and hosting Krishnan during his visit to the US in 2010. A well deserved nomination to the top 10 CNN heroes list gave several of us the opportunity to meet this remarkable young man.
I have made a few modest donations in the past year and I was always given receipts in a timely manner.
I am planning a trip to India this summer just to see Mr. Krishnan in action. Growing up in India where 40% of the homeless are also mentally ill, I know about the difficulties these people go through. To take the initiative to feed and help such mentally challenged individuals is a class conscious society is an amazing feat and Krishnan does that with ease.

I have known about this charity for 3 plus years and amzed by the cause to take care of the destitue ignored by the society, and inspired by the dedication of Akshaya team and Mr. Krishnan, my children arranged for a fund raising dinner.

This is an updated from my recent visit to Akshaya....

The highlight of my India visit this time is visiting Akshaya team and spending a whole morning with them. I noticed that since my last visit about 3 years ago, certain things remained as is: The clean kitchen, fresh vegetables, neatly arranged groceries, menu board, and most important the dedication in serving by the small Akshaya team who remain still shy and modest despite all the spotlights and attention lately. The office has changed from a room in the residence to a two room/, small kitchen dedicated office, and the team has expanded to few more enthusiastic volunteers. Check out the link at the bottom for more photos.

My niece (in-law) and I followed the Akshaya team in distributing lunch. Menu that day was a delicious combination: Vegetable Briyani, Kurma, and Kesari (dessert). I was always curious about the logistics of serving 400 or so homeless mentally ill across the city three times a day and the mystery was solved when I saw this in action. Team knew who they were feeding so intimately and was quickly distributing a really wholesome and liberal helping of the lunch with a tall bottle of clean water and moving on quickly through the busy roads of Madurai. While to most of us passing through these busy streets these people are invisible, but not for Akshaya team who pays special attention and treats them with a kindness to recognize their wandering patterns and have affectionately named them too. We had the pleasure of handing over the food to some: The lady with the comb refused to look at us, but took the food, some had a puzzled look at us, and one refused and cursed me (team assured he would get his dinner and that happens once a while). We separated after a while so we do not slow down the distribution. Later Mr.Narayanan (Krishnan's dad) recounted stories of the mentally ill throwing food on the face, slapping and hitting Mr. Krishnan and his supporters when he just began this charity, and over the period the destitute have bonded and developed a trust with Mr. Krishnan. Dedication and unconditional love would always win.


Later we visited the home Akshaya is building. It is all in the locations. Surrounded by fields and hills the peaceful location will definitely bring soothing recovery to the occupants. Just like Mr.Krishnan chooses high quality ingredients for the food he serves, he is choosing high quality materials be it the marble floors or the wood for the cabinets at this home. All blocks have good views, and the plan includes semi-covered corridors that would link the blocks. An ICU corner, a doctor's clinic and isolation rooms for aggressive patients are in the plan. The single occupant rooms have a very unique design: while they separate the violent patients, the rooms will have a view to a central small garden on one side and the scenic outdoors on the other side. If you were wondering how much of thoughts would have gone in the design, the chief engineer/contractor is a 'stapati' builder of temples and he said he is building this as one other temple itself. With all the recent contributions from patrons, work is progressing with great momentum and I hope more contributions pour in so that this home will be completed soon and provide a safe place for the mentally ill which not only provides them shelter and food, but also medical attention, and some to a road of recovery.

For pictures from this visit, check out:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ManjulaIbrahim/AkshayaVisitFeb2011#

Previous Experiences......
Most of their friends and some of ours supported the event and we raised a modest amount of funds. Mr. Krishnan promptly sent the receipts for individual donors, and instead of just looking at the numbers beside the dollars he noticed children had given away their meager allowances (the lowes was $2.50 received all in quarters). He instead appreciated the spirit of giving.

I have personally seen the charity in action at Madurai and I bet this is one of a kind, and every dollar directly goes to feeding the mentally ill.

First time I heard about N. Krishnan was back in 2010 via CNN Heros. I liked what he did but unfortunately didn't do anything to help his cause. Earlier this year (2011) I again saw Krishnan's video and decided to do some investigation about the man and his organization. After reading some articles and watching few more video's online I was truly impressed and inspired by this selfless man and his cause. Majority of us try to help others in some or the other way but Krishnan devoted his entire life for others. This is truly amazing. God bless Krishnan and his cause. In today's day and age people don't have time for their loved ones and Akshaya is dedicated on helping people who have no one else in the world. Krishnan sees everyone as humans first and that is what I like about him and his organization.

I recently saw the CNN video of Narayanan Krishnan's work in Madurai. It touched me very deeply and moved me to tears. Always in the back of my mind, as I've gone on with daily life, I've felt deeply distressed about the terrible imbalance between the haves and have nots in this world which only seems to grow worse with time. That there are so many millions of human beings literally starving to death on this planet is a crime against humanity. How can any of us truly be happy when this is the state of the world? The world has been starving for more great souls like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Theresa. Narayanan Krishna is one of those Mahatmas who feeds all of our souls with his great compassion. He is a man who can inspire many to action. May we all be inspired to give and to love and to restore balance in the world. When I contacted Akshaya USA to see how I could help, they responded very promptly and courteously with concrete action items which was very helpful to me. I look forward to helping them in whatever ways I can.

when i first heared first about akshaya trust i am very glad to hear about this and he is ma true hero

I heard about AKSHAYA Trust in an article written about Narayanan Krishnan's dedicated work towards mentally ill people living on roadside in Madhurai, Tamilnadu, India. I was emotionally moved by his large heart in dedicating completely to help, feed and support these people who can't tale care of themselves. I've been closely following Akshaya Trust activities for couple of years and keep donating money to support theri mission. It is one of the organizations that I will keep donating due to Mr. Mr. Krishnan's dedication, honesty and transparency in the operations.

Thanks

I have been following akshaya organization for a while and I have been quite impressed with what they are able to accomplish with what little they have. To feed 400 to 500 people everyday is not an easy task and yet Mr.krishnan has done this for the past several years without taking a day off.

The basic needs of humans are Food , Shelter and Clothing. Akshaya is doing the best in taking care of these basic needs for the poorest of the poor in India. As a fellow human I felt very sad to see that so many people do not have atleast one meal a day. I found Akshaya as saviour of these poor people. That is the reason why I like Akshaya.

The work of this organisation first came to my attention as I watched the founder on CNN Heroes being honoured for his superhuman efforts to feed the poor in India. Astounded by Narayanan Krishnan's commitment and dedication to hungry and homeless individuals I felt that Akshaya USA should be supported. Inspired by this cause i have donated money and I hope to promote this worthwhile cause in the UK. The issue of hunger and extreme poverty in India can be tackled through the publicity and support given to organisations such as Akshaya USA. I have visited India and witnessed the hopelessness of the destitute first hand. I cannot begin to explain the helplessness and frustration that I experienced at this sight. I promised to myself that when I returned to the UK I would endeavour to help those working tirelessly to combat the evils of poverty and social inequality. By pledging my support for Akshaya USA I hope to have moved a step closer to realizing my dream of helping to serve those who are in need and more importantly supporting those on the front-line who work daily to help those who have nothing. Long may the Akshaya USA organisation continue.

It's gratifying to know that Akshaya is helping the poorest of the poor, the most helpless of the helpless in India, a country where there is a tremendous and ever increasing gap between the rich and poor. More often than not, the voice of the downtrodden and broken is never heard, and they are left to fend for themselves. Akshaya is an organization that gives much needed support to these people, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We need many more Akshayas in India.

Tears swelled in my eyes on seeing the video. Mr. Narayanan Krishnan's commitment to serving the basic human need, HUNGER, is beyond words..

I saw Krishnan on the CNN TV program.
I was truly moved and I am proud to give a donation to help.

- very prompt
- lot of dedication from volunteers
- follow up on issues.

This charity leads in the areas of community service and brotherly love. Feeding, clothing, and washing others (strangers) takes a strong person, a selfless person and that seems to be the mindset driving Akshaya.

When most of us see distress, we sympathize and then move on with our lives. Krishnan stopped short and decided to do something about it. And this is what moved me and I am sure millions of others into becoming supporters of Krishnan's organization - Akshaya Trust.

I am so glad that Akshaya USA has been formed to take forward Krishnan's mission by engaging people and resources in the US. I have been following Akshaya USA on facebook and have appreciated the transparency in their interactions. I also made a donation recently and it was handled very professionally and I got a receipt immediately via email.

[Responsible disclosure: the founder/president of Akshaya USA, Latha Kalaga is my cousin. That has no bearing on my review and I my support for the organization is based solely on the impact Krishnan's noble action has had on me.]

I have been following Akshaya for some time now and have been looking at the work he has done and the commitment shown by Krishnan and one of my very close friends visited his place and has shared the great work he does
It surely is an inspiration to a lot of people to see the work of Mr,Krishnan
He has not only brought hope to the people on the streets in Madurai but also to the world to keep alive the tradition of giving.
It surely is a great sacrifice to be doing at such an young age. This is surely and truly one go greatest acts of selflessness,
The one incident which really was touching was the incident and comment from one of the destitute people to Krishnans mother on her first visit . The comment being that she is blessed to have a son like Krishnan , who is the reason for the person to be alive.
And i think he has taken the next step of building the home so as to take the people away from the streets and house them . This i think is Vision .
Mr.Krishnan has brought hope to a world where there is anger, greediness , selfishness and war.
So in a nutshell Mr,Krishnan is selfless, humble , inspirational and a visionary.

The minute I finished watching the video of how this organization works, I donated money. I love how selflessly they serve the people around them who so desperately need their help and it is obvious that they rely on financial help from a large community of donors. In addition to donating money, I contacted them about going to India to volunteer and they were very grateful for my interest. I am going to try to go in 2012.

Met with Mr. Krishnan during his visit to USA, was inspired by his work as shown on CNN. I am happy to support his cause and efforts to improve the conditions for the less fortunate in India.

For Mr. Krishnan to give up an amazing career and go out of financial limits to help the needy in his town shows just how kind-hearted he is. His story reminded me that there are still altruistic people in this world. I was surprised by his commitment to feed all the homeless people in his city every day. I felt even more surprised by his plan to create a home for them.

Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Krishnan!

This organization does so much good, does not discriminate, saves lives, and helps people to help themselves.

Mr. Krishnan's story helps restore one's faith in humanity. The media is replete with tales of man's inhumanity to man. We can't all be like Krishnan, Mother Theresa, or others of their ilk. We can support their work, however, financially and by telling others of what they do to help the less fortunate and make this planet a better place. This is truly an inspiring example of the 'Power of One' person.

just sharing what I have learned and see someone with the true love of the Lord in their hearts..willing to give of themselves before others and working hard to help the less fortunate. most ppl work hard to better their own lives but this is something we could all learn from. May the Lord bless your work and all you have done.

I attended a lecture at BITS Pilani by Mr. Narayanan Krishnan. He is an exceptional human being and a exemplary figure for the human race and particularly Indians. He is doing an excellent job in the south and i hope people work out similar things in every part of India as well. I am a student right now, and i wish i could be more associated with him and his association as a volunteer in my vacations or something. All the Best to all your ventures.

Krishnan is an excellent example of humanity at its best. From the moment I saw the video documenting what the Akshaya Trust is doing great work. He goes against the conventional norms of the caste system by feeding and shaving the members of the mentally ill & destitute. This foundation is very much in need of support.

I first read about Krishnan and Akshaya on CNN. As i learned more about Akshaya and Krishnan's work I was inspired do something for this group. Krishnans commitment and selflessness is truly great. So, i have talked to my friends and they too were inspired. We are right now collecting funds to donate to Akshaya.

Narayanan Krishnan was a 22 year old, award winning chef on his way to Switzerland to begin working as a chef in a 5 star hotel when a trip home to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India changed the course of his destiny.



When Narayanan saw a destitute, old, man eating his own human waste in the street because he had nothing else to eat, it changed his life forever. In that moment the recent college graduate found his true calling... "I want to save my people. That is the purpose of my life," his website says. He decided he would feed this man and others like him living in abject poverty: the forsaken, mentally ill, the homeless too weak to help themselves. With that he gave up his professional career as a chef in a 5 star hotel and began his own foundation, Akshaya Trust, to feed and help some of the poorest of Madurai's poor.



Not only does he cook for the Dalits (aka Untouchables) in Madurai, against tradition as an orthodox member of the Brahmin caste, he also feeds, cleans, cuts their hair, touches and befriends them to give them back pride they may have lost or very likely he may introduce them to respect they had never experienced until this very amazing man, rejected one of the most engrained forms of discrimination and segregation on our planet, and walked into their lives with open arms bearing both food and friendship.



There will always be people within most societies who are, for many reasons, not able to care for themselves or survive on their own. When families and governments are unable to intercede and assist them, it falls upon friends and strangers to make a decision to reach out, assist and save those who can be helped in some way. Without charity some will perish.



But the Akshaya Trust helps many who are not able to help themselves. Their website says that Narayanan feeds 400 people, 3 times per day, traveling 124 miles. Since creating his foundation in 2003 Narayanan has, to date, served more than 1.2 million meals while earning no profit for himself. He feeds those without food and in turn his mother feeds him vowing to take care of him as he takes care of others for as long as she is alive. I am so moved by Narayanan's passion and dedication. His future dream is to finish construction on a community center of sorts where he can not only feed the homeless but can offer them a roof over their heads.



For his efforts, Narayanan was recognized as one of "CNN's Heroes" which highlights ordinary people changing the world in extraordinary ways.

I donate to many causes, but few have moved me as much as this one. This is true love given from one human to another, supporting those in need with the things they need most. It's much more than food, it's giving people respect and loving support. This cause not only serves those in need with basic sustenance, it spreads a generosity of spirit that is too rarely seen these days.

Akshaya is a great organization! I have read a lot about Narayanan Krishnan and have seen his videos and interviews on youtube. He is taking care of so many homeless people in India, and what he is doing is such a great cause!

I am from India, and am based in the US. I think very few people like him take responsibility for what is happening to the less fortunate ones. We all can contribute a little by donating to his NGO and helping him in this beautiful cause he has undertaken.

I have been donating for one year now, and I encourage everyone else to do the same!

I run a non profit organization out of Atlanta (Third Eye Dancers Inc) and we worked with Akshaya USA in 2010. Through dance performances we raised funds for Akshaya in 2010.

Throughout our interaction with Akshaya USA was very professional and transparent in nature. We were motivated by their commitment to the cause and drive to make a difference.

Our event was a great success in December 2010 thanks to the leadership team from Akshaya USA. They had laid out clear objectives and they have kept us informed even after the event go over.

i saw a video on Facebook about Narayanan Krishnan and the miraculous way he is taking care of the homeless in his home town in india. I was so moved by his selfless acts of kindness that went beyond not only what the average person is doing but beyond what his own culture teaches him to do regarding these people,that I simply had to make a donation. Being out of work and on unemployment, I could only donate $100 but from the first correspondence i received thanking me for my donation I felt like I was a Gold Circle member. When I replied back to tell them that i wished it could be more but that I was out of work, the reply was to tell me that they believed that someone like me would find a good job. Talk about picking someone up when they're down! As soon as I can, I will be making another donation.

i am not new to donating but I primarily donate to animal causes and Feed the Children. I have to say that none of them has ever made me feel so special for my tiny gift (not that this is the reason to give but it does show the gratitude of the recipient which is always nice). I also have 5 years working a non-profit and I know that for donations as small as mine, no special thank-you was ever sent (unless they felt they would get more).

I find Akshaya USA to be a profoundly wonderful and genuine non-profit and more than deserving of your Winter 2011 GuideStar-KIMBIA Nonprofit Giveaway.

From my bottom of the heart... Excellent organization for a noble cause. Purely for the suffering and left alone people. Great service to Man-kind. Especially a person, leaving an attractive job that he was about to pursue and jumping to help others who are in deep trouble and left alone is simply extra-ordinary. Many people are dreaming about doing something like this but Mr. Narayanan Krishnan has done it for real with great dedication and is still moving forward with it. AWESOME! The Real Hero for a great organization! My Prayers will be with Akshaya Trust always!

After hearing about Akshaya group, I was so impressed and touched by their service that I decided to help the organization in what ever little way I could.

In today's world, we need more and more of Akshaya groups to help the mankind/needy and regenerate humanity amongst people.

Akshaya group has set an example for us that this life is not only meant for us, but for others and to help the mankind in what ever way we could.

If only there could be more people in this world with the heart and compassion that Akshaya show to those who have no voice. Those who go by living their lives without anyone noticing them or their needs. Akshaya listens, cares, feels for these in society who've been pushed away. I feel that I could never give enough.

Well, I am from tamilnadu and one day I get the news that akshaya trust has been serving the people in the streets. In tamilnadu it is a most common scene that you see people in the streets . It is quite natural that we think we should help these people.

No words can say about someone who has sacrificed all his professions just for the sake to feed these needy people.

It is quite a lot of unwanted money that we spend each and every day. I know that it is difficult to trust someone in the other side of the world.

But salutes to akshaya trust who are doing a wonderful job by having a good network to help the needy. It is glad that someone is there to take care of these people.

I heard first about Krishnan on CNN heroes. His great sacrifice and amazing drive to serve the mentally retarted on the streets of Coimbatore truly makes him a hero.

Akshaya is a great organization to help spread humanity in the world. I like their mission of feeding the poor who cant feed themselves. I have been a donor bi-monthly to Akshaya and it has been a pleasant experience donating to them, with no hassles.

I first heard of Akshaya from a FB friend. There was a video posted with Narayanan Krishnan's story and how he came to help the needy in Madurai India. His genuine love and human kindness towards those in need touched me at the core. I donated and will continue to do so as much as I possibly can. I promise if you see the video showing first hand what he does with his life, it will be a goal for you to help support his efforts. On further research I discovered that he was nominated as a CNN hero. The world is a better place with him in it. I reposted the video on my FB page and you are welcome to view it.



"The food will give them physical nutrition. The love and affection you show, will give them mental nutrition." "Everyone has 5.5 liters of blood, for me everyone is the same."~ Narayanan Krishnan

Mr.Krishnan has sacrificed his career and lucrative life and voluntarily chosen a hard path (for the rest of us) to serve the helpless and homeless. Mr.Krishnan and Akshaya volunteers serve hot food to the most neglected people in our society three times a day without expecting anything in return. It just amazes me everytime I think about it as we live in a society where we are too busy to take care of just our own needs. Also, Akshaya is taking it a step further by trying to make the lives of homeless and helpless better by building a home where such helpless people can live peacefully and without suffering the exploitations of antisocial elements. This is going to be true for women and children who are on the streets and many of who are mentally challenged as well. Thanks to Akshaya and Mr.Krishnan for showing us all what moral courage and kind-heartedness is all about.

It is always a difficult one to vote one cause over the other. But reality is such, and for now, one winner is chosen amongst the other winners who await a delayed gratification. Few reasons separate Akshaya Trust’s cause, efforts and passions to the others, except for one, and that is, it is their time to get the recognition and its deserving accolades. Driven by sheer magnanimity, selfless and un-withering love for the discarded of a society, Akshaya Trust has tirelessly and I’m sure tiredly at times, continued their efforts to care for almost a decade now. This selfless care has made the difference for those discarded in a society where some like them only clothe in tatters while not too far away someone else sprays Chanel No.5 onto themselves. Akshaya Trust has enabled even the life in tattered clothes to continue living, calm the grumbles in their stomachs, and sit in peace to listen to the protesting voices in their heads. Most importantly, they have encouraged their survival to be in dignity allowing them to share at least one commonality with some of their fragrant, affluent country people.

Krishnan is the Mother Theresa of this generation.With a lucrative career in hand nobody would have taken the decision of a lifetime to serve the needy.He is a true role model for every one and Akshaya has shown a way to many who wanted to do charity but didn't had a direction.God bless Akshaya & Mr Krishnan.
Satheesh,Atlanta

What can one say about an organization like this? Akshaya fills the gaps in humanity by tending, with mercy and dignity, to the poorest of the poor. When I first heard of the work, I was astounded. It's difficult, even in these times, for someone in the States to understand the depth of poverty Akshaya deals with. The video on YouTube acquainted me with this saintly work. Bless these dear people for what they bring to a troubled world. I will always contribute what I can, and my admiration and gratitude are theirs without limit.

I heard of Akshaya from my good friend Latha who is also now a board member. She had visited Akshaya and met with Narayan Krishnan. Just listening to the details was so emotionally moving. It takes a lot of selflessness to take that first step to make a change in the lives of the old, homeless and hungry that we see everyday but pass by without a second glance. Hats off to Mr. Krishnan and the work he is doing.

I learned of Krishnan's work via the CNN Heroes video and was deeply moved. Seeing what one concerned human being can accomplish in the name of compassion makes me ask myself how I can be of service to the poor.

Narayanan Krishna does divine work. Not only feeding the homeless but bathing them with his own hands. Giving them respect and pride in themselves to help them spiritually, not just giving materially. By his work he also inspiers others. Looking at him we ask ourselfs, what have we done?
This work he does in a true inspiration and the effects of it eminate far outside the boundary of Madurai spanning the globe, touching hearts and motivating others to do service in there own communitities.

I am very pleased with the details and information they provide about their organization on the website. Also, every time I've emailed them, I've always received a response very quickly. They seem to be a very organized and well-structured charity. I also greatly appreciate that they never spam me with emails, as they only email me when it is very important. They have great customer service.

This story started with one man who set out to change all he saw that was wrong with the world and people who can not help themselves. The nonprofit reaches out to homeless, sick, mentally disabled and the hungry. There is no better cause on this Earth!!! Here is your winner!!!

i learned about akshaya at the cnn tribute to heroes event. i was completely blown away by the simplicity of narayanan's message, his earnest humility, and the powerful mission to help those society has deemed un-helpable.

my tears flowed, and i decided right then and there to donate to akshaya rather than spend money on gifts for my family and people who i work with: agents, managers, publicists, and the like.

i made up a letter detailing narayanan's mission, complete with pictures i obtained from akshaya. almost everyone i sent the letter to informing them of my donation chose to make their own donation as well; not to impress me, but because they, too, were so moved by this incredible story of one man being the change he wishes to see in the world.

G-d bless narayanan for showing me that the beauty of love and giving is not for nothing; it can transform lives, communities, and even those of us in show-biz hollywood.

Mayim Bialik, Ph.D.
Actress and Citizen of this amazing world

I came to know about AKSHAYA trust thru Facebook viral videos, it was a CNN Heros, Video, Literally me and my wife had tears in our eyes. What a great job Krishnan is doing. It a lesson to all of us as well as a kind reminder to " Being Human".

Great Job, may god bless you.

Akshaya USA is a great humanitarian cause. The organization transcends the Indian caste system by feeding the homeless "Untouchables".

Akshaya is a champion of the poor. This service to humanity is beyond anything I can comprehend. The work this young man is doing should be an example for the rest of us. To make people who are destitute, feel good about themselves and bring back some dignity to their self-worth is what humanity is about.
God bless you and your organization Akshaye.

I am writing this to let you know that I recently came to know about an organization called Akshaya USA through the CNN heroes awards and was very privileged to meet CNN hero Mr. Krishnan and his team last November and know about the work they do. It really brought tears to my eyes hearing the stories of the work they do and the people who are benefitted by their selfless service. I extent my heart full of thanks and gratitude to Akshaya Trust and wish them all the support and help they can get for the incredible work they do.
Also when I decided to make a donation of $800 to Akshya by the contributions from friends, family and myself I really wanted to make sure that all the money raised goes to the right hands and every dollar is accounted for. I went to their website I read all the information and the accounting practices and was very impressed by the way a non-profit declared all the details of how the money has been spent and felt that they are truly honest in their book-keeping. That encouraged me to do my best to match the contributions I received from friends and give Akshaya as much support as I could.
I truly feel that Akshaya deserves all the support and financial help from every corner of the earth. Henna Bash is happy to know about this amazing organization.

I hartfully congratulate all directly or indirectly working individules to Akshaya. They are working for a good cause and proving the saying 'helping people is worshiping God'.

I want every one to put their hands forward to be part of this greate cause.

The story of Krishnan and the Akshaya Trust inspired me to serve in my own community. After seeing the CNN clip on the origin of Akshaya, I have begun volunteering in my community. I hope to mirror in some small way the passion of Krishnan and Akshaya's desire to lift those who have no one else.
It is humbling to know that good people all over the world still act out to change other lives.
Across cultures and religions, the statement 'I want to save my people' resonates powerfully.
I have the utmost confidence that Akshaya USA puts my donations to use wisely. I continue to be impressed with their efforts reach the needy in Madurai.

I provided a donation to Akshaya after seeing a detailed expose on the founder. The service he provides to the many, many hungry and homeless in his community in a country with so much poor was inspiring.

I am always most impressed when people do more than talk about fixing a problem. Narayanan Krishnan is walking the walk. He saw a problem and has given up much to help the disabled and abandoned. His work has touched our hearts and we will continue to this wonderful organization.

When I saw the CNN report on how Narayanan Krishnan was helping India's homeless and handicapped, it brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I have been to India and seen the poverty and destitution first-hand. There is no social welfare system in India; the homeless and handicapped NEED people like Mr. Krishnan and his organization to help them. I immediately made a donation to the trust and will continue to do so whenever I'm able. This man and his organizatoin are doing good, good things.

Akshaya USA is an amazing organization focused on making positive change.Their work in making the mentally ill and abandoned feel loved and wanted represents the most basic service we as humans can provide our fellow man.

I am a small donor to Akshaya USA, but their work with the abandoned is close to my heart. The simple act of feeding and bathing people who are unable to care for themselves expresses the highest in human decency. Caring for the mentally ill, elderly and destitute is difficult enough in rich countries such as ours. In a country such as India, where people are struggling to simply get by, it is extraordinary. Let's help them feed, bathe and house more people!

What a beautiful mission and great charity. I fully support them even in this tough economic time.

After watching a television segment about the work that Akshaya does on CNN, I felt compelled to donate. Assuming that the segment was well researched, the work that Akshaya does in India is amazing. He, and his small group of volunteers, prepare food & aide for their city's homeless and destitute.

Being lucky enough to win the "birth country" lottery, I have never seen or known anyone to suffer as those that Akshaya helps everyday. The fact that he could be wealthy and living well, but instead sacrifices his time/energy/wealth to help those that society ignores is honourable and deserving of the small support we can give.

I believe that Akshaya USA is doing wonderful work in India. They are helping people that are ignored by society and have no body to care for them. Akshaya's cause needs to get more exposure so more people can get involved.

I never donate to human causes not for lack of care, but only because for every thousand human causes, there might be one for animals, which is where i feel the most suffering exists.

however, i came across the Akshaya story and was only just talking about the hypocrisy of wanting world peace or saving the planet while eating fast food or building yet another bank. we'll never have either if people dont make a simple connection that peace begins with each individual. to achieve that peace takes a lot more than mediation too, it is to do something and not talk about doing something. this one fellow - Mr. Narayanan Krishnan somehow has made that peace and inspired many to follow. he is both a hero to the planet and all who share it. he has taken the bold step of actually doing something so noble. his story was enough for me to decide to send a donation immediately and put his cause on my list of organizations to try to help out regularly. his organization is completely transparent and lets the merit of their work speak louder than a flashy PR campaign. beyond that, i have spent the day reflecting and inspired by his choice, even challenged to ask if i might do something so bold, or at the very least find out how i might help.
in times such as these i am often sad at the news of what we are doing to each other, the animals, and our planet. this man and his selfless organization however, have given me new hope and inspiration.

please consider helping them and giving their worthy cause more hope and sustenance - physical and spiritual - to those who are less fortunate than us.

I first became aware of Akshaya Trust and Krishnan while surfing the net and seeing an item about them being recognized for their efforts. It was an old item from 2008. I was very impressed by the efforts of a small group of volunteers and wanted to know more about them so I contacted my friend Sandeep in New Delhi. Sandeep visited Madurai and spent a couple of days following the volunteers on their daily rounds, photographing their every task.

Sandeep sent me the photos and over a period of a few months and MANY email to the Akshaya volunteers I wrote a small booklet called Helping the Helpless (http://blueorbimages.com/Akshaya/Helping_The_Helpless_V1-2/Helping_The_Helpless_V1-2.pdf).

In November 2010 Krishnan was awarded CNN's 2010 Top 10 Hero award at a tribute in Los Angeles. I had the great good fortune to meet Krishnan and his senior volunteer at the tribute - an experience I will never forget.

I have continued on to help Akshaya in a number of ways based on the skills I have to offer and in the process have become a board member of Akshaya USA. I have not received a single dollar for my efforts - in fact I've made personal financial donations - BUT I have been rewarded with the wonderful knowledge that Krishnan's efforts with the help of all the volunteers has given selfless help and caring to the helpless homeless of Madurai.

To date my knowledge of Akshaya was gained from the feedback of my friend Sandeep, my many emails and phone calls with the Akshaya volunteers, my meeting with them in Los Angeles and my duties on the Akshaya USA board. Next month I am visiting Madurai for the sole purpose of learning more about Akshaya first hand and help them in any way I can to make the transition from a local charity to a charity that is recognized worldwide. This trip will not be a junket paid for by donors but fully financed by me - that is the strength of my belief in what Krishnan and Akshaya are doing. This is my third career (construction engineer for 38 years, self-employeed consulting engineer for 10 years and now an Akshaya volunteer for 1 year) and at 73 I have found the career that is most rewarding.

When I saw CNN's video of Naynayan Krishnan's work for his nomination of 2011 CNN's Hero, I was a goner! He brought me to tears because of his selflessness, soul & heart. Immediately I contacted his organization, Akshaya Trust, to help in any way that I can. His organization deserves more than what it receives.

Helping the needy and poor and ccaring for them in the way they can directly benefit is by no means an easy task. The trust has taken pains to serve people at their place, which is truly noteworthy

In my opinion Humanity is the lifeblood of our civilization. The trust works on Human values. The trust has a very noble cause and it spreads humanity to rest of the world by its mission and action.
We need to understand that development along with human values is needed in current era. God has created this world free for everybody and by human values we can make it better place to live in.

I visited Akshaya and Krishnan in June of 2010. I was amazed at the work that was going on. The mentally disabled homeless are invisible to everyone in the busiest of Madurai streets but not to Krishnan. I believe in the Akshaya vision and its volunteers. Together I think we can get the homeless off the streets. I have had an amazing ride as a board member and work with some amazing human beings.. Looking forward to 2012 when Akshaya home will be ready and we can get the mentally disabled off the streets and nurse them back to health and happiness.

Aksaya is an inspiring charity. The work of mercy and comfort they provide to the poor in India is exactly what India needs.

Akshaya feeds & cleans the poor, destitute & homeless people on Indian streets. Its easy to donate one time, and imagine the problem goes way, but Mr.Narayan has devoted his life towards this goal. Starting with all his personal savings he started feeding people - cooking their food, giving them a shave, bathing them and restoring their dignity. In India, where cast system still exist, it is unimaginable that anyone would even touch the 'untouchable' class, it is even astonishing that Mr.Narayan who is born in the most upper crust of caste society, chose to do this sacrifice selflessly.
There is no other person I can think of than Mr.Narayan who could use this gift.

I had first read about Akshaya in an Indian magazine. My husband and I were deeply touched by the kindness of Mr. Narayanan Krishnan. We were almost in tears and wanted to help out atleast in a small way. What a selfless human being! Bless his heart, it needs more than a kind heart to do what he does everyday taking care of those helpless people on the streets.