Papiya Kar – Profile at a Glance
Abhaya Bravery Awardee
Papiya Kar, an Abhaya Bravery Awardee, is lovingly known as a “Mother to the Forgotten”—a compassionate soul serving the homeless and destitute who live around a quiet railway station on the outskirts of Kolkata. Her journey of service began with a simple yet life-changing moment: one late night she met an elderly man who had not eaten for three days. That encounter stirred her conscience and she made a personal pledge—to ensure that no one near her would sleep hungry again.
Since then, Papiya transformed her modest home kitchen into a community kitchen of hope. Every day, single-handedly and with unwavering dedication, she cooks simple, nutritious meals and feeds over a hundred needy people. For her, feeding the hungry is not charity but responsibility, and every plate she serves carries dignity along with food.
To sustain this mission, Papiya runs a small handicraft store, selling items she creates herself. The earnings are not kept for personal comfort; they are reinvested entirely into the kitchen that feeds the homeless. Neighbours and well-wishers support her by donating clothes throughout the year, which she distributes among those who live with little more than faith and resilience.
Remarkably, she refuses monetary donations, choosing instead to rely on her own effort and sincerity. Her family and friends stand firmly beside her, respecting her commitment and encouraging her work. Papiya does not speak about future recognition or reward; she believes in living in the present—one meal, one smile, and one human life at a time.
Her story reflects the true spirit of Abhaya: courage expressed through compassion. Through quiet service and selfless giving, Papiya Kar reminds society that humanity survives wherever one person decides to care.
