Welcome to Don Bosco Anbu Illam

Radha Krishnan's Background Radha Krishnan hails from a tribal family, facing the challenges of being a semi-orphan. His mother, employed under Mahatma Gandhi's 100 days work scheme, sought assistance from Don Bosco for her son's higher secondary education. Previously housed by other NGOs, Radha Krishnan found his way to Anbu Illam at the age of 15. He has a younger brother, and despite the hardships, Radha Krishnan harbored a steadfast ambition to become a doctor. Education Journey and Challenges Following his completion of 12th standard, Radha Krishnan aimed for the NEET exam in 2020, aspiring to fulfill his dream. However, his initial attempt did not yield the expected results. Determined to succeed, he received specialized coaching and support from Anbu Illam, enabling him to improve his score significantly in the 2021 NEET exam, achieving a commendable 406 marks. Achieving Success Radha Krishnan's hard work paid off when he secured placement in a medical college, paving the way for him to pursue his ambition of becoming a doctor. His dedication, supported by the guidance and assistance from Anbu Illam, transformed his aspirations into tangible achievements. Future Aspirations As Radha Krishnan continues his journey in medical school, we extend our heartfelt wishes for his continued success and fulfillment of his goal to become a doctor. His story stands as a testament to resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and reaching for a brighter future.

My name is C M Suresh Babu. Years ago, I was a street boy wandering the streets of Coimbatore. In my early life, my father, deeply influenced by astrology, considered me a bearer of bad luck for our family's well-being. This belief led to my neglect and mistreatment at home. Eventually, feeling unwanted and unvalued, I ran away from my own family, enduring nights on footpaths and struggling to survive without food or shelter. Those were challenging times, testing my resilience every minute. I resorted to scavenging and took on various odd jobs just to get by. Unfortunately, influenced by new acquaintances, I fell into drug use, unaware of its impact on my behavior and life. It wasn't until my teenage years that I found refuge at Don Bosco Anbu Illam—a sanctuary that offered me a second chance at life. At Anbu Illam, I received education and opportunities that helped me turn my life around. Grateful for the support I received, I eventually became a staff member myself. My role evolved into caring for children who, like me before, faced abandonment and despair on the streets. I engaged with the community, forming alliances with auto drivers, vendors, and railway workers to rescue vulnerable children from perilous situations. Today, I continue my mission, reaching out to slum areas, ensuring children have access to education and guidance through evening tuition programs. My 25-year journey with Anbu Illam has not only shaped my identity but has also allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am proud to be part of the Don Bosco Anbu Illam family, grateful to its management, staff, and children for giving me the chance to serve and give back.

The brothers, Ananda Kumaresan and Anand Kumar, aged 7 and 5 respectively, were rescued by Childline and provided shelter at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. Family Background: Originally from Tuticorin, settled in Gandhi ma nagar, Coimbatore, their lives were marked by tragedy when their father, receiving instruction from a fortune teller, decided to offer his wife as a sacrifice for a better life. In the process he and his friend raped her before burning her. Subsequently, their father was imprisoned, leaving the children abandoned and under the care of relatives. Ananda Kumaresan used to be beaten up by his uncle would come home drunk every day, so he went to work in a cycle shop. Intervention by Don Bosco Staff: An outreach worker from Don Bosco Anbu Illam noticed Ananda Kumaresan working at the cycle shop and began a conversation with him at a very young age. Building trust, the worker learned of the child's interest in education and promised assistance. With police help, Ananda Kumaresan was taken to Childline, expressing a desire for his younger brother to join him. Efforts were made to locate their uncle's home, successfully bringing both brothers to Anbu Illam, where they received shelter. Lessons learnt: Even today he helps out the children or anyone in need. He goes all out to help the person. Educational and Professional Journey: In 2000, they were enrolled in school with support from Anbu Illam, and both successfully completed their 10th standard education. During their early years in the anbu illam, despite the presence of the fathers and the brothers, the motherly presence of Ms Sheela VDB, a staff and collaborator in the mission was a very big help in the life of these boys. The anbu illam staff were also instrumental in playing supporting part in the upbringing of the boys, for instance once a month as boys they were taken to visit their father in prison. He remembers the words of Sr Ethel, a religious nun who helped him meet his father in prison, “he is in prison, but he is the only relationship you have”. Kumaresan is always appreciative of the extra opportunities given to them in the anbu illam, (band, electrical & electronics, plumbing). Ananda Kumaresan pursued training in Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) at Don Bosco Industrial Training Center in Madurai, graduating in 2011. Anand Kumar completed his 12th standard education and enrolled at DB Cad Chennai to earn a Diploma in Video Audio Editing. Their dad who was released from prison, was of no big help to them The two of them stayed in the after care, in the anbu illam. Both went to work for meagre wages and started their career. They were helped by our well-wishers in securing good jobs. While staying in the after care, they started saving small amounts of money to be used in the future. After few years of stay they rented a room near to the anbu illam and stayed there with a few friends. They were followed up by the fathers and the brothers used to visit the anbu illam at regular intervals. They began to enjoy the freedom and the challenges that came along with it. They got in touch with their relatives and were happy to mingle with their uncles and aunties, cousins in particular. Lessons learnt: Their socialising has led them to dependent on these friends who they treat as family. Current Status of the boys: They purchased a land with their own savings and today Anandha kumaresan has a car of his own. It was merely the loan given by some well-wishers and relatives. Anand takes care of a small start-up and helps his owner in building the start-up and innovating new ideas for the same. He is married and a lot of relatives and friends attended the wedding. The comment of his relatives, “you (anbu illam) have brought up these children well in life”.

Name of Boy: Anand Krishnan Family Details: His father has passed away. He lives with his mother, one elder brother, two elder sisters, and a younger sister who has a mental disability. Originally from Tuticorin district, the family was living below the poverty line. After his father's death, they moved to Coimbatore seeking better opportunities. An act of kindness from a Mother Superior at Vimal Jothi Hospital in Coimbatore provided his mother with a job and helped them secure a small house, though survival remained challenging on low wages. His elder sisters worked daily wage jobs to support the family, while his elder brother distanced himself and offered no assistance. Transformation of His Life at Don Bosco Anbu Illam: Anand Krishnan's life took a turn when a sister from Marialaya shelter Home arranged for him to find shelter at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. There, he completed his education and pursued a BCA degree at Don Bosco Community College. With the guidance of the fathers at Anbu Illam, he also learned English. Career Progression: Anand Krishnan secured a job at an IT company in Chennai, gaining valuable work experience at companies like KGISL before moving to Robert Bosch, where he is currently employed in the USA. He credits his success to the support and guidance provided by the fathers and staff at Anbu Illam. Anand Krishnan remains deeply grateful to everyone at Anbu Illam for transforming his life

FamilyBackground: Kannan hails from Dharmapuri district. Both his parents are HIV positive, and he has two siblings. His elder sister is married, and his younger sister resides in NMCT home. Growing up, Kannan studied up to the 10th standard while supporting his bedridden father, who suffered a stroke due to alcoholism. With his mother unable to work, the family faced significant economic hardship. Despite these challenges, Kannan was determined to continue his education. Life at Don Bosco Anbu Illam: During a visit to his sister in Coimbatore, officials from NMCT recognized Kannan's situation and referred him to Don Bosco Anbu Illam in 2013. He was provided shelter and enrolled in the 11th standard at Sidhapudhur Government School. Kannan completed his higher secondary education and pursued a Bachelor's degree in Commerce with Computer Applications (B.Com CCA) at Jeyandra Saraswathy College, finishing in 2018-2019. He furthered his education with a postgraduate degree in 2019-2020. Driven by his passion for accountancy, Kannan attempted several bank exams but faced setbacks. However, he was offered an opportunity to work as an accountant at Anbu Illam. The management believed this role would provide him valuable experience in his field of interest and prepare him for future positions in accounting. Current Endeavors: Now 22 years old, Kannan continues to serve as an Accountant at Don Bosco Anbu Illam in Coimbatore. His journey from adversity to achievement stands as a testament to his perseverance and the support he received from Don Bosco Anbu Illam.

Rajasekar's Background Rajasekar's childhood in Sivakasi was filled with happiness until his father's remarriage fractured their family. Left with his mother, who found employment at Sahar Fire Work Company in Mumbai, life took a tragic turn when she perished in a fire accident on February 20, 2012. After this devastating loss, Rajasekar found refuge under his grandmother's care while struggling with instability, eventually finding himself wandering the streets. Life at Anbu Illam & Education Journey When Rajasekar was apprehended by the police at Coimbatore Junction, his aunt and grandmother were contacted, leading him to temporary shelter at Don Bosco Anbu Illam. Here, amidst supportive surroundings, Rajasekar found solace and the opportunity to continue his education. Recognizing his potential, Mr. Senthil Kumar, the probation officer at the time, advocated for Rajasekar's education at Anbu Illam starting in 2012, where he enrolled in the 6th standard at a government school. Over the years, he honed his leadership skills through various activities like leading the Children's Parliament, Media Club, and Eco Club. Despite the challenges, he excelled in academics and extracurriculars, developing a passion for sports, particularly football and volleyball. During holidays, Rajasekar cherished visits to his hometown to be with his grandmother, who remained a pillar of support. His commitment to education led him to join St. Michael’s Higher Secondary School for the 11th standard, but he yearned to return to his grandmother's care. With the support of his caretakers, he transitioned to Khajamian Higher Secondary School in Trichy, where he completed his schooling. Leaving Anbu Illam was bittersweet, yet he found happiness and stability with his grandmother and aunt, grateful for the security they provided. Career Breakthrough In 2020, after completing his 12th standard, Rajasekar returned to Anbu Illam seeking assistance for higher education. With the support of Anbu Illam and the District Child Protection Unit, he was referred to the Social Defense Department in Chennai, securing sponsorship for marine education. He enrolled in a marine college in Chennai and successfully completed his course, embarking on a career as a crew member on international voyages. Rajasekar attributes his success to the unwavering support of Anbu Illam staff, fathers, caretakers, and sponsors who enabled him to seize this opportunity and achieve his dreams. Rajasekar's journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of support, inspiring hope and paving the way for a promising future beyond adversity.