This NRI family takes under its fold the less privileged kids

 Her family believes in the “Each one adopt one” concept. Dr Nirja Kumar, a psychologist of Indian origin working in the United States, believes that every non-resident Indian can do the same.

Dr Nirja told DH at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Sunday that her father, J D Kumar, made it a practice that each earning member of the family adopt a child who is less privileged than them and help them economically and psychologically.

Two children that Dr Nirja had adopted are now working as businessmen in Bengaluru. “By adoption, we mean helping them make ends meet. We let them be with their families. However, our doors are open to them always. We help them with education. Besides, we take time to help them with additional coaching sessions if required. They are part of every festival we celebrate,” she added. “My siblings live in different parts of the world. They also adopt someone who they think is less privileged,” she said.

Dr Nirja had an exposure to the challenges that the poor faced with her father insisting that they grow up with the ones he adopted.

She believes that all NRIs can afford to do the same and said she would talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about it. “We earn enough to make a good living. Most Indians abroad are financially capable of adopting one kid of Indian origin and ensuring they get a better standard of living,” she said.

Dr Nirja’s father runs a chain of pharmacies. All these outlets are run by children he has adopted, she said.

“My family believes that universities can give you jobs but it is home where values are inculcated,” she said.