Twenty-eight years ago, Madam Rajayesparee Venketsan's husband died of a heart attack at the age of 48. Ten months later, their only child, a 10-year-old boy, died in a traffic accident.
To prevent her from falling into depression after the devastating losses, one of her nephews suggested that she volunteer.
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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 02, 2018, with the headline Gift of giving. Subscribe