For the past 12 years, 65-year-old Vijay Laxmi has been quietly dedicating her life to caring for monkeys in Tughlakabad. Without any external support, she has been providing drinking water to the animals every day. She travels two kilometers from her home daily to provide water to these monkeys.
A Labor of Love
Using a handcart, she brings water cans from home, a task that has become increasingly difficult with age. Despite the physical strain, Vijay Laxmi continues her service, driven by compassion and a sense of responsibility towards the animals.
“I have been doing this for around 12 years, but it is becoming very hard now. There should be a proper water facility for the monkeys,” she said. She has requested the Delhi Jal Board to install a water tank in the area, which would ensure a steady supply of drinking water for the monkeys and reduce her daily struggle.
Personal Challenges
Vijay Laxmi is single-handedly raising her three grandchildren: Jagat (9), Adarsh (14), and Pari (12). She sustains the family by selling bananas from a roadside cart and managing the daily needs of both herself and the children. Despite financial and personal challenges, she continues her selfless service without any outside help.
Community Impact
Local residents say her efforts have helped prevent monkeys from straying into homes in search of water, especially during hot weather. However, they agree that a permanent solution is needed.
Vijay Laxmi hopes that authorities will take notice of her request and provide a basic water facility, making life easier not only for her but also for the animals she has cared for over the years.
