At 53, Alice Thomas established Udhavi Karangal, an organization dedicated to rehabilitating underprivileged children, including those from tribal communities, orphans, and street-dwellers. One impactful example is Subash, a former beggar whose life she transformed, who is now employed as an engineer in an MNC. Since founding Udhavi Karangal in 1991, Alice has positively impacted over 150 children, operating a primary school, boys' and girls' homes, and a girls' observation home in Puducherry.
This inspiring journey began when Alice was just 21 and decided to help a begging boy by offering him food and education, which led her to find her life's calling. The boy was the first of many children Alice would go on to help, transforming them from ragpickers to educated individuals. Alice, who had been interested in social work since her teenage years, took the initial step by enrolling these children in schools, providing vocational training, and gradually establishing her primary school. Today, thanks to her and her NGO Udhavi Karangal, they can support these children till post-graduation.
In the earlier days, Alice Thomas faced challenges in bringing children to her organization, but with changing government policies and rising awareness, the process has eased in recent years. However, Alice admits that reaching out to children from tribal communities still poses difficulties. To counter this, she provides home-schooling options for uncooperative families and focuses on children put into labor work.
Alice's dedication is such that she and her husband chose not to have biological children, considering the ones they serve as their own. The children she supports attest to her significant positive influence on their lives. Her greatest accomplishment is seeing her mentees thrive in various fields and inspire the next generation.
Alice Thomas's life encompasses an endearing tale of grit, resilience, and whole-hearted service for the betterment of society.