Marriage is everyone’s dream. Parents will manage the most significant responsibility of their lives as elegantly as they can. Those who are getting married aspire to make their big day as spectacular as possible with much anticipation, even though it is the beginning of life’s most complex struggles. Everyone will exert considerable effort to make the day special. Those who are wealthy will indulge in extravagant spending, those who are poor will borrow and spend money, and those who detest luxury will be cautious with their money.
Today’s weddings are also fashion-driven. Wedding venues, dresses and jewellery all follow these fashion trends. Instead of heavy jewellery and silk sarees, some modern proponents opt for a modest look. However, rich fabrics and jewellery are not uncommon among ordinary folk.
True humanity is demonstrated by persons who work to further the welfare of others, particularly by making significant financial contributions to worthwhile charities. When such deeds of kindness are performed to those who deserve it, humans become God. To make underprivileged girls happy on their special day, Nasar Thootha created his “Dress Bank” project with the help of his friends. This programme allows girls to choose the outfit of their dreams at no cost.
Nasar Thootha is a native of Thootha, a small Village in Perinthalmanna Block in Malappuram District of Kerala. He is a forty-five-year-old taxi driver. Nasar’s family includes his parents, his disabled sister, his wife and four children.
Why Dress Bank
He began working as a cab driver along with his charitable endeavours after returning from Saudi Arabia in March 2013. When Nasar observed numerous families struggling with their daughters’ wedding dress expenses, he decided to launch his dress bank project in 2020.
He and his friends asked all their contacts to contribute their bridal sarees and dresses over WhatsApp and Facebook so that poor families might benefit from their kind action.
With The Help Of Many
For him, all these were possible with the help of many well-wishers. The rent, electricity bill and the money for the racks needed for the shop are all paid by some benefactors. Nasar never asks to return the clothes. Thootha emphasises that although returning the outfit is not required, he encourages recipients to give it to other needy women to continue the circle of generosity.
But 50 to 60 per cent of them return the clothing. All the clothing they received was brand new as it had only been worn for a short time. However, Nasar dry-cleans the garments before distributing them to others. Thootha has a variety of thousands of outfits in his collection, including lehengas, gowns, sarees, and more, with prices ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 50,000. Through a network of committed volunteers, clothing is delivered directly to families who are having difficulty travelling or are ill.
Nasar, The Philanthropist
Thootha saved more than 100 people from streets and railway platforms. He cleaned them, trimmed their hair neatly and provided them with food before sending them to nearby ‘agatimanthirs’. Nasar started carrying a bag around with him at all times, which contained a blanket, a shaving kit, scissors, ointments, and bandages.
During the pandemic, he turned his SUV Tavera taxi into an ambulance to assist locals in getting to medical facilities for prompt treatment. On the second anniversary of the clothes bank, he set the groundwork for his most recent endeavour, Sukritam, which will offer wheelchairs, airbeds, walking sticks, and oxygen cylinders to persons like his sister who are bedridden or have trouble walking. With contributions from many people, the project includes a new ambulance.
Future Plans
Through his effort, Nasar hopes to have a positive impact on at least 1000 households. He also intends to open dress banks in other regions of India in response to requests.
More than 450 brides from economically weaker families have benefited from the programme by being able to wear bridal dresses that were often out of their financial capabilities. When it comes to those in need, Nasar Thootha is like God since he donates luxury clothing on their significant day of life. The generosity of humanity is demonstrated by those who donate their wedding dresses to the dress bank. We admire contemporary philanthropists like Nasar Thootha, who promote ethical approaches to helping people in need.
Credits and References
https://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/extraordinary-indian-nasar-thootha/20220120.htm