The Matka Man's Dawn Mission: Quenching Thirst in Delhi's Streets
Before the sun fully rises over New Delhi, a distinctive white van navigates the tranquil lanes of Panchsheel Park with deliberate care. Inside, rows of traditional earthen pots produce a gentle clinking sound as a pump activates, drawing fresh water from a substantial 800 to 2,000-litre storage tank. At the helm is Alagarathanam Natarajan, a figure so familiar in the locality that residents affectionately call him the "Matka Man."
Each morning, precisely at 5 AM, accompanied by his loyal dog Snoopy and a dedicated assistant, Natarajan embarks on his daily rounds. He meticulously checks dozens of water stands strategically positioned along pavements and street corners. These stands serve a crucial purpose: providing free, clean drinking water to daily wage labourers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and countless others who toil under the sun.
From a Single Pot to a Lifeline for Thousands
What originated in 2014 as a humble act of kindness—placing a single earthen pot of water outside his own home—has blossomed into an extraordinary community initiative. Today, Natarajan manages between 70 and 80 water stands across the area. This network distributes an astonishing volume of nearly 60,000 litres of water every single month. Over the years, this simple yet powerful act has quenched the thirst of more than 150,000 people.
Now in his late seventies, Natarajan continues his unfailing morning ritual without pause. He describes his work not as a chore, but as part of a "quiet revolution of human kindness." His story is a powerful, living testament to the spirit of service that defines countless senior citizens across India.
India's Seniors: A Reservoir of Experience and Active Contribution
Natarajan's narrative is far from isolated. Across the nation, individuals over the age of 60 are powerfully demonstrating that this phase of life can be a period of profound contribution, engagement, and purpose, rather than one of withdrawal. A recent and comprehensive study conducted by HelpAge India paints a compelling and detailed portrait of this demographic.
The data reveals significant aspirations among the elderly. A notable 36% of senior citizens express a clear desire to continue working in some capacity. Furthermore, an even larger segment—40%—aspire to remain engaged in work "for as long as physically and mentally possible." Their contributions extend far beyond the boundaries of formal employment.
The Multifaceted Roles of Elders in Families and Society
Seniors enrich their families and communities in diverse and invaluable ways. The HelpAge India study quantifies this impact:
- 72% of elders regularly share valuable advice and life experiences with younger generations.
- 50% provide active support in childcare, offering crucial help to working parents.
- 47% manage essential household responsibilities, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- 36% make direct financial contributions to their family's well-being.
- 31% offer consistent emotional support, acting as pillars of stability.
- 19% volunteer their time and skills in various community activities.
While these figures unequivocally show that elders remain highly active and indispensable, societal perceptions do not always align with this reality. Among younger populations, a significant 48% still primarily view elders as dependent. However, many youth also recognise their positive attributes: 51% see them as wise, 43% view them with respect, and 36% acknowledge their contribution to financial well-being.
The Recognition Gap and the Call for Societal Change
Encouragingly, 78% of seniors report feeling that their contributions are acknowledged by their families. Yet, only 44% state that this recognition is consistent, while 34% experience it only intermittently. This gap highlights a critical need for broader societal transformation. The message is clear: seniors are ready, willing, and able to engage meaningfully, but structured opportunities and supportive platforms remain limited.
Pathways to Realising the Full Potential of Senior Citizens
How can India fully harness the immense potential of its elderly population? Experts and advocates point to several actionable pathways across different sectors of society.
Workplace Reforms: Organisations can adopt genuinely age-inclusive policies. This includes offering flexible working hours, creating consulting or advisory roles that leverage decades of experience, and establishing formal mentorship programs where seniors guide younger employees.
Community Initiatives: Local programs can actively promote senior volunteering, skill-sharing workshops, and intergenerational engagement activities. These initiatives create vital bridges, allowing the wisdom and experience of elders to connect with the energy and innovation of the youth.
Technology and Training: Dedicated digital literacy and technology training programs can empower seniors to participate in the modern economy. This enables them to take on advisory roles online, explore entrepreneurship, and stay connected with community initiatives through digital platforms.
Policy Interventions: Government and institutional support is crucial. This can take the form of public recognition programs for contributing elders, tax incentives for businesses that hire seniors, and direct funding or logistical support for elder-led social initiatives.
Celebrating Contributions: The AdvantAge 60 Campaign in Action
HelpAge India's ongoing campaign, AdvantAge 60: Powering Aspirations — Active, Enabled & Empowered, seeks to celebrate and amplify exactly these kinds of contributions. The campaign highlights inspiring individuals who embody this spirit.
Neelam Mohan, after building a highly successful, globally recognised garment export business, has redirected her formidable energy into social service. She is actively involved with Panchvati, a senior citizen home that emphasises not just care, but active and engaged living for its residents.
Niren Sengupta, a celebrated artist, continues to paint daily in his Delhi studio even at the age of 85. He sustains a lifelong dedication to creativity and regularly mentors younger artists, passing on his technical skill and artistic vision.
JR Gupta remains deeply engaged in advocacy work. He personally resolves hundreds of complex elder abuse and neglect cases every year while simultaneously fostering community participation through specially designed programs for senior citizens.
Aspirations Beyond Retirement
These accounts powerfully illustrate a growing trend: elders are consciously choosing active participation over passive retirement. Rohit Prasad, CEO of HelpAge India, encapsulates this sentiment: "Senior citizens aspire to remain engaged, contribute, and be valued. Their desires are clear—they want to work, to mentor the next generation, to volunteer their time for causes they care about, and even to start new ventures."
From the Matka Man's water pots in Delhi to boardrooms and community halls across India, the narrative is shifting. The later years are being redefined not as an end, but as a new chapter of purpose, contribution, and quiet revolution.
