My Arul Ashram Memories

Arul Ashram: A Mission of Compassion and Transformation Arul Ashram is more than just a monastery—it’s a sanctuary dedicated to a profound mission: providing dignity in death for the abandoned, offering shelter to orphaned children, and working tirelessly for the betterment of society. My connection to Arul Ashram is deeply personal—I owe much of who I am today to Arul Ashram and Fr. Dominic. I was among the first students to step into Arul Ashram when it officially opened in 1998. Back then, the place was quiet and deserted, yet there was an undeniable peace that matched the meaning of its name—"kindness." During my time at Pondicherry University, I was known for my short temper, which eventually landed me in trouble, even facing a show-cause notice from the Vice Chancellor. It was Fr. Dominic who stayed by my side through the night, teaching me the value of patience. That conversation changed the course of my life—he guided me toward a path of kindness and service. Following his advice, I became a volunteer at Shanti Bhavan, a peaceful home for HIV-infected patients, where I assisted an American volunteer named David. My time there was life-changing—I witnessed death through the eyes of others and saw firsthand how ignorance and fear can isolate the most vulnerable. These experiences opened my eyes to the harsh realities of society and strengthened my commitment to helping those in need. One moment that will always stay with me was when Milkie and I were tasked with burying an AIDS patient. The undertaker refused to dig the grave upon learning the cause of death, and the panchayat opposed the burial altogether. With no other option, we dug the grave ourselves—a moment that revealed just how cruel and unyielding society can be toward those who suffer. Fr. Dominic remains a profound inspiration to me. Despite his age, his boundless energy is unmatched. An MBA graduate, he has mentored and guided countless young people, breaking down barriers of religion and treating everyone with equal compassion. Even today, whenever I have the chance to visit Pondicherry, I never miss an opportunity to return to Arul Ashram—a place that shaped my life and continues to hold a special place in my heart. I miss that place deeply.