Dr. Felicitas Roelofsen's Engagement with Aashray Abhiyan in Patna

Dr. Felicitas Roelofsen, a retired cancer surgeon from Germany and a longstanding friend and companion of Aashray Abhiyan, visited Patna on November 1, 2025. Her visit focused on reconnecting with the team and the community, sharing her experiences, and highlighting the organization's impact on empowerment and advocacy.

A warm welcome at a study cum tailoring centre

Interaction with the Aashray Abhiyan Team

Dr. Roelofsen spent the day engaging with the entire team, with a special emphasis on newcomers. She shared her personal journey with the organization, reflecting on the deep, personal relationships built with the community over time.

These connections have been instrumental in fostering empowerment, enabling individuals to stand up, express themselves, and demand their rights.

Dr. Roelofsen in a sharing and interaction session with the Aashray Abhiyan staff, field workers and well wishers.

She was warmly welcomed by a song performed by Dharmendra Kumar, a member of Aashray Abhiyan, setting a positive tone for the day's discussions.

Community Visits and Reunions

During her visit, Dr. Roelofsen toured the settlements and reunited with women she had met on previous trips.

The women greeted her with immense joy and happiness, expressing pride that someone from Germany takes the time to visit and care about their lives.

In conversation with the focus communities in the field

Despite the language barrier— as the women do not speak English—the universal language of love bridged the gap, facilitating heartfelt exchanges.

The women openly shared their ongoing challenges, including the pain of evictions and unfulfilled promises from the government. These conversations underscored the persistent struggles faced by the community and the importance of continued support.

Success Stories of Empowerment

Dr. Roelofsen highlighted several inspiring examples of how community members have asserted their rights through the organization's empowerment initiatives. Key stories include:

• Demanding Proper Rations: Women have successfully advocated for quality rations, refusing to accept substandard grains. This collective action has led to tangible improvements in access to essential supplies.

• Samima Khatun's Protest: An elderly, differently-abled woman named Samima Khatun staged a silent but impactful protest against poor service at a fair price shop. Her determination prompted the shop owner to deliver rations directly to her home, demonstrating the power of individual advocacy.

• Rukmini Devi from Sahgaadi Masjid: Rukmini Devi's experiences reflect broader successes in community mobilization and self-advocacy.

• Saraswati Devi from Malaai Pakkdi: Similarly, Saraswati Devi's story illustrates how empowered individuals can drive change in their local environments.

These narratives serve as powerful reminders of the organization's role in transforming lives through relationship-building and rights-based approaches.

Thank you Dr Felicitas

Dr Roelofsen in conversation with the community members displaced yet defiant

Dr. Roelofsen's visit reinforced the enduring bonds between Aashray Abhiyan and the communities it serves. Her insights into personal relationships as a foundation for empowerment continue to inspire the team and highlight the organization's meaningful progress. Future engagements like this will further strengthen advocacy efforts and address ongoing community needs.