Serving ‘Those Who Have No One Else’ in India

Pooja Naidu will never forget the moment, in the spring of 2015, when she first stepped foot in Maruthi Orphanage, a home for girls in Hyderabad, India. “How difficult it is for them to survive a life without their parents,” she thought, overcome with compassion for the orphans, semi-orphans, and abandoned and needy children living there. Wanting to help, Naidu began volunteering — and has been a regular volunteer ever since.

“I just feel good that, apart from my daily life and work, I am able to take time out for those who don’t have anyone,” said Naidu, a project coordinator with Wells Fargo’s Enterprise Information Technology team in Hyderabad.

At the center of Naidu’s volunteer efforts is a monthly party she throws to celebrate birthdays at the orphanage. “They truly get excited,” she said, “and I am not exaggerating, but they actually treat you like a celebrity.”

Naidu was recognized in 2017 as a Volunteer of the Year for Wells Fargo’s Enterprise Information Technology group. Her passion has even inspired other team members to get involved.  “I really like the idea of giving back something to the community,” she said.

More than just giving back to her community, Naidu has offered the gifts of friendship and time to the girls at Maruthi Orphanage. “All they need,” she said, “is love and affection.”

Watch the video of Pooja Naidu with children at Maruthi Orphanage in Hyderabad, India (2:42) at Wells Fargo Stories or https://youtu.be/Meh5Xtv_yr0.