Itanagar, Feb 25: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has pledged financial support for the development and operation of Deepak Nabam Living Home, a shelter for underprivileged individuals and senior citizens. He made the commitment while inaugurating a 50-bed inmates’ hostel, A Home for No Home, at the shelter’s extended premises in Sopo, near Doimukh.
Commending the efforts of philanthropist Deepak Nabam, Khandu praised his dedication to providing care for the elderly, orphans, and homeless individuals. He also noted that Nabam’s contributions had been acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mann Ki Baat.
“The government cannot always reach every marginalized individual. This is where compassionate individuals like Deepak Nabam Ji step in. Through his shelter, he has selflessly provided care and support to those in need,” Khandu stated.
Khandu first visited the shelter in Itanagar in 2021, where he observed cramped living conditions. In response, he encouraged Nabam to find a larger space for expansion. As government policies do not allow direct funding for land acquisition, Khandu personally financed the purchase of a 21,000-square-meter plot in Sopo.
During his visit, he also laid the foundation stone for a Halfway Home for the Mentally Disabled and committed an annual budgetary allocation of at least ₹20 lakh to sustain the initiative. Additionally, he directed the deputy commissioner and the Public Works Department (PWD) to collaborate with Nabam in preparing a master plan for future infrastructure development, assuring that funds would be reserved in the upcoming state budget.
Khandu urged the public to contribute to the shelter’s mission, emphasizing the need for collective support. “Running such a shelter requires immense compassion, dedication, and sincerity. We must stand firmly behind Deepak Nabam to support this humanitarian cause,” he said.
He also suggested that Nabam institutionalize the initiative by forming a registered society or trust to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Nabam Rebia, local MLA Nabam Vivek, and district administration officials.
