The Reality of Service | Jas Kalra | TEDxHIXS Youth

In this powerful talk, the Jas Kalra shares the stark reality of caring for abandoned senior citizens. Many of these parents, once respected professionals, are left behind by their own children—sometimes tied to shelter gates or abandoned in ambulances. The stories are heart-breaking: frail bodies, untreated wounds, and children who refuse even to claim their parents’ ashes. Jas recounts his personal journey—how he inherited the responsibility of running a shelter after his father’s passing. With no government aid or foreign support, he and his team now care for over 1,400 abandoned parents, guided not by passion but by duty, which he calls the highest human honour. His message is clear: service is not about grand gestures, but small acts of compassion—visiting an elder, helping a neighbour, or simply calling your parents. Through shared responsibility, he believes we can create a society rooted in compassion. Jas Kalra joined The Earth Saviours Foundation as Vice President in August 2021 at just 21 years old, working under the inspiring leadership of his father, the organisation’s President. Tragically, only four months later, in December 2021, his father passed away, leaving Jas to shoulder the immense responsibility of caring for 450 people. Despite this sudden loss, Jas committed himself wholeheartedly to the Foundation’s mission. Under his leadership, the organisation now provides care for over 1,400 abandoned senior citizens, mentally disabled individuals, and deprived women—whom he describes as “super-privileged” for their remarkable resilience. In honour of his father’s vision, Jas is spearheading the construction of what will be the world’s largest free-of-cost shelter home, designed to accommodate 5,000 residents. Supported by a tireless team and the blessings of well-wishers, his dedication ensures the Foundation’s mission of selfless service continues to grow stronger each day. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx