“A life not lived for others is not a life.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the actions of Dr Nimmi Choubey, a paragon of altruism and the embodiment of humanity from Mathpuraina, Raipur. Through her NGO, Buniyaad Betiya Anmol Foundation, she has been carving a path of compassion and benevolence, providing dignified burials to the abandoned and unclaimed deceased in the city. Working in harmony with the police department, Dr Choubey has ensured the respectful interment of over a hundred unclaimed bodies within the past four years. She has managed this task with immense personal commitment, without financial aid from the government. Her tireless work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and she has earned laurels from numerous noteworthy organisations for her philanthropy. Underpinning this noble mission is the unwavering support of her family. Dr Choubey acknowledges her brother, Rupendra Choubey, as the backbone of her NGO, and her sisters, Dr Shobhana Tiwari and Ekta Sharma, along with her sister-in-law, Pratibha Choubey, as significant pillars of support.

 

At the age of just 32, this paramedical practitioner turned humanitarian has left a significant impact on her community. The inception of her NGO in 2019 was catalysed by personal loss and a life-altering lesson from her late father, Komal Prasad Choubey. Her father taught her that it is everyone’s moral responsibility to contribute to humanity and become a responsible member of society. Dr Choubey embodies her father’s teachings through actions that span the human lifecycle. Her organisation celebrates the births of underprivileged children, infusing joy and hope into their lives. On the other end of the spectrum, death is treated with equal respect and dignity. Dr Choubey and her team have made significant strides since their early days of promoting their mission outside the Medical College Hospital in Raipur and local police stations. Today, they have established a robust support network that encompasses the local police force, who are entrusted with the challenging responsibility of handling unclaimed bodies. Each burial orchestrated by Dr Choubey’s NGO is conducted with decorum, complete with rituals, flowers, and Gulal, a testament to their belief in preserving the dignity of the deceased. A dedicated staff member is responsible for digging graves, ensuring that the process is undertaken with the utmost respect.

 

In addition to her humanitarian endeavors, Dr Choubey demonstrates her compassion through her medical practice, often waiving off charges for impoverished patients. She extended her support during the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing masks and food to the needy residents of the city. Beyond her humanitarian and medical pursuits, Dr Choubey is a successful businesswoman and contractor for the Raipur Municipal Corporation and Raipur Development Authority. Breaking societal norms and ushering in an era of female empowerment, she challenges the taboo that often excludes women from funeral rites. Her involvement in these final rites exemplifies her commitment to change and equality. Dr Choubey is a pioneer, and her multifaceted persona and keen management skills are evident in her successful business ventures as a civil contractor. Following in her father’s footsteps, she took over his business after his demise, showcasing her tenacity and adaptability. Looking toward the future, Dr Choubey envisions her NGO reaching even more people, spreading the spirit of humanity and responsibility further into the community. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that a life dedicated to serving others is a life well-lived.