Ms. Leena Peter was born and raised in a traditional Christian family, where faith and community were central to her upbringing. A vibrant and active participant in her church choir, Leena grew up in a financially stable environment, surrounded by love and support. At the tender age of 19, she married Mr. Peter V X, and together they embarked on a journey that initially seemed smooth and full of promise.
Their life took a challenging turn when they decided to expand their business, leading them to take out a loan from the bank. Unfortunately, the business venture failed, and the family lost everything—their home, their business, and their financial security. During this tumultuous period, Leena and Peter were blessed with two children, Rajeev and Raji, but their financial struggles deepened as every avenue for recovery seemed to close.
In a desperate attempt to find a solution, a man approached them, promising to secure a job for Mr. Peter in Dubai. Clinging to this hope, they borrowed more money to pay the agent. Tragically, the agent turned out to be a fraud. He abandoned Mr. Peter in Mumbai, leaving him stranded and helpless. The stress and trauma of this experience took a severe toll on Mr. Peter’s mental health, and he wandered the streets of Mumbai for three months before the family was able to bring him back home.
Devastated and overwhelmed by their circumstances, the family reached a point of utter despair. They decided to end their lives together by stepping in front of a train. However, fate intervened when some porters at the railway station noticed their distress and encouraged them to return home and reconsider their decision. That night, consumed by hopelessness, the family contemplated suicide again, this time by consuming poison. But in a moment of clarity, their daughter, Raji, ran away and alerted their neighbors, who suggested that the family seek solace at a pilgrimage center.
Heeding this advice, the family traveled to the Divine Retreat Center in Chalakudy, Thrissur. For the next five years, they lived and worked at the center, finding healing and rediscovering their faith. It was during this period of spiritual recovery that Leena found her true calling. Inspired by the compassion she witnessed at the retreat center and the resilience she had developed through her own trials, Leena felt a deep urge to give back. She decided to dedicate her life to helping those who were even more vulnerable than herself—elderly orphans with no one to care for them.
This calling led to the founding of Ashraya Bhavan, a home for the elderly and mentally challenged women. What began as a personal journey of survival and redemption has blossomed into a sanctuary of hope and compassion for many others. Through her strength, faith, and unwavering commitment to serving others, Ms. Leena Peter transformed her darkest hours into a beacon of light for those in need.