A diwali well spent...

"Good boy, last bite kha lo chalo", sangi said as she fed the kid. As the kid finished his last bite, she looked at me and heaved a sigh of relief. No, she was not the kid's mom...neither was I. The kid was a part of an orphanage (did not have the right word) named Shanti Daan.

 Shanti Daan is situated in (almost) the outskirts of Mumbai. It provides shelter to kids and old people who are mentally and physically challenged. It was Sangi's idea to visit them on Diwali.

This is what we did there:
1. Feeding the kids = not that easy: We were given a plate that had a pudding made of tea and biscuits. We were asked to feed the kids. While some kids ate quickly, some did not even know that they had to swallow it. For example, I kept feeding the kid thinking he will eat, but he was just not swallowing it. The pudding was dripping out of his mouth. I did not know what to do, the volunteer came and helped me feed the guy. He had to literally move the boy's chin to help him swallow it. I had tears in my eyes.

2. Interacting with kids = full on fun: After a quick walk around the building, we went to the main hall to play with kids. We were playing catch catch with them, but they did not seem to show any enthusiasm. Only 2 boys- Rakesh and x (will call the other boy x as we could not get his name) were playing with us. Suddenly a sweet girl Gunjan joined us and tadaaaaaa we had 2 more friends- navin and pravin. It was pure fun. A lesson that we learnt was treat these kids the way you treat the other kids...they reciprocate well. No need to talk in syrupy language. 

3. The candle making room = awestruck reactions: After spending an hour with the kids, we went to the room where people were making candles. What we saw made us open our mouth and purse out of admiration. They had made beautiful candles with correct colour combinations. We simply loved the house that they made of wax.We immediately purchased candles for our near and dear ones. Needless to say, they all loved it. A lesson learnt: Everyone is talented, you have to discover it.

We came out happily. We knew we spent our Diwali fruitfully. We are not trying to boast that we had done something good. Nopes that is not our intention. Our intention is to tell you that:

Whenever u feel your life is miserable or that you lack comforts or freedom in life- then spare a thought...there are millions who live a worse life than you. As one volunteer told us: At least we have our parents to support us, these kids have none!


20 comments:

HUMMING WORDS PUBLISHERS said...

hii yaar

this is the best way to celebrate any festival infact..sharimg happiness with our less fortunate brothers and sisters..

m proud of u girl!

AB said...

WELL DONE.

BK Chowla, said...

I hope some more people can get some inspiration from your efforts

gayathri vishwanathan said...

AS true. Thanks :)

Abhinav thank u :)

Chowla yes i hope more and more people will come out and help these talented young kids. It is truly disheartening to see their plight.

hamaarethoughts.com said...

Indeed a well spent Diwali!
We should always thank God for what we have and never complain .
Happy Dipawali.

dr.antony said...

A good deed. But then, it shouldnt stop there.
I have seen people doing this kind of visits on occasions and then the whole thing is forgotten.I agree, even a single day is important if you have touched some ones lives.

Anita Jeyan said...

Yes indeed that was a well spent Diwali. just the way it should be.

Anita Jeyan said...

Yes indeed that was a well spent Diwali. just the way it should be.

gayathri vishwanathan said...

Thanks Harman...btw i liked your profile pic :)

Dr. Anthony yes we have decided to visit once a month...hope we stick to the decision.

Thank u Anita :)

moonlite:D said...

proud of you :) :*

gayathri vishwanathan said...

Thank u CV :) :*

Wabbster said...

Nice. :)

Sangeeta R said...

so true. diwali indeed spent well. had fun babes. and well ritten post

gayathri vishwanathan said...

Thank u wabby :)

Sangu toh dobara hum kab jayenge?

Jack said...

Gayathri,

Hats off to you for doing such a noble act. I at times visit a school for mentally challenged children and know that if guided properly they can be part of mainstream.

Take care

Jack said...

Gayathri,

BELATED MANY MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY. MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.

Take care

gayathri vishwanathan said...

Jack truly that's a very good thing to do. I try my level best to visit these places...it always reminds us that we are answerable to our society.

And thank you for the wishes :)

Makk said...

Heyy you alright??

gayathri vishwanathan said...

Hi Makk yes perfectly fine...how r u?

Makk said...

Yeah, I am good too.

Just long post and no time...so asked.

anyway..now you have written I see.