On a bright Saturday afternoon, we headed to Samarthanam Trust for Disabled, which is located at a peaceful location in HSR Layout, Sector 4 in Bangalore.The journey started out as a never-ending ride with Google maps, but after a number of wrong turns and directions, we finally reached the place around 2:30 pm. The surrounding area was very pleasant and calm, an ideal place to nurture the minds of children is what we felt. The atmosphere around us when we reached there was overwhelming. To add to that, we saw a blind and a visually impaired person managing everything at the office, on his own!
We were given a class of 30 which included 5th, 6th and 7th grade kids. They were very enthusiastic and excited to spend the assigned time with us. We had decided to have some fun with colors, and teach them how to make cards and collages. All of them were asked to make cards and told that the best card would be awarded. This doubled their enthusiasm and encouraged them to take part actively. As we started giving them the necessary items, the kids were literally overpowering us, with paint and colors flying all around!
At the end of this activity, we were so happy to collect the many beautiful, creative and colorful masterpieces. Some of us received beautifully painted roses from the kids, as they innocently came up to us and said, “This one’s for you!”. That little act got us the worth of all the efforts and planning we did. We could see many budding artists out there. Anyway, all this was followed by a quiz, followed by prizes. We immensely enjoyed the whole time we were there, right from seeing the kids sing and dance, to mimic movie stars. It was all so very touching and was an invaluable experience to learn from!
We don’t know what we expected when we entered, but what we saw was that they led a very normal life as though nothing was wrong with their lives, and like God hadn’t been cruel to them. Looking at them, we learned the real meaning of strength, optimism and hope. “Friends are the family we choose, parents are the family we get “, but I could see a strong-knit bond between those kids. The older kids took good care of the younger ones like their own siblings. I think even a family we choose wouldn’t be so loving and caring.
The little kids living there were trying to live their life to the fullest, and looked happier than other people who have all the reasons to be content. We felt ashamed thinking about how we crib over petty things every day, though we have all the basic needs and comforts. This is one of the many important lessons we were to take back home with us.
The hours spent with them passed like minutes. When it was time to leave, the kids just didn’t want us to leave. Watching them so happy gave us the fruits of what we had come there for. The people at the office asked us to keep visiting them and teach the kids, and we made it a point to make sure this happens again.
One sunny afternoon, well-spent!
(This article has been written by a KYS intern, Priyanka Setty, who enthusiastically conducted this activity, and has shared her experience via this post. Incidentally today is her birthday, Happy Birthday!)
This was the most touching greeting card that was made by Ashok of 6th grade from the orphanage school. Note- School had just started a month ago. English Translation:
Dear Mom,
How are you? Please come here and pick me up. They have given me holidays here. So you have to come at any cost. While coming, get my sister along. Also, don’t forget to get my younger brother.
Yours Lovingly,
Ashok, 6th Std.
