Impressions from the Temple!!!

A 3 yr old, Ashish comes to you running and says "Mujhe naya kapda mila, bataaun kya?" The shine in his eyes, makes our eyes, glitter with the same spark.

A 4 yr old Sumit, just wakes up and asks you "Bhook lagri hai, kuch hai kya khane?". Heart melting words from the tiny tot isn't it???

A 4th class kid, Chetan says "Aap mujhe aur sikhayiye, main seekh lunga". Expresses his desire to learn the political map of India.

A 6th class lad, Suraj practices football (a torn, punctured one). Showing the desire to be on top of the world with his foot.

Some 40-odd children laugh their heart out, holding their stomachs watching 'Tom n Jerry'. Reflecting their innocence through lovely smiles.

These were some of the impressions, when I visited an Orphanage in Pune (I do not want to call it an orphanage anymore). It's a temple of healing, temple of learning... temple of feeling, temple of earning.

I call it a temple of learning, as these kids learn everything here, be it a moral one or a curriculum one. I call it a temple of earning, as the kids here earn their 'relationships'. They earn their real 'close ones'.

You hear, read and see stories of many people donating money, lending financial support to the under privileged. When I visited this temple, I came to know that these kids are least concerned about the finances. They need a hug, they need that warmth, they need the care, they need that affection which you show. The smiles that blossom, the happiness that they get is indescribable. It should be seen with the naked eye. I felt, on that day, donating 2 hrs of your precious time is far far better than donating lump sums.  You will definitely feel the sense of satisfaction that you have helped someone in need.

When you hear the stories of each one of them, your heart is bound to be melted. You will rather pull them to your side and start speaking some sweet n cute words, that you never thought of.

Coming to the activities that we do with the kids. We just involve them in some kind of events which give them enormous joy, which help in their learning like Story telling, song recitation, puzzles, memory games, drawings and paintings etc.

The main motto of our mission is to find that 'hidden' talent in each and everyone, and help them in that direction. There are about 100 kids who have come with a ray of hope. Some sing well, some play well, some have unbelievable memory power, some have superb creativity. Picking the talent is one thing and grooming and moulding them into a professional is another one. In this process, we want to show the right path for their future, bright path with the right culture.

So far, it's been very interesting with them. I am very excited working, playing, sharing and in the process learning 'what is life' with these kids.

Here, I am calling for some creative ideas to help us in moving forward with the goal. Any ideas that come up in your mind, might pave for a illuminated future of these young ones.

PS : Spl thanks to Mr. Sekhar uncle, my friends Sairam and Balaji for letting me know about this temple.