Picked up from various places? railway stations, roadsides and even dustbins, these children knew no surnames, no religion and no caste. All they knew was they were all related?. had the same past, sharing the same present and perhaps the same future
IT WAS a Saturday and the day started with the routine chores. It was by a sheer chance that we got an opportunity to visit an orphanage in the city. I had absolutely no hint that the day which started off on a usual note will go on to become an unusual day (of revelations) for me.
As we stepped inside the gates, a completely new world lay spread in front of my eyes. 30-odd lives, in various age-groups, made that dull looking structure a lively and happening place. With prior permission we entered their world, without realizing that we were just about to meet the actual ambassadors of life. Their over and under sized dresses, ruffled up hair and unkempt appearances were belittled by the strong “glow of survival” on their faces. As we started off with pleasantries and getting to know them, I was awed by the way they introduced themselves. No hesitation, no awkwardness and no feeling of emptiness, only strong individuals out to prove themselves.Picked up from various places… railway stations, roadsides and even dustbins, these children knew no surnames, no religion and no caste. All they knew was they were all related…. had the same past, sharing the same present and had to go through the same struggle to create their futures. But no shame, no hurt feelings, only the determination to go on with their lives. Most of them were attending schools and very proud to share their knowledge with us. Nothing seemed to have dampened their sharp minds and enthusiasm to learn. Up-to-date with the latest songs and dances, they knew how to perk up their monotonous lives. Their alertness and sheer grit to win in the games we played with them showcased their abilities to beat life in its own game.
As the day progressed, and we became more acquainted with their lifestyle and schedules, more eye-openers were in store. Those gifts which we had taken for them seemed so insignificant in front of the return gifts which we carried home that day… the most precious being how to celebrate life inspite of all its shortcomings.
