Its
been a week, more than a week per-se, since we were there. Aniket and
I. With Veeru consistently behind me for the past whole week to pen down
my experience, he finally gave up too.
It
was not reluctance or putting it for later, but the sheer fear, that I
might not capture the entirety of the essence of the experience, might
not fully translate the intensity of emotions that we went throu or just
do justice to what it really did to my conscience.
It
was the day of confrontation, I was a jerky mess. I haven't done this
alone before. Got up very early, with tightened nerves. Still the tape
of the last few days were replaying on my mind, is this going to make a
difference, how is going to affect me? Would I be judged pretentious?
What is this going to be in the long run. Finally, opted for an open
mind and went with the flow of what was planned.
The place was far from where I live, after much asking around, we reached.
The
first sight of Ramchandra Kurulkar Trust, supported by Sewa
International was far from what I pictured. We are o enamored by the
images that movies throw on us, on how service based organisations are
filled with trees and laughter, a playground and happier than thou kids.
But no. This was a dilapidated old flat, a but dark and damp (blame the
dampness on the recent splashes of rain). It was a battered old
building, trying hard to retain its sanity in the spew of weather changes. Not digressing here.
We went in.
Discussing
with the trustees and Ramesh (our handler), we understood with poor
public funding, and a non-existent government support, the trust was
purely running on SEWA International's financial support. And yet they
have done an awesome work in providing for the children the best they
can. They also discussed how it is a challenge to convince the parents
of the children to give them education, most of whom are
emotionally abandoned by their parents at a very early age, after
discovering their challenge.
Some
kids were getting curious, some shy and Guddi was supercute , they
tried to sport an occassional glance and very rarely a smile while we
were taking a tour of the place. The place was very minimal, even
missing some of the basics. They had converted three single-bedroom
flats to accommodate the 60 children, their classrooms, kitchen,
sanitary needs etc... The place needed a lot of upkeep, they have done
their best with the teachers and most of the staff getting zilch in pay,
and still continuing to serve was quite heartwrenching.
The
trust had done the best with the little they received and still
unbeaten they continue their service. When they uttered, 'whatever you
offer in time, kind, support, however negligible, we shall be grateful'.
We
were served lunch in the terrace, while, we were also introduced to
everyone. The kids were super-awesome. They were born challenged, but
the smiles on their faces could make up for all the madness in this
crazy world. Some tried uttering their names, saying a namaste, while
some smiled with all their heart and the rest shied away behind a coy
'Hi'.
Lunch
was served and we had our wholesome meal between stealthy glances,shy
smiles, a tete-a-tete with the staff, in the terrace on a monsoon
midday. Distant mountains, dark clouds, moody weather and the green
silence around added to the deep serenity of the hour.
After
lunch some kids joined us downstairs. What started as a singing soiree,
later developed into all the kids falling in to dance, to a self-sung
song. Music was in the air, smiles all over, we added some chocolates
to the laughter and the cheer. Our volumes went a notch higher, that
neighbours came out to watch, smiled heartily and returned to there
hiding spaces. Our little gala came to an end with us bidding goodbye to
everyone.
Walking
out, all the kids and staff from four different floors, screamed
goodbyes peeping through their windows and doors. Peering through we
were consistently waving our hands, incessantly smililing, holding onto
our hearts from popping out of our mouth, uttering byes.
We promised we will be back.
We promised we will be there.
We promised that this is just a beginning.
So mote it be.
Other Places of work...
ASMITHA: JOGESWARY East: School located in a lower middle class locality. Service activities of
various types in and around locality to help poor. A select group say
from 8th , 9th and 10th can be identified and interaction can be had
with them on setting career planning, goals in life and self motivation
etc. Having food with only a select few will be a bit odd. I can find
out how many attend morning batch on an average.
http://www.asmitajogeshwari.org
Gruhini Vidyalaya, Mahim:
Hostel for 20 tribal girls where they are traied as nurses. They attend
classes and practicals from 9 to 5 and return in the evening.The visit
may happen only after 6 pm.
Kurulkar School and Hostel for Deaf and Mentally Retarded , Panvel:
This school provides free education and hostel to 60 handicapped tribal
boys and girls. Deaf and Mentally Retarded children are identified from
the district by volunteers and admitted here.
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