Teaching to dream ???

It was yet another sat morn - so another visit to the Balvikas centre near the Rly stn (Poona).

The inmates were eagerly waiting for us, all ready to begin. The yoga was the starter again. Those 15 minutes of disciplined behaviour was a revelation. The rhytmic Om vibrations went deeper than the ears.

Then followed another team-buliding exercise - forming chain of ppl and passing cards. The sight of pack of cards brought some funny smiles on their faces. They were very much willing to play 'mendhi-coat', but were disappointed when they heard that we werent playing any card game. The passing of cards via the chain helped them to realise the importance of each member of the team. They were urging the slower ones to act fast and that's what was desired by us. The winner got the chocs, but were rightfully distributed amongst all.

The later part was a great experience for us. We asked them to come ahead and speak for a minute about themselves. What they liked, disliked, and most importantly, what they wanted to be in future. The views expressed were varied in all respects. Not only was the geographical difference of their upbringing apparent, but also their inherent thoughts and beliefs were poles apart. Hardly anyone wanted to study more and become engineer or something There was one dreamy doctor and one lawyer. That's it. Only 2 amongst 25 wanted to study hard and be someone respectable. Others wanted to be a driver (majority) or run a shop. One guy wanted to be a policeman, but for wrong reasons. Other seconded him saying that since the policeman is his friend, this guy can afford to do thefts and get away by paying the 'hafta' to the police. All in all, one thing was quite certain. The atmosphere in which these kids are brought up plays such an important role that we can hardly believe it. The hardships they face can never be imagined too. Their daily needs are different and so are their aspirations. The platform's their 'karmabhoomi' for now and they dont wish to change it for long time. They are like the frog in the well, having not experienced the nicer part of world outside.

And that's our challenge. To make them conversant with the 'saner' world outside. To inculcate some social values in them, without changing their street-smart identity. They have the inclination, we need to have time.

Top Cop - A Salute !!!

Sometimes i do wonder how often we like to, infact love to criticize others...

Open a paper and undoubtedly, we find the government and police system being slandered by the 'caring' people. And that certainly includes me. And then if you come across a completely refreshing experience which shatters the mundane image of the 'system', you just wanna live it fully..!!!

That's exactly what happened this Sat morn. We had gone to a place near Railway station. It was a so-called rehab centre for the street-smart criminal kids. There were in all 40 children (callling them kids would be injustice) who were homed there. Nearly all were caught by police in different cases of crimes (pick-pocketing, drugs, thefts.......) And it took the courage and inspiration of one of the police inspectors to come up with the idea of trying to make a difference.

He brought the children to this place which was given by Municipal Corporation. Here they live, and study too. The authorities have seen to it that they get their daily dose of schooling along with the daily bread. This place is actually part of a municipal school. So the younger ones study while the older ones work at the railway station.

Today was just an ice-breaker for all of us. We had a boat-making competition, forming 5 teams amongst them. Names of cricketers were used (though one team wanted themselves to be called as the 'D' gang - i guess surroundings do make a huge difference !!! ) The sense of team-spirit and belongingness was tried to be inculcated in them. And succeed did we surely, though in a small way today. Few songs followed it and chocolates were the finale.

All in all, a beginning was made in the right direction. Lets hope the journey is enchanting. Lets also hope that we have the will and resolve to go the distance.

It's natural..!!!

The journey from Pune to Mumbai on the expressway is simply superb. As soon as I see those vast stretches of natural wonders, i realise how small we are in this world. The waters never wage a war, nor do the rains quarrel over the miniscule land areas. The hills mightily and merrily hold firm the greens as well as the browns, even the gushing winds dont mind carrying the fragrance from one part to another. Then why do we 'intelligent' species indulge in such irrelevant activities ??

I intend to, wish to, dream to make a difference to that. And that i surely shall do (in whatever way i could, whatever capacity i could) This is what inspires me. The mother nature teaches how to embrace everyone. It doesnt rain any differently in Manavya than the 'normal' houses of the other villagers there. I dream to wash away their ignorance one day along with the pouring waters. And i know that i'm not alone, that's why i can dream, and dream big too.

And with all these thoughts, when i return to mumbai, i cant wonder but write a few lines about those 'normal' beings:
The bluish peaks gently kiss the serene skies,
Magical waters trickle down the long crevices,
The greenery embraces all, lest the moment flies,
But being 'virtuous', he moves away from these 'vices'.

I hope to transform that indifferent human by some humane way. After all, that's what is Manavya. !!!

Manavya - The Humane Touch !!

'Manavya' was there as usual to greet us with utmost happiness. The smiles were there for all to see and the innocent eyes portrayed a sense of serene satisfaction.

Well...this aint any single person whom i'm referring. It's a care centre for the HIV infected kids. A harsh reality which we face every Saturday when we go to have most memorable moments of ur life with them. But as soon as we go there, the tragedy is long forgotten and what remains is just the smiles gallore.

Even yesterday, when i reached there, the kids thronged on all of us. And we hardly realised how the cruel time ticked rapidly. Within no time, it was again the moment which i dislike the most. It was time to bid goodbye, but not before a promise to return was duly made. The 2.5 hrs there were simply amazing. The craft session was given 3 cheers by all the enthusiastic (and also creative) kids. While others preferred to show their football skills!!

When i was there, there werent any other thoughts. But as i was on my way back to home (Mumbai), the horrifying thought of those kids living their death was devouring me. I imagined how it would be to live under the same shelter all my life without even going out for a walk or so. (The villagers might object to it) Even having the school learning in the same premises would surely have killed me. But these kids show that life has many dimensions to it. Their smiles prove that life is certainly about quality rather than quantity.

And suddenly i realised that this was just a part of my dream. To make them smile was undoubtedly one of my key desires. It's going fine at the moment and the dream shall surely catch on. So i guess there are lots of smiles ahead in the journey that has started. !!!!