a helping hand...

Last evening, one of my friends and colleague asked me whether I would like to accompany her to a trip to an orphanage. She is one of the fore-runners of Aashayein - a philanthropic organization in the city. Their regular activities include teaching poor kids in schools, arrange for funding and essentials for various oldage homes & orphanages, find sponsors for very poor kids' education etc. Sunday breakfast is a program where they visit one of the orphanages or old age homes in the city, serve them breakfast and spend a few hours with them.

The orphanage picked up for today is exclusively for girls. As we reached there this morning, some were busy washing their clothes, some were taking their bath and some others wondering who are all these strangers in their 'home'. The premises was unbelievable clean and maintained; everything was in order. They started off with their morning prayers and soon followed it with a welcome song for us :). After the breakfast, we all went out in the garden, where they formed smaller groups, playing and running around. I, with the camera had a busy day at field. Everyone wanted not only a individual photo of herself, but rather a complete portfolio created :) Then they wanted some shots with their friends and then some with some other friends and some other with...it went on and on...It was really delightful to see these young ones making merry, belying all the misfortunes with their cheerful spirit.

Some of the kids were really-really young and it was sad to see them parent-less. But misfortune often brings people closer. They were all taking care of, loving and even fighting with each other, building new relations every moment.

I read somewhere that one of the keys to a healthy heart (and a happy life) is to spend at least an hour with kids every day. Glad I made this trip. I think I will get these photos printed and give them over to them some time.

I kept almost all the shots from today. Shared here.