Sporsho visits SOS village: A report

We made the difference.

“Akka tea!” smiled Vishakha as she offered me a warm cup of tea. Her infectious smile and the warmth in her voice made the tea even more enjoyable. “I study MPC in a college in Nizamabad” continued Vishakha , “I only get to see my little sisters in the holidays. I so wish to spend more time with them but have to go away after the college reopens.” The sadness of missing her family was inevitable. She kept on talking about her little siblings who were playing around us, in a motherly affection.

We, the BiHians were at the Hyderabad chapter of SOS Children’s Village. Their representative Praveen explained us , most of these children here are double orphans. They live in a group of around 12 in a single house under the loving care of a trained lady who is “mother” to these children staying together. They grow up together with love and affection for each other and receive education till they are grown up enough to face the tough world alone.

As we knocked the door, we were welcomed with twinkling eyes and shy smiles. A whole world of happiness unfolded before us. When a 5 year old was asked “Tumhara naam kya hai?” He replied promptly “ My name is Shiva.” We were soon drenched into their aura. We bonded with Vamsi, Padma, Sushila, Vaisnavi and their brothers and sisters. We played with them, sang with them, danced with them, teased them and laughed a lot. They showed us around their house, the neatly made beds, the clean cupboards, the worship place in an animated manner. The happiness which was reflecting all over them was unimaginable. They took us to meet their friends living in other houses.The way they were holding our hands was heavenly. They were so happy by just slipping their wee feet into a high heel, by holding a camera , by riding a bike or by putting on a sun glass for a while.They showed us how we can be really happy with only the basics of life; how we can share our happiness with others; how it is to love others. They perhaps taught us a magical way of life.

“Ke Ham Tak Tumhaari Duwa Aa Rahi Thi.....” The melodious voice of Lata Mangeskar was buzzing from the audio system as we were coming back from SOS Village. I felt the golden touch of the kids has enriched me from within. I realised the value of life the day Sporsho visited SOS Village. The voice of Vishakha still echoes in my ears the way she said with dreamy eyes and in a determinant voice that she wants to be a pilot as she grows up. Come let us join hands with Sporsho and try to make them smile again in the very little way we can.

Let me ask you today “Have you felt blessed lately?”