How we celebrated Diwali with a new loving family

By Prathyusha Vedula

Our semester examinations just ended after a long month hustle and so we decided to plan out something and gather money to enjoy during the sem-break. While we pondered on plans for Diwali, a beautiful thought struck us. That is when we gathered some money from our savings and decided to use it for a cause.

The previous night we gathered some information on a few old age homes and orphanages in the city. We got to know about a non-governmental organization for girl street children called “PAPA HOMES”.

DIWALI MORNING- HUNT FOR THE PURCHASE

So, we started off early on the Diwali morning and went on searching for some useful in-budget stuff to offer all the girls living there(since we don’t earn). Thanks to Google maps, we could find a few wholesale shops to select from. Quitting a few, we finally found a market which satisfied our requirements. Having packed steel 40 lunch boxes for 4000 rupees, we headed off to the destination.

REACHING THE DESTINATION

What a scene it was! There were many orphans, children with single parents, neglected children, and runaways. All of them were brought together under one shelter to satisfy their basic necessities, which in any other way were impossible for them.

All of them sat in a hall. It felt awkward to them as they do not socialize with other people much. So, we started off with a friendly talk, introduced ourselves, made sure that they were comfortable. Within a few minutes, everyone started to be so active, friendly, loving, and interactive. All the girls shared their interests and ambitions. None of them had the same goals. We could see all the diversity in India, here.

THE FUN AND FROLIC

Few girls actively came out to perform dances, sing songs, and recite dialogues. Personalized dialogues from movies were the funniest part. They were really creative. Their confidence and talent were breathtaking. Finding the opportunity, we shared the importance of education, pursuing something they love and the goal to have an assured future. The zeal an interest with which they listened to us, bounced back with questions and queries made us overwhelmed. We also joined them in songs and stuff, distributed all the things we bought for them.

A HEARTFELT MOMENT

After we finished the distribution, it was time for them to leave. All of them together started saying “Thank you Akka!” thrice, simultaneously on a loud note. It felt normal to us until we heard them thanking us. It was all just fun and interaction before. But that sense of feeling, the goosebumps made us emotional. It gave us immense satisfaction on just spending a few hours of our day, a little amount of money, and small thought. We friends meet numerous times, spend money and days doing many things which give us satisfaction, enjoyment, fun, relaxation, etc. But this time, it was different. We were happy about the thought. We were happy about the implementation. We were happy with the meaningful purchase. We were happy for being us, today!

Thinking, “Diwali has not just been a day of lighting the lamps, but also a day of enlightening minds”, we left off in silence and smiles.

INNERTAINERS’ APPEAL 

PS: Through this post, we just wanted to share our thought. Now it struck us. After reading this, it may inspire you and unleash the thoughts within you. Though many of us always wanted to do something for people in need, only a few of us may be in a position to implement them. On the other hand, there may be many out there who are in a position to implement but lack the thought. So why miss any little chance that may invoke that little spirit in you to share joy, happiness, fun, knowledge, and satisfy the needs of a few.

In this world where every 3rd guy in a trio is in depression, little smiles, and assurance to hold each other in need might definitely turn the present world to a better place.

And this is how we celebrated our Diwali in thought and action!