MSC – Children’s Day

While 20^th November is universally celebrated as Children’s Day, in India this day is being observed on 14^th November, the date that marks the birth anniversary of independent India’s first Prime Minister – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It is celebrated as a tribute to his love for children.

Childhood, along with innocence, is all about joy and freedom. But in India, only a section of the country’s children have had the privilege to smile on this day. While some children are endowed with good fortune and positivity all around them, most can barely feed or clothe themselves. It is but a sad and unfortunate situation. However there are some angels in disguise – the Charitable Homes for orphaned and under privileged kids, who make their world a better place to live in.

This year, the heart of all MSC members reached out for such kids in our city.

On a nice, pleasant afternoon, MSC members set out for St. Catherine’s Home, a stone’s throw from MAAC Institute, Andheri. The entrance to the home itself had welcoming vibes, with children around us already having glee on them, telling us so much – some had hopes of having the day celebrated for them, some of being adopted, and some just sitting in a corner, smiling.

Children of age group 7-12 were pouring into the hall. There were quite a few of them – about a hundred of them – each of whom had a story to tell. Some were run-aways, some abandoned, while some were orphans.

The children’s day party began with mimicry by two of our MSC members. It was a good way to start interacting with them and make them laugh. Later, dance and singing followed. The talented ones came up to sing songs and also dance to their favourite numbers.

The children also displayed their talent in drawing. They sketched houses, flowers and pots, almost everything that came up in their creative little minds. They later coloured their art with all the crayons provided by the MSC team.

After allowing considerable time, the papers were then collected from each of them. It was time now for them to enjoy lip-smacking snacks. The team then cut the cake, and offered it to the children along with wafers, chocolates and soft drinks. The winner of best drawing was later announced and given a prize.

Sitaram Sir concluded the party by teaching the children clay modeling with a few quick tips on how to go about this art.

It was a humbling experience for the MSC Team to be with these angels who, in spite of their lonely lives, could share so much of love and warmth within so short a time.  In visiting this Home, it is the team that has gained so much of life’s experience through the eyes of these children that – “when God leads you to the edge of the cliff,  trust him fully and let go… only one of two things will happen, either he’ll catch you when you fall, or teach you how to fly… ” .  Looking at these children we can say that God has done both the things for them, he has already caught them falling, and he will surely teach them how to fly.

– By Shaheen Guard (Volunteer, MSC)