ajit

AJITH

“I don’t know who my father is. I am told that he left us when I was just three months old. I don’t have any pleasant memories of my childhood. As life became intolerable I left home not knowing where I was going! It was I imagined better than staying home.  I have been placed in many homes by the police and know five languages including a smattering of English.”

Ajith was brought to us in May 2014. He was rescued from a tea-shop where he worked for just two days!  This 15 –year- old boy can’t live with the thought that he is all alone in this world with no family ties! There are times when he sits and cries thinking about a life without emotional links. I try to console and comfort him assuring him of our commitment to him!  It works for sometime till he is reassured of an unfailing love and acceptance.

Feeling rejected is one of the most painful realities in life. This is all the more poignant for a child who feels helpless and friendless!

nisha

NISHA

“Father, Nisha is a problem! She does not listen. She is stubborn and sticks vehemently to her own opinions. When confronted for something she has done Nisha threatens to runaway, becomes very defensive and sulks! It takes some time for her to return to normalcy.” The sister-in-charge describe more of her antics very casually. She knows things will change for Nisha. She is new to the home and has to learn to adjust herself to the news home.

Nisha is about 9 yrs old and is in grade III. She has not seen her father and her mother leads the life of a nomad and has no time for her two children who are with us. Both of them were rescued and entrusted to us.

Nisha represents several other girls who may be termed psychological orphans who suffer from myriad problems. They are the products of a mechanical union devoid of love! Their minds are scarred and their hearts are arid deprived of love!

Understanding these children, patiently listening to their stories, being sensitive to their silence and offering appropriate responses, ensure healing of emotions. It is indeed a privilege to serve them!

FIVE LITTLE BATTERED ANGELS

Children are God’s miracles! They are precious gifts. They banish our blues bringing us instant joy!  Our  world  would be  insipid without  their innocent presence. And it is truly heart-rending to see them being victimized especially by the same people who gave them life.

It was a few months ago that five little girl-angels were brought to us. Just by looking at them it was obvious that they were messed up and mishandled! Their looks betrayed their inner turmoil. Their smiles and childhood pranks had certainly taken a beating! Their crime – they were born as    ‘accidents’ and hence handed over to a home as unwanted.

Now things are different! Their smiles have returned. Their pranks have begun to leak out of their cracks! However, the darkness of their infancy lies hidden in the apparently inaccessible recesses of their being! There is occasional fear in their demeanour.  Their intermittent cries for attention and acceptance turn out to be piercing shrieks baffling their friends and  the  staff. 

Unconditional love, a congenial and warm climate, meaningful freedom and loving ways will eventually heal their hurts and bring solace into their battered lives!  Their cries for acceptance, love and affection will definitely be heard. This is what we can offer them and we do so as a privilege.

Onam

ONAM CELEBRATIONS

ONAM is another name for celebrations! It is indeed a state festival that transcends all religious, cultural or social boundaries. It is a festival that promotes social harmony. A sense of joy pervades the entire state. Songs, dances and cultural entertainments bring people together. A temporary veil of amnesia  covers the whole state as everyone seems to be in a state of mirth forgetting their worries and anxieties.

At ‘SNEHA BHAVAN’ Onam celebrations were unique and there was an element of mystery about the event. Children from all our centres played hosts to about 150 children from the neighbourhood. They were representing BOSCO KIDS  - a club for children.

The day began with presentation of cultural items with Onam as theme. It was followed by lunch and games that ended with a tug- of- war to test the muscle power of both children and staff. Some were lucky to win prizes!

What made the day unique was the active participation of volunteers who help to organize Bosco Kids.  “ This is the first time that I am coming here and for  an event like this. I am excited about what is happening . I don’t think there is any other centre that can make so many children feel so much at home. I am proud  to be associated with Bosco Kids”.

Onam Celebration at Sneha Bhavan