A Unique Childrens' Day

Our director decided to make this Childrens' day a memorable one for us by giving us the chance to bring cheer into the lives of little orphans, albeit for a short time. So it was decided that we would be visiting orphanages in groups. My group decided on the orphanage 'Matruchhaya'.

I had been to 'Shanthigiri' old age home earlier. It was a sad experience as the structure was dilapidated and the inmates desolate. But 'Matruchhaya' was much better. It has actually been set up in the erstwhile palace of Shri Sakthan Thampuran. The kids were extremeley well behaved and would say namaste on seeing us. We then had a formal introduction session. The way the kids were reciting their name, native place and period of being in the home made me feel that they have been through this drill many times before....

Later, the kids gave a display of their talents by singing, mimicking, etc. Must say they are very talented and so unselfconscious presenting before strangers....

There were kids from ages 7 to 17. 3 of the kids were blind. They showed us their textboks, guides, etc which had all been converted into braille. One of them is preparing for his tenth std board exam.....

I found the kids to be very intelligent also. They all wanted to play with our mobiles and were asking pertinent questions regarding the brand and the model.

Later, they were overjoyed to get balloons and sweets from us. We had lunch with them and we served them food. The management says that this way, they ensure that the kids do not experience the lack of a family.

A 4th std boy called Nidhin was very interested in asking me cute riddles in malayalam. Considering my knowledge of malayalam, I was finding the questions extremely tough and the kids were enjoying having fun at my expense.

But the sad part came a few minutes later. Nidhin told me that it was his birthday 2 days back. He told me that he spent the entire day in hospital. The reason, he has a hole in the heart valve. And doctors are dissuading him from getting an operation........

Soon it was time to leave. Nidhin was almost on the verge of tears. Like most others, he is not an orphan, but sent to orphanage by parents because they have no means to bring him up.

We left the orphanage with a heavy heart. I was feeling sad for those kids who get visitors like us every saturday, but must be sad and lonely on other days. This visit told me just how lucky I am to have a happy home, loving parents and all luxuries........

Thank You gAMe...

The whole month of October passed away with me not blogging. But gAMe made me sit up and take note. There is so much happening in my life....why not let everyone know? Yes, I love blogging, it is just that the absence of 24 hr net facility is ecoming a constraint. But not anymore..

So my first mid terms got over. And my marks are pretty average, not too good. But most may say it is good for someone who is just out of the technical field into something very different. Did well in accounts, got 22/30 (plz, it is good!!). Topped in one, second in a few others. Economics needs a lot more work though........

Just after the mid term began the hurry of Panorama. 'Panorama' is a national convention of SCMS conducted by the HR, Finance and Systems specialization students. The convention is followed by a cultural evening. And thats where I had the time of my life...

Just as my classmates decided to stage a hindi skit at the culturals, I was called upon to write the script. The story idea was given to me (very filmi...) and I had to draft the script with scenes, dialogues, et.al. The work was taxing but great fun. But reading the script out each time for the practice sessions was tiring.

And then, some of my classmates gave my name for compering of the culturals. And man!! there was a screening which was so tough! I almost felt as if I were at some music channel's VJ hunt. I got selected on 23rd 1 p.m. I was introduced to my co-compere, Rahul and we were asked to come out with the script by 5 p.m. Major task, specially since oth of us had not done on-stage compering before. ? But we finished by 5:30 and gave a rehearsal.

Tuesday was the d-day for me. The staging of my skit, and my compering. And with all the rehearsals, my throat started feeling grazed. On the 26th I had like 4 skit rehearsals and 3 compering rehearsals before the actual performance. But when you get appreciation, all the tough work is forgotten......

The skit as well as the compering were huge successes. I received congratulatory messages from both staff and students. And the shouts of Shri, Shri,.. each time I came upon stage really bucked up my confidence levels. I will never forget my friends' support ever. The icing on the cake came when SCMS faculty Sabu sir told me I did an excellent job. He is in charge of the placement activities of the college and I was elated at his praise.

I now get a lot of hi's while in college. People may say I have become a celeb (Ha! I am so modest!) But this is just what I wanted to do when I came to hostel, enjoy life to the fullest. I hope these 2 years keep me on the same crest of happiness......