Did You Ever Think About The Happiest Days in Your Life?
An unforgettable interaction with needy children.
A deep sense of contentment and euphoria engulfed me during my visit to this school for needy children. Indeed, it was one of my happiest days.
Kaliyuva Mane, an innovative school for underprivileged kids, was on the outskirts of Mysore, India.
The founder, Mr. Ananth Kumar, a very humble and friendly person, dressed in a traditional South Indian lungi and shirt, welcomed us. The school spread over a huge area with an optimally sized playground for a leather ball cricket game, a small fertile land to teach the children basic agricultural techniques, a residential building for boys and girls, a canteen, and a small building for an administrative office and school.
Two of my colleagues also accompanied me, and we had an underlying assumption that we would meet kids who were ignorant and not smart enough to have open communication.
We started our day with farming. But we had to set aside all preconceived notions after our first encounter with the children. The kids were smart, kept us busy with their regular questions, and literally schooled us on how to sow bean seeds. I was plowing haphazardly, like a toddler learning to draw a straight line. Seeing me disarrayed, they taught me the basics of farming.
Later, we guided them in setting goals for the future. In particular, they seemed interested to know about our education, life, and job. They had questions about what curriculum we followed and shared with us what they studied in school. Following this, they asked what else they could do to accomplish their individual goals.
Yoga was also a part of their curriculum. We did it together for fun before lunch.
Lunch was an enriching experience. We sat on the floor and ate with 80 kids. They served us tamarind rice and bissibili bhat. On that day, I realized how a positive aura can enhance the flavor of food.
At the end, we organized a painting competition and played basketball with them. We didn’t give them any money, but of course one of our office mates donated some good toys, sporting goods, and books. They were happy to accept anything and everything.
During the day, one kid held my hand with baffling inclusiveness that we don’t even find with our family members. This incident touched me deeply and will stay with me throughout my life.
I saw another way to live a happy and enriching life:
A life without an abundance of money or resources, without delicious food and branded fruit juices, but a life with an enriching and nurturing education system and a life that promotes inclusion for everyone and anyone.
That day, my life held a mirror and showed me that I am just one of those fortunate beings who was born into a well-to-do family. That day, I realized what true happiness is.
When life gives you such a chance, grab it with both hands. You won’t regret it, you’ll just make lifelong happy memories.
Chetan Maheshwari
