Finally a weekend…!!!
I have been planning since a long time to visit a non profit foundation named
‘Sphoorthi’ for destitute children for which I financially support. It is
almost 35 kms away from the place I live.
I booked myself a cab
to the destination and after a great deal of time, I finally reached Sphoorthi. I told the cab driver to wait. The kids all
gleaming with warmth and innocence ran to me and hugged me one after the other.
I bought for them box of chocolates and
sweets. They finished them off within minutes and gave me a thankful smile. I
sat down on a cemented bench and they all surrounded me with excitement.
I started inquiring about their hobbies, their interest and fascinations. Each of them had their
own tales, their own dreams and their own fascinations about life. “Akka, I want to be a scientist, I want to be
a doctor, actor, engineer” anything and everything that strikes to their tiny
minds and imaginations. Each of the kid has a stark past, but they are living
in a hopeful reality. For a second, the
entire scene reminded me of the movie title “ Taare Zameen Par” (Stars on Earth).
Yes, indeed each one of them was a star. Each eye had a spark, and each heart
had a firm hope that they will achieve what they dream of. I was more than amused at their ideas. After
a while, they started to entertain me with songs and dances that they have
learnt through watching some of the movies running in town. I dint realize the time, I just got absorbed
into their world of complete bliss.
Finally , looking at
my watch I have decided to leave. Within that short span, they owned me as
theirs and loved me so purely. Kids once again surrounded me, held my hands
asking me to stay for some more time. I
was moved by this gesture, but pacified them telling I would come again after
some days. I left the place bid by mixed and confused smiles. I thought of them as I travelled my way back.
How long would it take for these tiny tots to grow up and fulfil their goals ? In
what terms can one measure their dreams ? Pondering over this question, my journey came
to a halt as I reached my place. The driver gave me the bill, and the bill
reads an extra Rs.100. Perplexed, I asked the driver what is this extra 100 for
? With a cool and gentle smile he replied “
Waiting charges madam, 1 rupee for 1 minute “. Without much argument, I handed over the
final amount and walked off.
Yes, I was dawned with a realization that time never waits for anyone
no matter what we do. If we think it can wait, it comes with a cost.
Every second counts, Every minute costs,
Every hour counts, costs a work
Every day counts, costs a salary,
Every month counts, costs an earning
Every year counts, costs a work experience
Eventually all these moments count and cost a
lifetime J
