Disha

It’s funny how I tend to write something here only when I’ve read something and/or my thoughts drift into a direction until I’m extremely lost and completely surrounded. (contradiction??)

This time it was a simple mail from MAASS telling us how Disha Foundation has grown under the nurturing care of Mrs. PN Kavoori. She is one lady whoever’s met must have tremendous respect for. Indomitable, eloquent and pretty practical. Well, I’m drifting…

So I was really glad to see Disha’s website and the admirable work being done there. For the uninitiated Disha Foundation is a school for the mentally challenged kids where they are taught vocational skills and well, basically taught life. It is based in Jaipur and backed by MSMSV, my school :)

This one line on the site that really got me somber is, and I quote, “Not very far from you, there may be a person... for whom a simple action like reaching out, holding and bringing a cup to the mouth may be a Herculean task.” It does that every single time; from the first time. A trip down memory lane…

I remember the first time our teachers told us about Disha, in class 7th (or was it 8th). They had with them cards made by these extremely gifted children and I remember being astounded at the brilliant colours and flamboyant happiness spread across those hand-made . We were supposed to sell as many of these as possible I think. Written across the back of each 10 pack was that line. It made me immensely sad and that was perhaps how the determination to help crossed my mind for the first time.

Volunteering at Disha is this whole other world. Intense feelings of gratification and jovial completeness engulf you when you see the kids smile their kiddish excitement on conquering the anguish and finishing such arduous tasks as reciting the alphabet or ‘holding the cup’. They work extraordinarily harder than any average kid. If there’s one thing I remember, it is the extensive look of concentration on V’s face. I bear this distressing recollection of coming back to Dad's car after and crying my heart out on the way home. I later reflected on how it must make them feel if sitting on the sidelines I was overwelhmed. By this age they've already singled out their problems but I never saw a kid losing heart to them. God’s got his mysterious ways of completing humans. That one summer taught me immense patience, made me believe in God and purity of soul. Ever since, whenever I go to Church that bliss follows and trust me praying with bliss wrapped around your soul is the happiest you can ever be.

If you’re reading this blog, take it from an amateur that helping these kids is the best feeling you’re ever going to experience. Do it for yourself if at all you need a second reason.

http://www.dishafoundation.org/home.htm