The untold stories…..
Every child is God’s own. He created them for a life of freedom, laughter and joy. But sadly, in India there are millions of children who can not run after the butterflies or chase the rainbow and laugh with the wind. There are children who exist at the periphery of life in gloom and in darkness. But, there is hope.
Most of us have very pleasant memories of our childhood. But all the children are not so lucky. Many of them eat only once a day, lack proper clothes and some do not have any one to care for them. They struggle for survival everyday, are exposed to abuse, both emotional and physical, at a very tender age and have only themselves to fend against the cruel world around them.
When survival itself becomes the goal in life, education becomes a distant dream and the path to crime is easiest to follow. Children living in harsh circumstances suffer for no fault of theirs and it is the duty of the more fortunate to provide all the help they can to bring back the joys of childhood to these children. By providing help to the underprivileged children not only are we bringing back smiles on their faces but also strengthening the foundations of our future society.
During our march to help the underprivileged children by bringing them back back to school we in Diya Foundation, have come across a great number of tragic stories where the children suffered for no fault of theirs. It was on the intervention by Diya Foundation that the joys of childhood were brought back to them.
Here are some of those untold stories which have been penned not to seek sympathy but to make the readers aware as to how fate sometimes plays cruel and how constructive human intervention from affluent sections of the society brings back the joy of life to these tender souls.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
This is an unusual story of a whole family united under the same umbrella, united with the same bond of hope. A twist of destiny has brought vibha (9), Twinkle (8), Harsh (7), as well as their mother Leela Rani together to the open doors of Diya Foundation.
When Vibha was four years old, she broke her palate (Upperjaw). Even today, this medical condition requires her to undergo surgery every six months. Then, two years ago, the family was dealt a cruel blow. The children’s father died in a tragic road accident. The legal Complications regarding the case, which is still dragging on in Court, have only added to their anguish.
Diya Foundation welcomed them into its fold. The three children are now studying in classes 4, 3 and 2 respectively, at the Chetan Vidya Mandir. Sisters have decided to become doctors when they will grow up, their brother wants to be a police officer, even Leela Rani has been given employment at the school. Since she was educated, she has been appointed as a Teacher.
Free education, free Medicare, free rations…and above all, the warmth and caring of people at Diya, have together transformed the fortunes of a whole family at one go.
DIYA DISABLE DESPAIR
Meet Krishna. He is just four years old, and a nursery student at Chetan Vidya Mandir. But he is no ordinary child.
From the age of one, he has been severely affected by polio. His body’s lower half is virtually paralyzed and immobile. A severely damaged spinal nerve has seen to that. Physically challenged he may be, but Krishna refuses to let his disability deter him from doing what he believes in.
A lovable child with a sweet, big –hearted disposition, he often stops the teacher form scolding his fellow pupils … saying that he will try and ensure that the errant child does not repeat the same mistake again!
Krishna’s father is a small- time washer man, who can hardly afford the expense of his son’s medical treatment, education and day – to day care. Diya Foundation has readily taken up the responsibility of Krishna’s continuing education, while providing rations for his Family at the same time.
The foundation hopes to see this brave child not just aspire, but also realize the dream of a wonderful tomorrow.
Our hope is that he grows up and become a true “differently-abled” man who is an inspiration and supports to others… an asset to this world.
SURVIVING WITH CONFIDENCE
Alvira is a nine year old girl, and one of five children of Mohd. Irfan Khan, died in a brutal accident five years ago. When he died, the family lost its sole breadwinner. The children’s mother, an uneducated housewife, took up a tailoring job to somehow make both ends meet.
However, to this day, her earnings are so meager that even feeding Seema (18), Reshma (17), Fareen (11) and Nazreen (4) – apart from Alvira and herself is a challenge in itself. In fact, even thinking of their education is a distant dream. “I am so unlucky; my life is of no use… I can’t even educate my children and make their future…” she often exclaims.
Diya Foundation has made a start, by enrolling Alvira at its school. Her education is completely free, and she is also entitled to free Medicare. That isn’t all her family is also receiving support of the true life-saving kind. They will continue to get free rations until their situation improves and stabilizes.
It is hoped that Alvira’s education will be the first link in a chain of developments leading to a brighter future for all her siblings, and indeed, her mother as well.
