Prerana

Where hope rests in the abode of the hopeless

The quest was to find a suitable orphanage to fund. Prerana, a social welfare organization, found one, in another world, which is amidst us. A world untouched by hatred, jealousy, selfishness, a world full of hope and togetherness, where the word 'alone' itself seemed lonely. A world of, by and for children of a lesser god.

An initiative to help the homeless and the orphaned, Prerana's search for an orphanage ended with Belaku Sishu Nivasa, an orphanage run by Mohandas, a man who has dedicated his life to the cause of the destitute and is a father to the twenty-odd children in his home.

Throughout the month Prerana searched for an orphanage to whom it could donate the funds collected. After scouring the city streets for a few days, it found one, a small orphanage in the suburbs of Jayanagar run by Mr. Mohandas, housing 20 children. Mr. Mohandas makes sure that the children's basic needs are met (hygienic food, books, clothes, toys, medical care, etc), apart from tours and outings, celebrating birthdays of all children, competitions, etc.

In Mr. Mohandas, the children had a fatherly figure, guiding them, teaching them the values of life as well as ensuring that the children have a good education so that they can find their feet in a society that had so cruelly abandoned them. For the representatives of Prerana, the 8th foundation day event of the orphanage was a revelation.

The sea of smiling faces and the dreamy eyes spelt real hope among the hopeless. In spite of the numerous difficulties and the daily trials faced by the kids, they radiated hope. Orphaned at an early age, they had somehow found a will among themselves to take everything that life threw at them and come up trumps. The short plays, traditional dance, song performances, et al was enchanting.

As members of Prerana said, the kids were the normal kind, despite their background. They were excited about cricket, IPL, they were positive and dreamed big. One wanted to become a police officer - 'But I will not take bribe!' - the boy said cheekily - while another wanted to become a journalist. They were well-behaved, believed in sharing their feelings (and chocolates!) with their friends, and full of energy.

Prerana is proud of being a patron of Belaku Sishu Nivasa, one of its members said in conclusion. While, another mused, 'the little ones' gratitude may fade away tomorrow, but not the smile that it brought.'…
For more details email tapas.mohanty@tcs.com.