Since my childhood, I have heard and read quite a lot about Guru Nanak’s story of Sacha Sauda (true bargain). The story details how he spent Rs.20 (a lot in those days) to feed starving people instead of following his father’s orders to purchase some merchandise. This was the beginning of the practice of what is now called Langar.
Doing good to people is the way we have been taught in our holy books as well as by our elders and teachers. The true meaning of life is helping the needy in whichever way you can. I always feel happy and proud to see Guru Nanak’s story converted into the practice of feeding underprivileged people through community driven efforts and religious institutions.
I am glad that Wishes and Blessings with the generous support of its donors is also running a spirited effort. Under their Daily Meals Programme, they serve three nutritious meals each day to more than 450 underprivileged people at shelter homes across Delhi/NCR. The Nizamuddin shelter home is also covered under this programme where 80 kids and 40 women are fed daily. After joining Wishes and Blessings, I got my first opportunity to visit this shelter home on 2nd of August 2019.
I visited the Nizamuddin shelter home to help arrange a treat for the children. A generous sponsor wanted to celebrate a special occassion with the lesser privileged to include them in the festivities.
Prior to the treat, I got a chance to interact with a few of these kids. The interaction was very general… finding out about their names, what they study, their interests and hobbies. While conversing with them, I found out that some of these kids have discontinued their studies.
When I asked them why they aren’t going to school, they simply responded saying they don’t have interest in studies anymore and have started working. Since these kids are underprivileged, I feel that efforts of guiding, inspiring and encouraging them to continue with their studies (instead of working) should be initiated at ground levels. Special programmes should be introduced to monitor the continuation of their studies, at least at the school level.
And then it was time for some goodies! The kids were extremely excited as soon as they came to know there will be a special treat for all of them. After a brief interaction between the sponsors and kids, they were served their favourite snacks including chowmein, potato chips, juice and ice cream!
All of them enjoyed their meal with happiness and smiles on their cute faces. The treat ended with a group photo of the kids with the sponsors which I feel will leave a special mark on their hearts. It is my sincere hope many more turn up in the future to spend precious time with these kids.
Do you want to find out about more visits to the Wishes and Blessings shelter homes? Follow the links below:
Click here to read about Urvashi’s experience at Mann ka Tilak.
Click here to find out how our intern’s experience visiting the Modi Mills Day Care Centre went.