Wishes and Blessings organizes an event called ‘Birthday Manao’ at the end of every month at a school for the visually impaired. Last week, I had the opportunity to witness the celebrations for the first time. 

Although I have been to schools for the visually impaired before, this was a whole new experience altogether. As soon as we entered, the little kids that were playing in the courtyard came running toward us, excited about the gifts they were about to receive. After changing into their new clothes, they all moved into the canteen for the birthday celebrations. All the little ones were incredibly boisterous and bustling with energy refusing to calm down. 

A few minutes after they had settled in, a group of boys played the harmonium and performed a song.

Then it was the girls who were next to sing mellifluously. It was heartwarming to see them perform so enthusiastically and so beautifully.

It was apparent from their attitude that they had a lot of fire in them and weren’t going to let anything stop them. 

Like all kids do when they’re offered treats, they too were anxious to gorge on the cake and chips and kept asking for a second, a third, and a fourth helping. Some of the kids even naughtily tried to hide what was on their plate and kept on asking for more. 

It was really humbling to interact with them and try to get to know more about them. However, impatient in the way all kids are, they had had enough of my questioning and couldn’t wait to run around. I have always loved kids, mostly because they are so jovial and friendly… These kids even though they lack a certain sense, their smiles never manage to waver from their faces, and just being around them made me forget about everything else. 

Those kids have a way of drawing you in, to know that despite being visually impaired, their vigour and curiosity are unlike anyone else’s. I had a lot of fun that day and can’t wait to go back for another Birthday Manao!