Udayan - a new beginning

Last night, as a treat we went to the Oberoi Hotel for a drink. It was really special and we had a really good night (even though we could only afford one drink). On the way back from the Hotel, we picked up our Salwars that we have had specially made for us to wear at Udayan.

This morning, we were picked up by a member of staff from the Asha Bhavan Centre – an institution dedicated to the rights of vulnerable children and women, particularly those who are physically and mentally challenged. It was inspired by Mr and Mrs Dominique Lapierre under guidance of Brother Gaston Dayanand. It was founded in 1999 and helps to rehabilitate the less able. We were greeted by all the staff and children with garlands and kisses. They provided us with snacks and tea as we met some of the workers. We were then shown a power point presentation about the organisation and all their initiatives, which was really enlightening. Afterwards, we went and saw all the children in their play rooms and rehabilitation rooms.

It was great to have a chance to play with the children; they were all so loving and really grateful that we were there. We were also shown where the prosthetic limbs were made and where the physiotherapy sessions took place.

The centre provided a fantastic lunch, including chicken, rice, prawns, vegetables, rice pudding and much more! Then, we went to the Centre’s shop where all the gifts were home-made by the children, they were absolutely fantastic! They were beautifully crafted and we could have bought the whole shop! They also made their own candles, which were very professional.

Afterwards, they put on a show, consisting of traditional and modern dancing and singing from all the children! They even managed to get us up on the dance floor for a boogie!

Sadly, it was time to leave; we were sorry to go but were all uplifted by the incredible care the children receive. It’s a truly inspirational cause.