Author : Mr.Ramesh Kuppuswamy
It was a rooftop on a five-storied building. The terrace was filled with colorful people dressed best for the occasion. They were shining in the darkness surrounded with lights illuminating that place. One-half of the seating was for guests and other was for the day and life care beneficiaries and their parents. There was something unique to see in that place as I stepped in. My mind was still trying to get that uniqueness. With a close look, the distinction was prominent to find the residents seated in the wheelchairs and others in the normal chairs.
It took a few moments to get connected to the euphoria surrounding that place. An air filled with laughter and music. The excitements were unlimited amongst the residents moving their lips along with the song being played and waving their hands to the tunes, those who could by being in their wheelchairs.
My DSLR camera burst some shots to portray these moments. The colors filled in the camera along with the emotions that were attached to these people.
My heart was there totally. I was blended with those moments experiencing the joy of all those present, for whom this program meant a lot – connecting with many new people and to themselves. The Programme throughout was so absorbing, all have forgotten their pain and sufferings. Some of them participated in the program to show their skills, others encouraged them from outside, and some could not even understand what was going on around them. Looking amazed without any connection to that place and event.
An old man on the wheelchair tapped the shoulders of an old woman sitting next to him. She was one among the guests to the program. There was some excitement to reach out to her enquiring her wellbeing. She said everything is fine. An air of silence before this old man broke out to tell her why the Creator has done this to me. Not becoming emotional, the woman responded to look at the sky and conveyed to him – THE ALMIGTY IS WATCHING AND DOING WELL TO US ALWAYS.
Tears dropped from his eyes as he looked up the sky. Witnessing this, made me emotional and there was an inner voice telling me that I should do something. I gave him a hug and shook his hands. I told him that he sang well when the songs were being played. Not sure, that made any difference; certainly, he again was connected to the program that was going on.
As I walked around, I could meet this graceful woman (Social Worker of the Foundation) welcoming all and at the same time trying to find a seat for her husband and little son. There was a sense of commitment and joy seen in their face to serve these needy people. Shared my business card with her extending my service in whatever small way possible in their mission.
As I walked out of that place, my mind was calm with a great sense of gratification to the almighty to have chosen me to be part of these God’s Children. Group of Disabled (GODS) is how they identify themselves turning their disability into ability in every possible way.
“To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care enough and be there”.
Sincere Thanks to:
Mr. Baloo & Mrs. Meenakshi Balasubramanian, MBA Foundation, Airoli, Navi Mumbai (India)
Written By Ramesh Kuppuswamy