Lets act now.

I recently read a write-up about child labour and the state of children who live in the street. I have a child of my own and it pains me to see children begging on the street. I feel ashamed to walk past them. If I give them money I don’t know if that would encourage them to beg more. What if they use it for drugs or does this money even go to them or does it go to the CEO of the begging scam? If I walk past them – I shudder to think of what I will go through if my child was, god-forbid, ever in that situation even for a minute. But what do I do. There are thousands of children begging on the street. Where do I take them? Are shelter homes any good. Don’t they exploit these children? And how will these shelter homes accommodate them? I do not have the space to house these kids – but I want to help.

The author in the write-up spoke of the govt having the funds to help these kids. But, my question, as is all our question- are they really bothered? Have they set up any information to say the least in place to direct funds and resources to help these children? How come in the past oh-so-many-years there has been no single govt. or politician who has ever ever been nominated for “Hero of the year” or any such award that’s been handed out to people helping and reaching out. This despite the fact that they have the power, money and all the resources. Politicians ride on the fact and courage that the common man – individuals who care and want to make a difference don’t have much time in their hands. You and I can go and ask for action but how many days will we stand and demand. Our own work and pressures pulls us back.

Spreading awareness constantly and consistently, educating children and adults on the plight of these children and ways in which they can help and sorry to say but glamourizing the whole 'reach out' act could be the way out. If it is fashionable to be seen as someone who cares and someone who makes a positive difference in a child's life – then you will have half the politicians working on this. For the rest - individuals with no money but all the heart – will take care.

p.s – Can we start a “Save our children” week where NGOs and volunteers can set up stalls in the most prominent places and educate people on how to help. Right from street plays to raise awareness, to campaigns to education – lets do it all. Lets dedicate one week to give these kids a better life – a reason to smile. If anyone can advise me or offer help please contact me at harinibala@yahoo.com.
Lets make a difference – NOW.

A hug a day keeps wrinkles away!!!

Adults take a cue from these little angels. When you are not-so-high in spirits and life seems down your little one who has been watching you closely from the cornor of her eye suddenly runs up to you to give you a “huggie”. Arms melt into each other instantly and the next minute she is gone – back to her play. No questions asked – nothing. It is a magic moment.

Why do we adults restrict ourselves? Why ever do we think not twice - not thrice - but for ever to walk up and give a hug just to say - "Smile -It will be alright".

A hug a day keeps wrinkles away!!!

The sea and I

I left the shores -
I bade it goodbye
and headed to meet the sea
to sail under the perfect sky

The sea welcomed me
embraced me in its arms
But some thing troubled it deep within
And something was just wrong.

I set out though
For a journey of my life
Trusting the sea
to take me in its side.

It was a calm sea
And all seemed well
Till came the waves
Oh! how it swelled - it swelled.
　
I met the waves
both high and low
And the rains that poured
From today to tomorrow
The chilling pricks of hail
that hit now and then
reminded me that indeed
that all was not well.

I was tossed and turned
and I feared the night
but the day was no better
with a raging storm in sight
It threw me over
But why did it hold me too?
The sea – Oh! My sea
What did I do to you?

What will my day be?
Where will my journey end?
Will I ever sail with you
Till the very end?

I sailed for days
In silence all around
Those dark gloomy days
Were so unsound

Days turned to months
And respite I knew not
But I sailed on
Why I knew not.

Was it for love
Or was it for hope
Or was it for maybe
Some reason unknown

I sailed through
Till I met the sea
Oh yes the sea
The real real sea
The sea that it was
In its truest form
Not for me or
Not for the world
But for its own self
In its purest form.

A sea that I knew not
A sea that I had never seen
A sea so different
I knew not where to begin

My end became my beginning
And I left the shores again
And bade it goodbye
For all reasons known
We now sailed along
The sea and I
Through the highs and lows
Under the perfect sky!