Imbibing the 'art' of living

“I learned to dream, to dream high,” said Preetha, a kindergarden kid with a twinkle in her eyes. This was what 600 of them from various orphanges who walked in to the Nani Kalayarangam at Mani School, Coimbatore on Saturday had to say. All of them were gathered to celebrate a day laughing, clapping and knowing more.
The programme ‘we care, we share’ was organized by the art of living to instil various values of life in the children. There was a clapping session, a gratitude session, laughing session and many other value sessions. The children imbibed self-love and self-confidence through the programme.
“When ever you feel low, stand in front of a mirror and shout ‘I can, I will’. This will build up your confidence,” said Soundarajan, district coordinating committee member, art of living, to the children during the self-confidence session.
Sasirekha, a member of art of living during a section on self-love interacted with the children through stories and visuals that helped them understand the importance of self-love. When she told the children to hold their palms close to the heart and repeat her words, the auditorium echoed with the repetition of her words, “I am very very special, I love myself”.
The faces of the tiny tots brightened with smiles during each section.
“It’s not important for one to give money to these children but giving them some time is what matters. So we planned such a day, one special day for them to make them feel special,” says Sasirekha.
There was a meditation session by 'Sanvithi’ - the women wing of art of living, which made them, sit on a magic mat and take a virtual ride across rivers and mountains.
Many people want to help the needy. But they don’t know how to do so. Being under the banner of art of living enables us to help them, said the members.
“The children from orphanages are more frustrated than normal kids. They need special attention. Through this programme, we are trying to build a clear fertile mind in them so that good things can grow in it,” said Lokanayaki, ex-lecture, Krishnammal College.
This is only a beginning. We are trying to monitor orphanages around the city, so that we can give them our special attention, care and love, said the coordinators.
In the post-lunch section, the children were thrilled by the magic show performed by Veerashekhar. Also the lucky draw and the gift hampers given to them took them to the heights of joy.
There are many among these children who have great ambitions and great willpower to succeed. Such programmes enhance the spirit in them and help molding them for a better tomorrow.
“Even if only five from these 600 become the leaders of tomorrow, we will be glad,” said Sasirekha.
Published on 02/07/2008 in Expresso, The New Indian Express