~~naya daurr~~

shahdat dekar vo sochey ki kranti layengey
magar kya pata tha unhey
ki iss daur mein log unki hi hasi udayengey

vo apni dharti maa k liye jaan de gaye
yahaan log apni hi maa ki jaan lene shuru ho gaye

sapnaa dekhaa unhoney sunhhaere bharat ka
aur aaj k neta uss sapney ko koyle k rang me
badalney ki koshish mein jutt gaye

kyaa log they voh jo zubban dekar
mukarrnaa nahi jaantey they
aur kyaa log hain ab jo zubaan dena tak nahi jaantey

vo log they jo "athiti devo bhavo" kehtey they
aur ab log hain jo kisi k aaney se pehley
unkey jaaney ka waqt poochtey hain

vo log they jo sachaai aur maryaada ki raah par chaltey they
aur aaj log hain jo apni maryaada tak nahi jaantey

vo log they jo har rishtey ko, har insaan ko
apney kareeb motiyon ki maala ki tarah pirrotey they
aur aaj log hain jo unn
mallaon ko todkar motiyon ko churaney se bhi nahi chooktey..

Khushi...

KHUSHI– Hope For A Happy Tomorrow’.

 With the kids of Hope Kolkata Foundation, India Office of Hope Foundation, Ireland, Hermit India conducted this event for the first time in Kolkata.

 The desire to perform in a place away from our home-turf and unexpected support from a team built in a very short span were the driving force behind this program.

 In a Sunday morning on 18th July ‘Khushi’ took place. The theme for Khushi was education & environment and the different events were designed with the same backdrop.

With around 6o kids in place, we started with Mask-Making Workshop. Mask-Making on thermocol plates was something new for the kids but as they were well acquainted with colored paper, scissor and all they outdid our volunteer guide for mask making.

Then we had quiz on environment followed by a drawing competition on the same theme. It was amazing to see the kids excelling in all sections.

Dance competition was the most refreshing section of the event as few quiet and mild looking kids came out of their hive and danced their heart out. The tree-plantation by the hands of the winners marked the end of Khushi.

The stupefying talent pool that amazed all of us need to be garnered and we think, Hope Kolkata Foundation is doing that very well.

Day at "Event Tamanna" at Matrachaya

Buzzing cracks of laughter all around, gestures of little innocent fingers speaking some strange language and fragrance of love and tenderness in the air – Who wouldn’t love to experience it.

At Matrachaya, we were bestowed with the heavenly bless of receiving love and warmth from kids, whose tender affection is pure, unadulterated and honest. Kids are the most beautiful creation of god as they are unknown to all the witchcrafts created by men. We were the lucky ones who happened to spend some precious and wonderful time with them.

“Event Tamanna” started with games and competitions among the little ones and ended with gifts distribution. The little jewels were more than happy to find some ‘grown ups’ among them who were not there to teach them ABC, but to play fun games with them and to tell stories.

The nano gems were excellent at poetry recitation, acting and dancing. Their active participation in games, puzzles and brainteasers only revealed their remarkable talent.

The prizes and candies distributed amongst them brought big smiles on their shining faces and they were encouraged to participate in more such events.

The experience in “Event Tamanna” at Matrachaya was one great feeling.

By Shivani Gupta

Volunteer

Hermit India Foundation

YOUTH AND CHANGE

YOUTH, what can we perceive of this particular word? It sounds so dynamic, full of life, vivacious, Aggressive and yet so Confused, puzzled, disoriented and lost.

Some very important questions that Run’s on the mind of Today’s Youth OR the things which they spend their precious time pondering upon, varies from a length of ‘How much calories I’ve gorged on my tummy’ to ‘My girlfriend should look Hotter than any of my friend’s girlfriend‘, From ‘ Why I don’t have a boyfriend??’ To ‘Tonight I would drink vodka in that new Bar or Pub.’, From ‘I wonder from where she got that dress from, I guess it’s a fake Brand?’ To ‘I should get a good Job and Leave this country soon.’

The newly acquired beauty and power gives way to vanity and aggression in them. The new era youth is changing with the time and it is actually ambivalent to determine if the change is positive or not.

Today’s Youth have completely forgotten their Responsibilities; they are Self-absorbed and self-centered. It is the ‘YOU’ in YOUTH, which comprises of the world around them and together they can bring the positivity out of the Nation. However, the only thing they care about is ‘there own self’.

Sometime it seems unreal when you turn the pages of history 80 years back and see that there was a time when Freedom fighters like Bhagat singh were engaged in their hideouts making plans to pursue british-ians to quit India On the contrary to the Present time’s youth, who love to spend their time sitting in a CAFÉ shop discussing about their fellow mates or gossiping about the most unimportant things. They have money and time to spend in café over coffee’s and cookies But for the one in need. Passion is missing somewhere in all of them. Also noticed contempt in youngsters concerning our Mother language Hindi. Today’s generation feel awkward to talk in Hindi and feels that anyone who does not know English is backward. They consider knowing English and talking in English as a Status symbol. Youngsters need to respect their mother language. We need to bring the change in the society.

Most of the Graduates, today are keen to clear Civil Services to become I.A.S officers, I.P.S officers etc. However, it sounds distressing to see that their purpose, behind the passion to get through civil, is not to serve the Nation But to earn money through illegal sources. They want to earn easy money and to become Richer, for that, they see getting bribe to be the perfect way to earn that. This is not what our country or we as civilians need, Youth is capable of getting much better and doing much better than that. Youth is running blindly to get ways of easy money and success. In this blind race they are depriving themselves of the most beautiful and precious period of their life. They can be of utmost help of the one’s in need. They can be the reasons of smiles on so many faces who have never felt any happiness.

Some Youngsters can be seen complaining about the way our system works, and to get a better life, they intent to leave the country rather than serving it to get the best out of it. They have to understand that country does not make us, but we together, make the country.

We do not have to go cribbing about the system because we are the system and we make the system too, it is our power to let it remain the way it is or to bring Revolution. It is the strength and unity of Youth that determines the future and Present of any NATION. If we do not raise our voices, no one else will. The world has put its faith in us. Our elders keep their hopes in us. Supreme value of youth period is incalculable and indescribable.

We would sound a bit condescending if we generalize this analysis. Since in our day to day life, while travelling by bus or by Metro’s, one can always find young girls or boys offering their seats to those in need. It feels like a Fresh air. A country full of youth who can raise their Voices when they find the need but also are humble enough to abandon their comfort for the ones who not necessarily are related with them.

Today’s generation does not believe in Division of society on the names of Religion, Caste, Creed or color. On one Hand if brutal killings of young lovers can be seen in our country relating to same gotra or different communities’ issues, on the other hand, the most important aspect is Youngsters are no less threatened by the acts, they still fall in love and get together. This is the new modern India, youngsters are looking forward towards. Despite of the hypocrisy and double standard life of the adults who preceded us, young people are more Broad minded and clear with their thought process.

Modern youths are Rebels; they are not the ones who will keep their feelings to themselves. When there is Injustice, and if they get connect to it, Youth can be seen supporting them with candle on one hand, in large numbers be it Jessica’s Murder or Ruchika’s Molestation case. Youth is more sensitive on these issues; they just need the right direction to follow. Every young girl or boy in India wants to make difference in his or her own ways.

We as youth have to value our lives; we have to understand that life is the most beautiful gift that we have. At least being human is better than being an animal. we have to be grateful for the life that we have got, and should do our best to make best out of it. Youth tends to lose hope when they face failures or difficulties but they have to learn to face all the problems with the Positive attitude and zest. To be successful , it does not merely mean succeeding in everything that one undertake or do; it does not merely mean succeeding in fulfilling all wants or getting whatever one desire; it does not just mean acquiring a name or attaining a position or imitating fashionable ways appearing modern or up-to-date. The essence of true success is what one makes of one’s own self. It is the conduct of life that one develops, it is the character that one cultivates and it is the type of person one becomes.

We can epigrammatically find the real significance of youth life in swami Vivekananda, the Youth Icon’s, words;

‘‘This wonderful period (youth) of the first state of your life is related to you as the soft wet clay in the hands of the potter. Skillfully the potter gives it the right and correct shapes and forms, which he intends to give. Even so, you can wisely mould your life, your character, your physical health and strength, in short your entire nature in any way in which you make up your mind to do.And you must do this now.’’

An Epitome Of Optimism

Untold story of Kusum

Kusum was six years old when she lost her parents in a construction building accident. When she came to AKS, she was extremely shy. She used to keep herself aloof from all other children at AKS.But with the support of caretaker @ AKS and all other workers at AKS, Kusum started to mingle with other children of her age. As a result of the proper nurturing, Kusum has transformed into a 19 year old confident girl who knows how to manage not only herself but other girls too at AKS. She is considered as the head girl at AKS. Presently, she is pursuing diploma in Computer science. She aspires to become a part of IT industry in future. At AKS, Kusum not only received complete formal education but also full freedom to build up other interests. She has excellent dancing skills and teaches dance to those interested in it. So with the right environment and proper guidance, an orphan has been transformed into a self dependent individual who is an inspiration not only for the inmates of AKS but also for us as she is the epitome of optimism.

By Volunteer,

hermitindia.org

Volunteers experience @ UJJWAL

Ujjwal---- bright…..a step further by HERMITINDIA.ORG- It’s all about making a difference.

It was in every sense of the term a bright, shining and a positive day….as WHEN IT COMES TO EXPRESS MY exact emotions I always fall short of words … but I would like to share my experience with Hermitindia.org at Ujjwal on a brief note ………

The main purpose of Hermitindia.org was to spend a day with the most innocent souls…to bring a smile to their faces and make them jovial by the end of the day so that it turns out to be an unforgettable time spent together by both Hermitindia.org Volunteers as well as the kids…and last but not the least but to make them realize about their own capabilities or potential through a series of fun filled activities… The events :-

1. Waste Material Workshop:- All the children very dedicatedly participated in the workshop and learnt how they could use the waste material, the dry leaves, the straws.. to make posters …

2. Play with waste competition:- The children were divided into groups so that they could understand the value of teamwork and still show their best work..the atmosphere was filled with liveliness…sitting with them and helping them in mixing colours,cutting straws,hinting them wat colour pattern is best suited for their poster .. was so much fun….and reminded me of my school days..and when the final worksheets were displayed on the wall(WALL OF FAME )…it looked like an art gallery by some budding talents ….

3. Clay workshop and Play with Clay competition:- Children were divided into the groups and they made very good shapes and structures with clay.

4. Concentration building Workshop:- Clap and don’t clap…..this was the most exciting activity and even I wanted to be a part of it …but it was an activity aimed to build children’s concentration power in a playful mood …and we could see them having a gala time during this…and similarly the left hand and right hand activity made them enjoy to the fullest ..

5. Cultural program– As they say the best is saved for the last …. Hermit India had the best planned for its last activity of the day –THE CULTURAL PROGRAMME…..all the kids were made to sit in the amphitheatre and the stage was all set for our artists, who were no less than the superstars of India and can give them a run for their money ...summer salts, Punjabi moves and some hard steps by the kids stunned us. The music started and the stage was set on fire by the kids from age 8 to age group 15…the only sound we could hear was of the dance numbers and the sound of applause and whistles from our Hermit India Volunteers to encourage the young talent.

All in all It was beautiful and an unforgettable day for all the Hermit India Volunteers and specially for me because it was my first event with them a day when actually my life, my day, my hours, my minutes and my seconds got a meaning and when the Human Efforts Reaching To Meeting Incredible Triumph. Hermitindia.org got a fruitful result ...as the aim of the event was successfully achieved...

BY:- SWATI JULKA volunteer @hermitindia.org

Tammna- Ek Chhoti Si Asha....

As you all know that Hermit India is working for underprivileged children and organizes awareness programs at orphan houses, we often come across several astonishing cases. I am going to share one of them with you. One of my colleague, Poulomi met a young girl named Tammna during one of our projects at Arya Kanya Sadan, an orphan house. Tammna was a 4 year old girl living with other inmates at Arya Kanya Sadan.
The most significant thing about her that is making me write a blog on her was the fact that “she was not an orphan living in an orphanage”.
She had a family in the nearby village of Uttar Pradesh; her father works in the nearby factory and is able to earn meagre amount for livelihood. She had a brother named Love. As she was an ambitious girl she was here to study, so that she could be a teacher.
The most remarkable thing about her was that at the age of four she knew her purpose in life. It was a clear sense of irony for us, though we are mature enough but still many of us are not clear about our purposes in life.
She misses Love bhaiyya.
But she likes being at AKS too. She gets good food and a sweater every year as a birthday present and she is contented with it.

By Poulomi Chatterjee, CDO
Hermit India.