Every year in October/November, the pale moon hides behind the dark clouds while fireworks caterwaul their way up to the sky only to explode into a myriad of bright colors. The sky looks upon the numerous citizens as they celebrate the victory of good over evil in India for 5 days during the Hindu month of Kartik. However, in the midst of all this festive commotion reside families all over the world who for one don’t even have homes nor any comfort in their lifestyles. This year, it disheartened me to learn that not everyone can be happy on Diwali. I then decided: I want to celebrate this mirthful occasion with them. If only there was a way to do so.
‘Happy faces Vadodara’ is a non-profitable organization in Vadodara which serves to do whatever possible in order to cheer people up. I was aware of the heroic tasks they performed occasionally whenever any issue of importance sprung up and was curious to know more. Some days before Diwali, the radio boomed with the jockey’s announcement of ‘Happy faces Vadodara’ and what they were up to. A trip around the city was to be hosted by them distributing packets of crackers for the homeless children to play with. I thought to myself: “this is the right opportunity at the right time for me to also make people happy.” I immediately placed a call to the founder, Mr.Piyush Khare, and introduced myself.
Every Diwali, a mouth-watering feast fit for the gods is prepared in every home. My mother and I baked approximately 200 eye-catching cookies and cupcakes for the orphans to munch on. Finally, on the big day, after some traditional prayers deemed mandatory, the whole team of ‘Happy faces Vadodara’, my mother and I, lined up outside a Shelter Home in Vadodara or a Home of Love at 5.00pm, arranged all the goods and quickly distributed the gifts to the children after a little chat with them.
Our trip was over after 4 other stops and at exactly 8.00pm on the clock. We tried our best to spend as much time with the children but had to rush as there were many other stops to attend to. We visited homeless families living in small tents under the bridges and on the sidewalks. There were senior citizens and newly-born babies. It was heart-wrenching to see their condition but at the same time very humbling and inspiring to see their bravery and ecstasy at our small gesture. In the end it was all worth it and we were certain God would be proud of our altruistic act. The thought of these children being detached from a festival they deserve to celebrate with the rest of their country only triggered my enthusiasm in keeping them radiant.
Some of the challenges I faced in this event was language and transportation. With my rusty knowledge of Hindi, it was difficult for me to communicate with the children when I desperately desired to. Meandering around the city on the highly chaotic roads was also a challenge for us. At 8.00pm, everyone was rushing to get to a party or to their loved ones. Nevertheless, despite all the obstacles obstructing our adventure, nothing could surpass the beaming smiles on the kids’ faces.
