By Daya Raghava

How a day changed my perspective…

I have always been a spirited volunteer with a heart for education. When I was visiting my grandparents in India, I came across “Good Life Centre”, an organization that provided home and education for kids without family. Their Director suggested that we provide school supplies to their kids.

Armed with boxes of stationery for 70+ kids — notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, and more — me and my brother Athul entered the small, bustling room that served as the children’s study area and play space. The room, though small and humble, radiated with positivity and dreams. 

As we started distributing the supplies, a wave of anticipation and excitement filled the air, and eager hands reached out to receive their gifts. The children’s eyes lit up with joy as they held their new treasures — simple yet profound tools that would enrich their learning and creativity.

Among the children were those who found hope in the pages of new notebooks and excitement in colorful sketch pens. Each item was received with gratitude and fascination, promising hours of learning and imaginative play. It became clear to me that these supplies were not simply pens and pencils. Instead, they were lifelines for infinite learning and imagination, and a path to create a bright future.

My brother and I spent time talking to all the kids, learning about their aspirations and sharing words of encouragement. I realized that beyond the tangible gifts, people’s presence and support meant the world to these young souls. The kids offered a small prayer for me and my family, which brought tears of joy to my eyes and a sense of fulfillment to my heart.

Before we left, I promised myself to do more things like this. The orphanage Director expressed how such gestures of kindness not only uplifted the children’s spirits but also reinforced their belief in a compassionate world.

As I walked away, I carried with me the echoes of laughter, the sparkle of hopeful eyes, and the unwavering resilience of the children I had met. My visit to the orphanage was more than just a gesture; it was a testament to the power of compassion and the transformative impact of small acts of kindness.