Smile is Forever

“I am simple human being who has learnt a very important lesson in life,albeit in a painful way. I do not run any NGO or trust,but just an activity group called ‘Smile & Spread Smile’. Our ultimate aim is to bring smiles on the faces of people who are in need of happiness. It is also dedicated to children suffering with life-threatening conditions by entertaining them,giving them hope to live a happy life,” says Walawalkar.

His wife Julie Patel-Walawalkar battled lung cancer for almost nine months and finally succumbed to it on January 3,2012.

“Julie was diagnosed with fourth stage of lung cancer in April 2011. Doctors informed us she would live only for a few more months. It was heart-wrenching to see her die each day. When I realised there was nothing I could do to increase her life span,I decided to keep her as happy as I could. I ensured she woke up with a smile on face each morning. Though I was myself heart-broken,I kept smiling,dancing,singing and did all that made her happy. Finally she left me,but the memories are still there. I can never forget her beautiful smiling face,which inspired me to start this little activity group named ‘Smile & Spread Smile’,” says Walawalkar,who started the initiative in May 2012.

Walawalkar conducted his first event at a medical centre and home for children suffering from HIV at Vasai. Through his activity group,he and his volunteers organise magic shows,funny acts,puppet shows and birthday parties for free at medical centres,hospitals,homes for the destitute,orphanages and slums across the city on weekends. Most of the times,these volunteers play with these kids and divert their minds from the usually painful injections.

In a year,Walawalkar has managed to get 30 volunteers to work with his activity group. “Even after her untimely demise,I wanted to keep Julie alive by spreading her smile. When I see this kids smiling,laughing and giggling during our events,I feel I am doing the right thing,” says Walawalkar.