A shared Joy

Diwali brings a smile on the faces of even the non-believers. Walk across the decked-up streets,with paper lamps shining like stars in the winter nights,people excitedly shopping,kids prancing around investing great energy in bursting crackers,and one can’t help but feel the goodness seep into one’s being. This celebratory goodwill goes beyond all boundaries of faith and belief. For some,this time is not limited to adding electronic sheen to their spaces or unapologetically indulging their sweet tooth. They make an effort to reach out to those who are not in the conventional circle of good times.

The world of model-coordinator Sandeep Dharma is poles apart from the kids he chooses to spend his Diwali with. Vanchit Vikas Sanstha at Narayan Peth is a place that numerous underprivileged kids from the city call home. Every year,with sweets,stationery and crackers in hand,Dharma and a group of his like-minded friends connect and spend affectionate time with over 30 kids of sex-workers. “There are some 60 kids here. Thirty go back home,but 30 stay back in town. We spend time with them,provide them with a year-long supply of study materials,and generally spend the day with them. I started doing this three years back,and last year I was accompanied by a group of 80 friends and their friends,and well-wishers,” smiles Dharma. The group sends across messages and gathers as many kindred spirits as are willing. Magicians charm the kids,random jigs and dances erupt around and it’s play-time all the time. “It’s primarily an all-youth effort. All who come here are below the age of 30. We have realised that the kids here do not seek donations in kind. They want our time,our ears and conversations. They have very basic,small rooms to survive in. But every time we come,they heartily cook for us,” reveals Dharma.

BVJSS (Bhatkya Vimukta Jati Shikshan Sanstha) orphanage in Wagholi ripples with the laughter of 350 street kids. Sivlal Jhadhav and his family have been sustaining his mother’s philanthropic vision here for 24 years now. “Every year,my wife,two sons,two daughters,and their spouses,celebrate Diwali with the kids. We prepare sweets together and burst crackers as one group. The kids keep munching on tidbits the entire day,” laughs Jhadhav,adding,“It’s important that they get a feel of the celebrations too. We have a lot of individual donors who send us the ingredients for sweets. The entire day is about being with them.” One of the patron donors at BVJSS is construction businessman Naval Ghule. “This Diwali I gave the children clothes and sweets. They all looked so happy. I have been coming here every year for the past 12 years,and their smiles are the best gifts I receive at every festival,” says Ghule.

Advocate Satish Kamale and friends congregate at Spandan Care Centre in Wadgaon Budruk on every Diwali. The hospice is peopled by senior citizens whose bodies have been ravaged and made immobile by disease. “We all talk,share jokes and have a good laugh. The people crave a semblance of family life during festivals. Thus we come here and be close to these patients to share the love,” says Kamale.