Their Diwali Gift

Dinesh Talekar,President of the foundation,says,“The idea was to do something new and different. We wanted to reach out in a way that would encourage participation from the youth.” The volunteers have been collecting Diwali sweets and clothes from different households,which people willingly give,and distributing the same to the needy. The areas that have already been covered through this youth service include Hadapsar,Pimpri,Kothrud,Sanghvi,Vadgaon Sheri,Karve Road,Pashan and Bavdhan. Some of the orphanages and old age homes that are benefitting from this initiative are Matoshri,Sumati Bhavan,Maher Orphanage and Anand Yatri Vruddh Ashram.

“This small effort by just 40 citizens has lit up the faces of over 450 under-privileged people this Diwali,” says volunteer Ajay Mishra. “The construction workers feel so pleased when we distibute clothes and sweets to their children. With their meagre salaries,they cannot afford to give their children festive goodies. They really appreciate our efforts which is very satisfying,” he adds. Mishra is also very touched by what some of the construction workers said to them. “They thanked us and said that after 11 years in the city,this is the first time that they felt at home. It was a very touching moment,” he narrates. Another volunteer,Pranay Khaladkar,adds,”Our Diwali gift is the smile on their faces. That’s the motivating factor for us.”

Mahatwakanksha Foundation has been quite active in the charity sector and even contributed for the recently held Joy of Giving Week. What better way to make this Diwali extra special than by touching the lives of others,say the members.