Pari's Blog

Their only belongings. Take your kids here if they're demanding that you buy them the latest video game (showing them a photo or talking about it is no good).

Assembly meditation/prayer.

Meditation/prayer before partaking meals.

The kids who served (they take turns in serving) the food.

Everyone washes their own plates.

Serious game of marbles. Weekend recreation (notice they're not wearing their school uniform). A simple down to earth game of skill and fun, that doesn't need batteries!.

I visit India about once a year, and this time I came across this orphanage just 2 km from my home in Madurai. Decided to support it. I think if people take up at least one local cause to support it may be more effective than sending donations to organizations.

I’d encourage parents to send their city kids who are totally spoiled demanding this video game and that, and what’s cool and what’s not,… to spend some community service for those in need. It’ll sober them up a bit — and give them something better to do than fight over petty things. Speaking of  which, these kids are far better in character – humility, gratitude, discipline, curiosity. And most of all they are not “lost” in some pop-culture, they are totally down to earth. It’s unbelievable how snobbish even elementary school kids in the city are these days (especially so in India than in the USA) — and worst of all, the parents seem to encourage it!

FYI, the government funding they get is quite meagre (it has to support their food, cloths, books, etc.). Their eyes just lit up when they saw me open a box of laddus, with big smiles, like they couldn’t contain their pleasure. You’re talking about kids who eat the same most boring tasteless food you can think of every day. Hope this encourages anyone reading this to sponsor your local organizations.

FYI, since a person at work asked, yes this is a boys-only orphanage. The girls orphanage is at the other end of the city, I’m sure (I hope!) at least a few of the ten thousand habitants of that corner of the city is supporting them directly also.