At Makkala Mane

A friend of mine sent me an email about Makkala Mane at the right time. So, decided to spend time at Makkala Mane (meaning Children's Home in Kannada) instead of throwing a party for our 4th Anniversary. You can find more info about this place at http://makkalamane.wordpress.com/.

This was unlike other non-profit organisations I have come across. There was this free spirited - positive air about this place. The moments spent there were one of the best moments of my life, undoubtedly. We were struggling to take some heavy bags inside, the kids came running to give us a helping hand. They instantly made us feel at home with that sweet gesture. At the places we had visited earlier, there are lot of rules and regulations and we hardly got to interact with kids. The kids were gleaming with liveliness, so happy with each other and when I asked if there is something that they really want, they said we have everything here. That line put us to shame instantly. How many of us feel that way?!! One may think, these kids are taught to speak and behave in a certain way, but it didnt feel made up even for a moment!

It was like re-living our childhood days there with these enthusiastic kids. I remember being unbeatable at a game called "Kuntebille" (Hopscotch) during my childhood days. Thanks to these kids, we were able to recall the game and play with them after ages. I cannot recall having such pure, undiluted fun since a long time. I am not the kind who gells along so well with kids, but with these kids it was like being one among them. The age difference had vanished into thin air!

2 hrs flew like few minutes, but as it was getting dark we left reluctantly around 6 making plans for our next visit to Makkala Mane which true to its name, is a home for children and a happy one at that! Do yourself a favour and spend your spare time with these kids and let out the child in you. I am not saying this just coz they need us, but I think we need them too. Being with them reminds you of some basic things that we tend to forget in life - most important being simplicity, making best out our lives and exude positive spirit all the time.