The Kids Inclusive
‘We’ started with one person; who recognized her inclination and dedicated her time to make a commitment. She made herself and her space available to any child in the neighborhood. Thus ‘one’ attracted many. We were a mixed lot of individuals, with diverse occupations who shared one common desire; ‘To mingle with children’. At Gulmohar, like us, the children too were a jumbled mix; different ages and from varied economic family set-ups.
When Gulmohar started, it began with a plan; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 3 days and 2 hours each day, enjoying separate areas of interaction. The goal of each session was to gently introduce the kids to new ideas and provide them with the best possible exposure by sharing everything we had to offer.
Often, we needed to dig into closets of our childhood, sifting through memories, to find meaningful themes, ideas, activities, games, topics of debate and discussion. We wished to spend happy moments of leisure, exchanging recreational ideas, feelings and thoughts with the children….
One bright morning, i planted a seed.
i wanted it to grow. i hoped for it to flower.
i wished for free birds to rest their wings.
i dreamt of sitting under its shade twiddling my thumbs……..
Just a few drops of water, and my seed took root,
a few leaves appeared. Slowly its branches spread all over.
A few buds appeared. Birds, beetles, butterflies rested their wings.
Little frogs hopped all around. Squirrels and ants scrambled
up and down busy as always. I often sit under the cool shade. A smile appears from nowhere; the seed i had planted has blossomed, bloomed and flowered frantically.
It is these little bunches of flowers that i share;
hoping and wishing that more of us can enjoy.
