Vol.

XX

XX

III,

No 1

. April-M

ay

2011

How your contributions enable children to live in a loving family environment and achieve their potential

Read how your inva luab le donations helped Mani in surviving and coming out of it

It was spring and the harvest festival Baisakhi was just round the corner. In a small village in Punjab, Surinder was working in the fields when he heard someone say, “A baby girl has been thrown out of train”. He saw people running towards the railway track. Surinder left his work and rushed. To his utter shock he saw a one- year- old baby girl with multiple injuries lying unconscious. She had lost lots of blood. Surinder was deeply moved to see her condition. He put his finger in front of her nose, “the child is breathing; let's take her to the hospital. Gyani get your tractor quickly,” he said. In the meantime the villagers informed the police and the cops also reached the hospital.

The doctor attending to the child informed that the injuries had affected her brain and could impact her speech and walk. She may need lot of support to perform even the basic activities. “She urgently needs a caring mother, a loving home and a happy environment

“Found near railway tracks, did 1 year old Mani survive?”

to survive,” he said.

“Who would take care of this child?” mentioned one of the villagers. The police officer had heard about SOS Children's Village in Rajpura and said that the child could be taken there.

After all the formalities the child was welcomed in SOS Children's Village Rajpura. The other kids in the village were more than excited to have a new sister. Ten-year-old Ashish was so happy to have a new member in the family that he named the child Mani. “She is precious for all of us so we have decided to name her Mani.”

Mani lived in Rajpura for three months. Since Mani was a special child and needed regular medical attention it was decided to shift her to SOS Children's Village Khajuri Kalan. The Village has special facilities to support children with special needs.

On a Sunday morning educational co-worker Jyoti along with the village in-charge from Khajuri Kalan reached Rajpura. It was not easy for SOS mother Kuldeep to send Mani. She packed her baby bag and kept all the toys that surrounded Mani's bed. She held Mani in her arms and kissed on the forehead, “my baby, God bless

you and I wish you lead a normal life.” With these words Kuldeep laid Mani gently in Jyoti's lap.

At SOS Children's Village Khajuri Kalan SOS mother Nirmala welcomed Mani with open arms. Mani could not walk and was unable to do basic things like eating with her hands. She had no speech and couldn't express herself.In order to strengthen her muscles Nirmala would give her a massage every day. She would also take Mani to physiotherapy centre on a regular basis. With Nirmala's continuous efforts Mani's condition improved. She started moving her hands and legs.

Today, Mani is five years old and looks healthy. She goes to the activity centre holding her mother's finger. She looks very happy when her mother Nirmala comes to pick her up from the centre. Her favourite activity is listening to music and dancing. She enjoys playing with blocks in the activity centre.

During my last visit to SOS Children's Village Khajuri Kalan I met Mani and other children in her family who are provided support. I am happy to report that changes have come, not only has Mani started walking but she also eats food with her own hands.

Nirmala gets overwhelmed speaking about Mani. “She cannot speak but with her expressions Mani conveys everything. I wish she becomes independent in life.”

Mani's life was saved and she is in a loving home. Your contributions help my colleagues and me in giving love and family to such children. Please continue contributing and spread hope in their lives.

Mani playing blocks in the Activity Centre

Mr. Rakesh Jinsi Secretary General, SOS Children's Villages of India shares his experience of meeting with Mani and Mother Nirmala

“Welcome home my child.”These were the first few words uttered by mother Shyama when she received Aparna in her arms.

Please read how your contributions are helping Aparna to follow her dreams.

Aparna with her brothers and sisters

It was a summer evening. The children at SOS Children's Village Bawana, New Delhi were playing in the garden. SOS mother Shyama was busy preparing mango shake for them. This was when she received a message from Surender Giri, the village director that a new child had arrived at the village. “Would you like a new addition to your family, Shyama?” asked Surender of her. He handed over a small baby wrapped in a yellow towel to Shyama. The baby was cold and pale. She was not even cleaned properly after her birth. Shyama held the baby carefully in her arms and felt like a mother of a newborn. She took the baby closer to her bosom and whispered in her ears, “Welcome home my child.”

The baby was hungry and crying. Motherly instinct made Shyama rush back home. The baby had to be fed immediately. Once feeding was done she cleaned the baby with coconut oil and put a nice pink frock on her.

Meanwhile, news of the child's arrival had spread. All the children in village soon surrounded Shyama and the baby. Everyone wanted to get a glimpse of their little sister. After a few weeks the naming ceremony was held. The baby was named 'Aparna'. Shyama would always keep Aparna with her. She gave the child a regular massage. In a matter of few days she became healthy and everybody's darling. Jyoti, an elder child in the

family, overnight became a doting sister. “I can't see my younger sister crying so whenever mama is busy in household work I enjoy taking care,” one could hear her say repeatedly to visitors.

Supported by your generous contributions, Aparna is growing up to be a confident young girl. Like any other child she is full of hope and dreams. She has proved to be a very sincere child. She starts her day quite early, getting up at five in the morning. She is taking coaching classes in science. She likes having a sandwich for breakfast. One can often see her enjoying it in the school bus.

Aparna loves to sketch and practice calligraphy. “Art is my soul and my imagination finds creative expression in my illustrations,” she says enthusiastically. In the evening she spends most of her free time creating Illustrations instead of watching television. Her diary is full of drawings and stories. The favourite theme of her illustrations is friendship. Most of her friends turn to her for creative ideas and request her to make their projects. “My daughter is very talented and she has won almost 80

certificates and trophies in various competit ions,” Shyama claims proudly.

The young girl is good in academics as well. She is in 10th standard and is working hard for her board exams. “Aparna is a loving and responsible child. She loves her mother a lot and does not eat food without her. She helps her mother in household chores and supports her younger brothers and sisters in studies. Her brothers and sisters lovingly call her Appu didi,” says Niharika, an educational co-worker who is full of praise for Aparna.

An artist at heart Aparna wishes to pursue a career in graphics, a dream that needs your constant support and encouragement.

Aparna with sister Jyoti 21 days old Aparna

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Aparna's Illustrations

Satendra helping out his family in the fields

“To appear for board exams or not….”This was the prime question in Satendra's mind when his father died. What did he do?

Satendra having a good time with his family

Satendra is a teenaged boy who lives in Raipur, India. When his father died, he realised that it was time for him to act like a father to his family. Satendra could see the struggle his mother was going through in bringing up the family. He was now a 15 year- old boy and felt old enough to feel responsible. He wanted to support his mother.

As a result, although a sincere student, he decided to leave his studies and earn money. But Satendra's mother was a determined lady. Although Satendra started helping her to till the small piece of land they owned, she fully understood the urgent need for him to continue education. The fact that she had to drop out of school due to early marriage further strengthened her resolve.

She knew about the Fami ly Strengthening Programme (FSP) that SOS Children's Villages of India had been running in their Mana Basti village and decided to seek help.

Sudipta, a co-worker from SOS Children's Vil lages counselled Satendra directly. “During our discussion I realised that only his mother could convince him not to leave his studies. I spoke to her and she was fully convinced” says Sudipta. In turn, she convinced Satendra that his getting educated only could bring happiness back to the family. She said, “Never leave your studies; do

your best my son.” This motivated Satendra and he agreed to prepare for his examination with full enthusiasm. SOS Children's Villages of India with support from friends like you also pitched in to provide all the necessary help in terms of study materials, tuition fees.

Today, apart from studying he also shares household responsibilities with his mother. Unfortunately, unlike other children he has no time to play. He wakes up early in the morning, goes to the farm, plucks the vegetables and makes them ready for sale in market, which is the only source of income for the family. After that he returns home and gets ready for the tuition classes. This follows his visit to the school. Once back home from school he goes to the farm for watering the vegetables. After that he somehow finds time for homework and helping his sisters in their studies.

He says, “Evenings are the happiest moment for us, as all the members of the family are together in a room and

my mother also participates. My sisters share everything that has happened in their school. This is the time when all the family members smile together.”

Now, Satendra is waiting for the result of his exams which had finished at the end of March. “For the whole family the happiest moment in their lives was when I wrote the first paper of the examination”, he remembers. “There were tears in my mother's eyes. It was her dream that I should get education. She remained on fasting as part of her offering to God with a belief that it would bring blessings to her son and he would do well in life. This has further reinforced my determination to do well in life.”

Satendra can see happiness in his mother's eyes when they spend time together, despite everyday hard work in the field.

As an SOS friend, your generous contribution helps in changing lives of children like Satendra. Please continue supporting us.

“I'm not your auntie, son, I'm your mother!”

It was in the year 1996 that I came home to SOS Children's Village Faridabad. When I stepped inside the house which is my home now, a kind lady greeted me. I said "Namaste Auntie ji" and her instant polite reply was “I'm not your auntie, son, I'm your mother!” I was touched by that single sentence.

I wondered, if a Punjabi boy would survive with a mother from Assam and the children from various regions. Initially there were communication barriers but mother's love… which

does not need any language, resolved everything. I had been a mischievous child and used to make all kinds of excuses for school. But my mother was very understanding and tactful. She used to convince me through various methods so I could go to school. With proper discipline and motivation from my mother and teachers like Mrs. Nirja Kaul I excelled at academics and other activities.

When I look back, I distinctly remember experiencing happiness, sadness, indecisiveness and tears but never without the presence of my mother by my side. It is because of her upbringing that I have grown up as a confident youth.

I fondly remember the time I spent in

SOS Children's Village playing cricket and my all-time favourite football. I was the captain of my school. I feel that all my skills of negotiation and strategy making have originated from the football field. It was a battlefield for all the children. All our fights, struggles, conflicts and decisions originated and resolved there. Even today when I stand there I am surrounded by memories of my childhood and never felt alone.

I was the first child from SOS Children's Village Faridabad to get the Dewan Foundation Scholarship. Now I'm 20 years old and have completed my Bachelor's degree in Geography (Hons.) from Delhi University. I cleared

stthe entrance examination with 1 position and got admission to "Diploma in Geospatial Technology". I still remember when I opted for Humanities stream, I was being advised by all my well-wishers to opt for either Science or Commerce but I loved Geography and was determined to study and I am very happy studying Geospatial Technology.

At Present I am working as an Intern with SGS Infotech Gurgaon and I am living an independent life. I hope soon I will achieve my goal in the chosen field.

I owe a significant part of my growing up to my mother, brothers and sisters, friends and the entire SOS family. This family is my world and means everything to me.

Rohit shares his experience of growing up in SOS Children's Village Faridabad

Contributions from donors like you helped Rohit in achieving his dream.

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Initially there were communication barriers, but mother's love… which does not need any language, resolved everything

Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi congratulating Rohit

Rohit with his mother Rekha Devi and his siblings

Meet my extended family!

“Uncle this time you came after a long time,” complained Upkaar while swinging on the shoulders of Yogesh Mehta. Upkaar was in a hurry to update Yogesh about al l the happenings in the last three months. “First we will celebrate your birthday and then we sit together and listen to all your stories,” said Yogesh to Upkaar. Madhumita, wife of Yogesh was busy playing with Aarti and other children.

The Mehta couple visited SOS Children's Village on the birthday of Upkaar. They have been sponsoring Upkaar along with Aarti for more than 10 years. Mehtas have a special feeling for the kids and they are very proud of their association with SOS Children's Villages.

Yogesh Mehta is running his own business and providing IT solution to corporates and organisations. “We used to pass by SOS Children's Village in Faridabad while going for our work. We had some idea that this

Madhumita and Yogesh Mehta are sponsors of two children at SOS Children's Village Greenfields

place takes care of children in need. Once we decided to visit the place and met one of the SOS families. I had never imagined such a beautiful childcare concept. Children were so happy and warm and living together wi th the i r SOS mother. We immed ia te l y made the f i r s t contributions for the children,” recalled Madhumita and Yogesh.

Madhumita and Yogesh have tried to understand the beautiful world of

Madhumita & Yogesh Mehta celebrating Upkaar's birthday

Sponsor a Child

Your sponsorship enables a child to grow up in an SOS family and receive the best possible education and become a responsible adult. Your support provides physical, material and more importantly emotional well being of a child.

Contact Ms Maalika Chadha.

SOS Children's Villages of India, Plot No 4, Block C-1, Nelson Mandela Marg., Vasant Kunj,New Delhi- 110070

Tel : +91-11-43239200, Fax : +91-11 43239292

Email: maalika.chadha@soscvindia.org

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children and the bonding only got strengthened over the years. “We don't consider ourselves as sponsors of the children but as a part of the SOS family. This is our extended family. We share sorrows, happiness and participate in all the functions,” said Madhumita sitting comfortably in the living room of this SOS family home.

Madhumita & Yogesh with the SOS family

“The sum is small but it makes me happy to send you my annual donation”I received two letters (right & below)from a long-time SOS friend, 87 years old Ms Rosette Mody. She is bedridden and staying in an old age home in Bengaluru. Despite her personal difficulties she still donates. I am yet to come across a more touching experience. I felt this is worthy of sharing with all SOS friends.

-Rakesh Jinsi

If you would also like to motivate yourorganisation to help children, please send ina short email toakshay.singh@soscvindia.org

If you would also like to motivate your col-leagues and friends to help children, please

send in a short email tokanchan.sen@soscvindia.org

The people who visited SOS Children’s

Villages after my recommendation came back

with a changed heart. And, I am happy to

share that most of them decided to help the

children.

- Davneet is one of the donor care personnel who speaks to

friends like you everyday requesting your continued support.

Dear Friends

I am touched by the feelings of Ms Rosette Mody whose precious letter is appearing on Page No 7 of this messenger. Words are not adequate to acknowledge our thanks for her contribution towards this great cause. Her concern is overflowing. This unique kind of relationship and gestures make

SOS Children’s Villages feel proud of the endeavours our friends are making for the needy children. I profusely thank her and many more of you who are participating in our endeavour to provide a loving home for every needy child. I also would like to thank those of you in anticipation who would become our friends in the future to be a part of our dream and the dreams of the children we bring up.

Since my association with SOS Children’s Villages I have been travelling to our Villages and family homes. The interaction with mothers, grandmothers, children and some of the settled children has given me a great sense of fulfilment. The commitment which mothers show towards the children and the satisfaction they derive out of bringing them up have left a great impact on my mind. I am really touched by the unconditional love they are providing to the children and the family. Mother Nirmala and Mother Shyama are the icons of unconditional love whose contributions are there on Page no 2 & 3 respectively.

A great sense of belongingness is being shared in all the SOS family homes. The children are having very strong ties and long lasting relationships with their families even after they get settled through their jobs and marriages.

During my recent unannounced visit to the SOS Children’s Village Bangalore, I had the opportunity to learn about a Baby Shower Ceremony which was organised in the presence of a few close family members and guests. I also met a young SOS

boy Yellappa, who is presently working as a Senior Process Executive at Strategic Outsourcing, a reputed BPO. As the couple was expecting their first child, so as a part of the customs & traditions of Hindu religion, Yellappa had brought his wife Divya to his family for Baby Shower Ceremony (Shrimantha). I felt happy to have been there to bless the couple.

I could sense the strong bond shared by the whole family. On this occasion Yellappa's SOS sister Sangeetha who also got married recently and settled outside the village, was also present to greet her sister-in-law. Mother Mangala was full of smiles as usual but this time I could see the ecstasy.

There are many more examples of similar bonding and belongingness in our 33 SOS Children’s Villages where our children are living in a nurturing and balanced family environment and doing well in their lives.

Our endeavour is to provide the needy children a loving home, a mother, siblings and a community. This has been possible only with the generous contribution of all the supporters and friends like you. In many cases children are enjoying the bliss of being with an extended family. Mehta family has set an example of this kind, whose experience has been shared on Page No 6.

I thank all of you once again for supporting us in our endeavour to reach maximum number of children and changing their lives and look forward to your continued support. May I also take the liberty to request you to share about SOS Children’s Villages of India with many of your friends to spread the good work!

charge

”

Warm Regards

S. Sandilya President

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