Guest Column: Down The Memory Lane..

Volume 5 Issue 9 September, 2015

‘Happiness comes from helping other’

Malin knocks and enters my office with a box of sweets. I look at him with questions in my eyes but refrain from asking as three other people were sitting in my office. I do not see this boy very often. But sensing my curiosity he extends the box of sweets with a smile, “with your blessings I have cleared my AIPMT.” It was indeed a pleasant surprise. He deserved felicitations. He left the room but the fragrance of his hard work and victory remained there. I could not help feeling proud of him and happy inside.

I met this boy 12-13 years ago when he was just 5 years old and was running around in the ward where his father was admitted following another episode of mania. When asked why he is not attending his school, mother replied sadly that the family could not afford to send three children to school. I do not know what took over me and I offered to take responsibility of his scholastic pursuits. It was a pleasure to get him enrolled into a school and to follow it through. He proved to be a bright and keen learner. With time he continued to grow not only physically but academically also. My meetings with him became far and few. Not that I lost interest in him but the opposite. He had lightened up
a beautiful path for me where upon I was to encourage more of such little angels to attend schools. Like-minded people came along and we are able to not only sponsor the school fees but also make ties with the families. This helps us to ensure the holistic growth of the children.

A decade down the timeline I still continue to gather the happiness. A quote sitting on my table makes sense: It is not possible to stay untouched when you spread joy.