Universal Children Day Nov 20th –
SPF Embraces Children under one roof
(HIV+, Orphans, Hearing Impaired, Under-served Economically weak, physically disabled & Patients)
Raj Bhowmik 150
Soulbath Peace Foundation designed an engaging and stimulation learning experience where diverse children came under one roof to communicate in varied ways - some through colours, some signs, some dance and some songs. Learning through Design was the theme and so the products were clay products and greeting cards that told a heart touching Compassionate Story.
Organizations that participated in the Soulbath Peace Foundation Effort:
- Parikrma Humanity Foundation (children who were underserved)
- Freedom Foundation (HIV+ Orphaned Children)
- Association of People With Disability (Physical disability)
- Shiela Kothvada Institute Of the Deaf (hearing impairment)
- Shishu Mandir (Orphanage)
- Sri Sathya Sai Institute Of Higher Medical Sciences (Neurological Ward Children Patients)
SPF Celebrates the Symbol of Compassion
through Art and Expression
Raj Bhowmik 177
Have you ever experienced pure unconditional Love? Does it ever have words? Does it have reasons?
Love makes one cry, feel fulfilled, leaves one speechless, love just loves to give, expressed through a whisper, a gesture, a smile or just being there. It is a twinkle in an eye where time is still. These are some experiences and realizations that all who were a part of this RB-BTS DREAM event on Children’s day carried back as we evolved more into finer beings to understand our space tangibly in the whole Cosmos.
Who gave us this? Children through being who they are!!
Sri Raj Bhowmik’s vision for children is humbling as he has always demonstrated through his “Being” that when someone is touched by unconditional love, the outcome is spontaneous giving back. If we could touch so many young innocent lives in an unconditional manner then the society of today and tomorrow will not be competitive in a rat race, It will be a walk together – collaboratively in community and the world. This is the larger vision of the RB-BTS DREAM especially in this context of Universal Children’s Day an investment and a Spontaneous return in our Circle Of Life.
In our everyday functioning, in the world of literates, some of these children were from orphanages, some had no clue about their status but were HIV infected and affected, some were aware of their special abilities through their mobility and speech, some were currently under tender care due to surgeries and body conditions, some came from homes that were very small in the slums of Bangalore – But all of them had many abilities in common- They could all express and communicate in similar ways, be naughty, ask help readily and could trust anybody spontaneously. Art was only a medium and a context to talk, share and learn. Art through colors, drawing and clay were ways of engaging and learning about their lives and who they are!!
Our journey began with 20 children at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences who were recovering from surgeries of the heart and the brain. The RB-BTS DREAM gave us an opportunity to interact and play with them – something that they miss tremendously at the hospital due to their conditions.
At the Soulbath Peace Foundation Centre at Indiranagar, Bangalore, children started pouring in from different institutes – Arriving first and taking care of the whole group was Shishu Mandir. They lit up the place as every child was eager to share themselves and intuitive to understand Peace. In their words – we feel peace when we feel cared and happy. Rayappa age 12 was taking care of the individual needs of some small children that he would put any father in today’s world to shame. “Being aware of needs” does not need time and a frame of mind, as we justify to ourselves in modern day parenting– It needs an open caring heart – Rayappa that’s what we learned form you. From directions to the SPF Centre, to making sure the number of children in his team, to helping them in the toilet – a compassionate adult in the making who knows no boundaries as he was the same with other children from Freedom Foundation. Making sure that the team members were well fed, everybody was comfortable was a spontaneous response.
Ruth, Kavita, Kavya from Shishu Mandir were charmingly naughty and every second would see a surprise and a new emotion on their faces. They all had skills, they sang together – songs of the Mother in a group and it is humbling to see the faith and connect that they have with what the songs actually mean. Indeed “Beings of the Heart” – truly connected inside!! Shashi Wadhera, RB-BTS Dream volunteer acknowledged that they are so emotionally healthy and spontaneously caring and observing everything that’s happening around them.
Aparna, a child artiste, performed an Odissi dance and we all learned a few steps. It was important that we all were connected through an act. Chandana from Shiela Kothavala Institute for the Deaf performed a dance (without music) but an observer could see a rhythm and a tune that existed to somebody who could not hear to the outside world. Ability and talent are so intrinsic and in the adult world and in the normal schools we still try so hard to build it from the outside.
10 children from Freedom Foundation fluent in Kannada gave us the lessons of innocence and spontaneity. They are happy just like other kids but their world comprises of medicines as they are affected/ infected by HIV. Every child has an ability to stay connected in an activity till they understand its purpose and it is put across in an interesting manner. Pooja Murchy, RB-BTS Dream volunteer, was seen being innovative to try and engage a group that mainly comprised of active children from Freedom Foundation through talk, stories and a fun way of parenting that understands being in the child’s way and still engaging them through the Art.
Harshavardhana from SKID who communicates in sign language normally, was the speaker of his group and spoke to 40 children without sign language. It was wonderful to see barriers breaking and children being sensitive to each other’s needs and not pretending like most conditioned adults do. Sandya (Shishu Mandir Age 7) had just met Harsha (SKID, Age 13) on that day and she was communicating constantly to him through signs to get the expressions going on in the group.
Parikrma Humanity Foundation students led the group to conceptualize the poster making in a larger area and were experts at guiding others through colours, time and expression of their art work.
Healing Clay was an area where children worked through Clay to create expressions. They were not art products. The process through clay interactions were harmonizing and helped in bringing the intuitive skills of the children – also this was their opportunity to connect back directly with Mother Earth.
What we were left with at the end of the interaction were about 135 greeting cards, smiling happily, work together in groups that represented Peace in their lives and so many smiling faces who had left their imprints on our heart forever.
Another group of RB-BTS DREAM volunteers went to the Association Of People with Disability and spent their time with special children. Some volunteers who were anxious about what to do, we instantly welcomed by innocent smiles that demanded nothing – just being there with them was the requirement. At APD, there were children with hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and multiple abilities all in one group. The communications between them is worth a million dollars that we other wise spend in life by reading books about the ideals of life.
Institutes who joined this common vision as part of the RB-BTS DREAM were Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Parikrma Humanity Foundation, Freedom Foundation, Association Of people with Disability, Shishu Mandir, Shiela Kothvala Institute for the Deaf and Rakum School for the Blind. Organizations that supported the RB-BTS DREAM were Art Of Jewellery and VVS Hospitality Services.
Love makes one cry, feel fulfilled, leaves one speechless, love just loves to give, expressed through a whisper, a gesture, a smile or just being there. It is a twinkle in an eye where time is still. These are some experiences and realizations that all who were a part of this RB-BTS DREAM event on Children’s day carried back as we evolved more into finer beings to understand our space tangibly in the whole Cosmos.
Who gave us this? Children through being who they are!!
Sri Raj Bhowmik’s vision for children is humbling as he has always demonstrated through his “Being” that when someone is touched by unconditional love, the outcome is spontaneous giving back. If we could touch so many young innocent lives in an unconditional manner then the society of today and tomorrow will not be competitive in a rat race, It will be a walk together – collaboratively in community and the world. This is the larger vision of the RB-BTS DREAM especially in this context of Universal Children’s Day an investment and a Spontaneous return in our Circle Of Life.
In our everyday functioning, in the world of literates, some of these children were from orphanages, some had no clue about their status but were HIV infected and affected, some were aware of their special abilities through their mobility and speech, some were currently under tender care due to surgeries and body conditions, some came from homes that were very small in the slums of Bangalore – But all of them had many abilities in common- They could all express and communicate in similar ways, be naughty, ask help readily and could trust anybody spontaneously. Art was only a medium and a context to talk, share and learn. Art through colors, drawing and clay were ways of engaging and learning about their lives and who they are!!
Our journey began with 20 children at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences who were recovering from surgeries of the heart and the brain. The RB-BTS DREAM gave us an opportunity to interact and play with them – something that they miss tremendously at the hospital due to their conditions.
At the Soulbath Peace Foundation Centre at Indiranagar, Bangalore, children started pouring in from different institutes – Arriving first and taking care of the whole group was Shishu Mandir. They lit up the place as every child was eager to share themselves and intuitive to understand Peace. In their words – we feel peace when we feel cared and happy. Rayappa age 12 was taking care of the individual needs of some small children that he would put any father in today’s world to shame. “Being aware of needs” does not need time and a frame of mind, as we justify to ourselves in modern day parenting– It needs an open caring heart – Rayappa that’s what we learned form you. From directions to the SPF Centre, to making sure the number of children in his team, to helping them in the toilet – a compassionate adult in the making who knows no boundaries as he was the same with other children from Freedom Foundation. Making sure that the team members were well fed, everybody was comfortable was a spontaneous response.
Ruth, Kavita, Kavya from Shishu Mandir were charmingly naughty and every second would see a surprise and a new emotion on their faces. They all had skills, they sang together – songs of the Mother in a group and it is humbling to see the faith and connect that they have with what the songs actually mean. Indeed “Beings of the Heart” – truly connected inside!! Shashi Wadhera, RB-BTS Dream volunteer acknowledged that they are so emotionally healthy and spontaneously caring and observing everything that’s happening around them.
Aparna, a child artiste, performed an Odissi dance and we all learned a few steps. It was important that we all were connected through an act. Chandana from Shiela Kothavala Institute for the Deaf performed a dance (without music) but an observer could see a rhythm and a tune that existed to somebody who could not hear to the outside world. Ability and talent are so intrinsic and in the adult world and in the normal schools we still try so hard to build it from the outside.
10 children from Freedom Foundation fluent in Kannada gave us the lessons of innocence and spontaneity. They are happy just like other kids but their world comprises of medicines as they are affected/ infected by HIV. Every child has an ability to stay connected in an activity till they understand its purpose and it is put across in an interesting manner. Pooja Murchy, RB-BTS Dream volunteer, was seen being innovative to try and engage a group that mainly comprised of active children from Freedom Foundation through talk, stories and a fun way of parenting that understands being in the child’s way and still engaging them through the Art.
Harshavardhana from SKID who communicates in sign language normally, was the speaker of his group and spoke to 40 children without sign language. It was wonderful to see barriers breaking and children being sensitive to each other’s needs and not pretending like most conditioned adults do. Sandya (Shishu Mandir Age 7) had just met Harsha (SKID, Age 13) on that day and she was communicating constantly to him through signs to get the expressions going on in the group.
Parikrma Humanity Foundation students led the group to conceptualize the poster making in a larger area and were experts at guiding others through colours, time and expression of their art work.
Healing Clay was an area where children worked through Clay to create expressions. They were not art products. The process through clay interactions were harmonizing and helped in bringing the intuitive skills of the children – also this was their opportunity to connect back directly with Mother Earth.
What we were left with at the end of the interaction were about 135 greeting cards, smiling happily, work together in groups that represented Peace in their lives and so many smiling faces who had left their imprints on our heart forever.
Another group of RB-BTS DREAM volunteers went to the Association Of People with Disability and spent their time with special children. Some volunteers who were anxious about what to do, we instantly welcomed by innocent smiles that demanded nothing – just being there with them was the requirement. At APD, there were children with hearing impairment, cerebral palsy and multiple abilities all in one group. The communications between them is worth a million dollars that we other wise spend in life by reading books about the ideals of life.
Institutes who joined this common vision as part of the RB-BTS DREAM were Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, Parikrma Humanity Foundation, Freedom Foundation, Association Of people with Disability, Shishu Mandir, Shiela Kothvala Institute for the Deaf and Rakum School for the Blind. Organizations that supported the RB-BTS DREAM were Art Of Jewellery and VVS Hospitality Services.
Ruby Singh (SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Chief Intelligence Officer, Havas Media APAC)
Raj Bhowmik 178
I spent a wonderful day with 40 children, 5 of them in a group that we worked and played. This is what I leant. Children give love spontaneously, understand and support each other. They were completely non judgemental about each other. This I can say as in spite of hearing impairment and age difference in a group they managed to communicate with each other. A child from the 2nd Grade interacted with a hearing impaired student through sign language that she picked up. The love and gratitude I got from them was amazing. I was truly touched with the love coming my way in such a short time. Art was just a means to meet. We shared and discussed about life and aspirations and their talents. The most important thing I observed was that children belong to each other so fast and respond to love so spontaneously. Wouldn’t it be great if people stayed children forever?
Rahul Venkatram (SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Global Talent Management, Wipro Technologies)
Raj Bhowmik 179
The day was an amazing experience. I enjoyed interacting with the kids from various backgrounds and being with kids there was a feeling of happiness, instant bonding without any questions. There were positive vibes all around and everybody was happy and enjoying. With so many kids, I felt like a child too. I learnt their ways of expressions and would take back a lot of memories of freedom and moving with the flow. Thank you for this RB-BTS DREAM platform to help me be a child again and express being One truly.
Shashi Wadhera (SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Editor Art Of Jewellery Magazine)
Raj Bhowmik 180
I never knew what was in store for me today. It wasn’t first like one of those days where you would get ready to attend one of those NGO events and carry your mask well through. Today was way too different. I just flowed into the day and before I could realize wonder after wonder had happened. At the first touch with these beautiful children, I realized boundaries melting away and barriers breaking. A small chat with them at the Soulbath Peace Foundation garden gave me dreams to dream. Humans are humans no matter where they come from, who they are, what their life is for that matter and even their age. So much to learn, imbibe, take home. Just a narration of a day’s life from Shishu Mandir from Rayappa said it all that everyone of us look for the same values in life. The acceptance in these children is something inexplicable. Every smile, thinking, search, expectation, every single expression they have made through art is an inspiring message. Totally it was a great feeling to stand on a peaceful space on Earth and write as Humans, as Mother, as Child, Guardians and as Peace Seekers. Thank you Soulbath Peace Foundation for giving me this day. I feel immense gratitude and quiet as I leave.
Aishwarya Suresh ( Marathon Runner, Business Development Manager)
Raj Bhowmik 181
When I agreed to come in a volunteer to work with the Children on World Childrens Day, I frankly did not know what to exect in its entirity. I love art and anything to do with art and the process of creating something, but did not know if working with Children was
something I was going to enjoy. However, given the openess of the phase of life I am in, I thought it would be worth spending my day at the " Soulbath Peace Foundation " with these children ....So I walked in on the morning of the event, looking forward to it as
well as wondering how I was going to manage children .... all these children. I think I took a while to get accustomed to the children and to sort of communicate with them through ways and means that they would understand. In addition, there was a good mix of them from SKID, an Orphanage, Maria Kripa, Parikrama etc ..... The day started and we sort of divided ourselves into groups to work with the children on the diferent activities set out .... also at all times communicating the theme of the day with them and making sure they understood why they were being asked to do what they were doing.
My experience was fulfilling to say the least.... So many children, so many demands, so many questions and different languages, yet all working towards the same goal, the same end result. And me as a volunteer working in harmony with them.......................WOW. I did not know I had the energy or the patience in me. But I did ........ It was a hugely tiring day but also a hugely complete and wholesome one. One child in particular- Ruth taught me so much....affection, enthusiasm, anger, creativity all rolled into one she was !!! God Bless her for one Ruth was life 5 of the other children. I now know why Chidren are God's little angels and are truly beautiful and
our blessing !!!!!!!
In conclusion, I just want to thank Soulbath Peace Foundation for giving me a
chance to do this. It has only enriched me as an individual as a being. Thank you !!! I would love to do this again !!!!!
something I was going to enjoy. However, given the openess of the phase of life I am in, I thought it would be worth spending my day at the " Soulbath Peace Foundation " with these children ....So I walked in on the morning of the event, looking forward to it as
well as wondering how I was going to manage children .... all these children. I think I took a while to get accustomed to the children and to sort of communicate with them through ways and means that they would understand. In addition, there was a good mix of them from SKID, an Orphanage, Maria Kripa, Parikrama etc ..... The day started and we sort of divided ourselves into groups to work with the children on the diferent activities set out .... also at all times communicating the theme of the day with them and making sure they understood why they were being asked to do what they were doing.
My experience was fulfilling to say the least.... So many children, so many demands, so many questions and different languages, yet all working towards the same goal, the same end result. And me as a volunteer working in harmony with them.......................WOW. I did not know I had the energy or the patience in me. But I did ........ It was a hugely tiring day but also a hugely complete and wholesome one. One child in particular- Ruth taught me so much....affection, enthusiasm, anger, creativity all rolled into one she was !!! God Bless her for one Ruth was life 5 of the other children. I now know why Chidren are God's little angels and are truly beautiful and
our blessing !!!!!!!
In conclusion, I just want to thank Soulbath Peace Foundation for giving me a
chance to do this. It has only enriched me as an individual as a being. Thank you !!! I would love to do this again !!!!!
Smita Rahul (SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Q&A System Test Engineer for Juniper Networks India Pvt Ltd)
Raj Bhowmik 182
Working with kids was an amazing experience. I got to work with a diverse group of kids. Some of them were from Shishu Mandir and in their songs and actions one could see the longing for a mother. They were extremely supportive of each other and took care of one another. Rayappa who was part of my group was helping and constantly explaining things to kavya who was younger than him. He was very patient and from what I learnt that with a little bit of patience and a lot of love anything can be achieved. I also got to work with children from Freedom Foundation. They were very bright kids who loved to draw, colour and make friends. They were laughing and it was nice to see them. Some children in my group were very talented and so enthusiastic about the clay experience that they had in the morning. Some children were shy initially but through the day opened up and also began leading the others. It was wonderful to experience how children are instantaneous and enjoy themselves. I realized today how important having fun and happiness is in life in spite of having differences. I was able to interact with them so well that by the end of the day I became a child and started drawing and coloring and laughing with them. Seeing them upbeat helps me to understand that there are so many things in life that can give us happiness.
Deepika Talwar ( SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Clay Expert)
Raj Bhowmik 183
Children give without any reservation regardless of the situation that they come from. No headache, fever or medication can hold back the joy a child carries.. To interact with them renews the joy that we all carry within us. They are so instinctively expressive and responsive just like clay that I work with. Thank you Soulbath Peace Foundation for this platform.
Vudaiy Vallabbhu (SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Project Manager IBM)
Raj Bhowmik 184
The SPF Volunteers involved themselves with their groups of children guiding them on the concept of Peace and the children did the coloring of cards with their own creativity. Children just engrossed them self in coloring the sketches on the cards .I could see the expression of Joy in the Kids as they were doing one of their favorite tasks.
They were all so happy drawing the cards. It was amazing to see them do the activity .SPF volunteers became friends for the children and all of them were seen discussing on what to draw and what colors to use .I could see good team work among the children who trying to express and discuss their views on the Posters. Usage of colors and the drawings show how creative the children are and we need to learn that every one has creativity within them selves and we just need to give the opportunity to open up.
This gives me a thought that to be creative you just need to be open. By the end of the event we had around 40 to 50 creative cards and 5 to 6 posters.
We had a certificate Presentation activity for all Participants .This activity was like each one gets a certificate presented by his/her friend. There was enthusiasm in the children to give certificates to their friend’s .One could see the Joy in presenter and the receiver, it only shows how much each one of them wanted to be appreciated and wanted to appreciate others.
We ended up the activity by thanking the Teachers and the Principal who helped us and conduct the event .The Principal and the teachers thanked the Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) platform for the experience.
I immensely thank Soulbath Peace Foundation and Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) to have given me this opportunity to participate in the experience because it comes to me to teach some lessons which I need the most at this moment.
They were all so happy drawing the cards. It was amazing to see them do the activity .SPF volunteers became friends for the children and all of them were seen discussing on what to draw and what colors to use .I could see good team work among the children who trying to express and discuss their views on the Posters. Usage of colors and the drawings show how creative the children are and we need to learn that every one has creativity within them selves and we just need to give the opportunity to open up.
This gives me a thought that to be creative you just need to be open. By the end of the event we had around 40 to 50 creative cards and 5 to 6 posters.
We had a certificate Presentation activity for all Participants .This activity was like each one gets a certificate presented by his/her friend. There was enthusiasm in the children to give certificates to their friend’s .One could see the Joy in presenter and the receiver, it only shows how much each one of them wanted to be appreciated and wanted to appreciate others.
We ended up the activity by thanking the Teachers and the Principal who helped us and conduct the event .The Principal and the teachers thanked the Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) platform for the experience.
I immensely thank Soulbath Peace Foundation and Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) to have given me this opportunity to participate in the experience because it comes to me to teach some lessons which I need the most at this moment.
Priya Singh, Nokia Head HR
Raj Bhowmik 185
‘Children for Peace’- An SPF Initiative
A heart touching experience
Soulbath Peace Foundation (SPF) organised a heart touching Art Dialogue "Children for Peace" on Nov 20th, 2010 (Sat). This was a platform where children from all domains in society (economically weak / HIV+ / special needs/specially abled/ orphans) engaged to express their voices through Art and Colours in a collaborative environment.
One of the event venue was organized at Shradhanjali Integrated School, located at the campus of APD (Association of the People with Disability) in Lingarajapuram, Bangalore. Shradhanjali Integrated School gives admission to children with cerebral palsy, speech and hearing impairments, muscular dystrophy, and locomotor disability. It teaches students from nursery to Class VII after which they are ready to study with students in regular schools.
The day started with the volunteers meeting at APD campus to connect with children and enable them to express their thoughts and feelings on peace through art and colours. We, as volunteers, had to support twenty children through 3 activities. The activities involved expressing joy, peace and happiness through drawing and colouring pictures. They also had to write why they would like to give this drawing to someone.
As a first time volunteer, I had numerous questions on my mind- how will I explain ‘peace’ to children? How will I communicate? Will I understand them? Will they understand what I am trying to say? And so on…
As we walked into the school, the excited chatter of children reverberated through the school block. The children welcomed the Soulbath Peace Foundation’s volunteers with smiles, enthusiasm and warmth. Their energetic response and eagerness to learn, interact and communicate with us broke all barriers and within minutes all of us were totally one amongst them, sharing their need for expression and yearning to love and be loved.
While the children drew, coloured, the way they understood peace, joy and happiness- I understood a great deal about life. All the children were extremely talented and simple things they felt joy in was amazing. They were happy in the simple fact that someone was there listening and paying attention to them and accepting them as they were. Their eyes and faces lit up at a simple gesture of appreciation. A smile and a touch from us was more than enough for them to feel loved. It was heartening to see, how these children effortlessly helped each other. They were attuned to each others’ needs and reached out to one another without words. When working in the group, they automatically did what they were best at very naturally.. Each recognized the other team members’ strengths and encouraged the same. None of them focused on their shortcomings.
On that day, there was no need for words… all that mattered was a touch, a smile, a ‘thumbs up’ sign and unconditional love and acceptance for each other.
We came away feeling humbled by the experience but with a greater conviction that small actions do matter. No matter how busy we are in our lives, we need to take out some time to reach out to others and spread peace and joy around us in our own way. Heartfelt gratitude to Soulbath Peace Foundation and the Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) platform for this opportunity and we hope to be volunteers in more such initiatives.
A heart touching experience
Soulbath Peace Foundation (SPF) organised a heart touching Art Dialogue "Children for Peace" on Nov 20th, 2010 (Sat). This was a platform where children from all domains in society (economically weak / HIV+ / special needs/specially abled/ orphans) engaged to express their voices through Art and Colours in a collaborative environment.
One of the event venue was organized at Shradhanjali Integrated School, located at the campus of APD (Association of the People with Disability) in Lingarajapuram, Bangalore. Shradhanjali Integrated School gives admission to children with cerebral palsy, speech and hearing impairments, muscular dystrophy, and locomotor disability. It teaches students from nursery to Class VII after which they are ready to study with students in regular schools.
The day started with the volunteers meeting at APD campus to connect with children and enable them to express their thoughts and feelings on peace through art and colours. We, as volunteers, had to support twenty children through 3 activities. The activities involved expressing joy, peace and happiness through drawing and colouring pictures. They also had to write why they would like to give this drawing to someone.
As a first time volunteer, I had numerous questions on my mind- how will I explain ‘peace’ to children? How will I communicate? Will I understand them? Will they understand what I am trying to say? And so on…
As we walked into the school, the excited chatter of children reverberated through the school block. The children welcomed the Soulbath Peace Foundation’s volunteers with smiles, enthusiasm and warmth. Their energetic response and eagerness to learn, interact and communicate with us broke all barriers and within minutes all of us were totally one amongst them, sharing their need for expression and yearning to love and be loved.
While the children drew, coloured, the way they understood peace, joy and happiness- I understood a great deal about life. All the children were extremely talented and simple things they felt joy in was amazing. They were happy in the simple fact that someone was there listening and paying attention to them and accepting them as they were. Their eyes and faces lit up at a simple gesture of appreciation. A smile and a touch from us was more than enough for them to feel loved. It was heartening to see, how these children effortlessly helped each other. They were attuned to each others’ needs and reached out to one another without words. When working in the group, they automatically did what they were best at very naturally.. Each recognized the other team members’ strengths and encouraged the same. None of them focused on their shortcomings.
On that day, there was no need for words… all that mattered was a touch, a smile, a ‘thumbs up’ sign and unconditional love and acceptance for each other.
We came away feeling humbled by the experience but with a greater conviction that small actions do matter. No matter how busy we are in our lives, we need to take out some time to reach out to others and spread peace and joy around us in our own way. Heartfelt gratitude to Soulbath Peace Foundation and the Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) platform for this opportunity and we hope to be volunteers in more such initiatives.
Satish I. (SAHHEAL Healing Consultant, Entrepreneur)
Raj Bhowmik 186
It was a very nice experience visiting Shraddhanjali Integrated School. I was bit confused when I understood that we need to work with special children to help them draw because I have never even helped a normal kid to do that. But it was much easier and fulfilling experience thanks to the Raj Bhowmik Back-To-Society DREAM (RB-BTS DREAM) platform
.I observed that the specially abled kids really are so focussed about the assignments they are given. They are so nice to each other. There is no competition among themselves. They acknowledge each other so well. They are so happy for each others achievements. They get connected to a new person so well. There team work is amazing. We tend to forget about all these values in quest of success.
I was interacting with 4 kids, Vignesh, Kumar, Vijay & Raj. Vijay was a normal kid. Though he was not too interested in drawing, he was very actively explaining the other kid about everything I was trying to communicate. It was so nice to see that there was absolutely no discrimination among them which is such big issue in our world.
.I observed that the specially abled kids really are so focussed about the assignments they are given. They are so nice to each other. There is no competition among themselves. They acknowledge each other so well. They are so happy for each others achievements. They get connected to a new person so well. There team work is amazing. We tend to forget about all these values in quest of success.
I was interacting with 4 kids, Vignesh, Kumar, Vijay & Raj. Vijay was a normal kid. Though he was not too interested in drawing, he was very actively explaining the other kid about everything I was trying to communicate. It was so nice to see that there was absolutely no discrimination among them which is such big issue in our world.
How RB-BTS DREAM Changed our perception to Life and our Relationship
Raj Bhowmik 187
The sequence of events in my life through the journey with Soulbath Peace Foundation to lead to a more beautiful understanding of my soulmate and wife !!
See the World Through Me !! (Events as part of RB-BTS DREAM that lead to a deeper understanding of the School called Life)
The past few weeks have been very fascinating. First I had the opportunity to connect with my wife's grandfather which was a wonderful experience. When I was with him I felt so close to him and was able to connect with him very well. Being with him I was able to connect with my own grandfather and it was like her grandfather was my own in every sense. Both are very similar in terms of being full of life, smiling, loving and most of all abundance of wisdom. I was able to connect with her and understand her love for him which was similar to the way I was close to my grandfather.
The time I spent at Sri Sathya Sai Hospital was a humbling experience. To see and be with innocent children and giving myself completely to them and enjoying with them was something which I enjoyed for the first time in my life. I understood from the innocent children that irrespective of the pain and suffering they were undergoing, they still had the ability to smile, laugh and enjoy. I learnt a great deal from that experience.
The Children’s Day celebrations at the SPF Centre was a wonderful experience where again I could see children from various backgrounds and various walks of life irrespective of their situation were able to be united and enlighten the entire centre. Especially the SKID kids and the way I connected with them through a medium which for them was the only way to connect (writing) and the way which I would prefer not to connect. But still we were able to use the writing skill and enjoy the conversation. I enjoyed the aspect of me making the children laugh and fee comfortable in each others company.
Now with my Achilles heel (eyes- conjunctivitis) I was feeling very helpless and until date I felt comfortable connecting with my parents if I needed help. But this time around I realized that Smita has unconditional love towards me and made me feel so comfortable in my most vulnerable state. I felt she is somebody who will never let me down and will be my go to person whenever I need help. She took care of me like a baby and I am proud to say that she can do a better job in using her practical multitasking thinking and when I was comfortable slowly showed her emotions.
I wondered why I got the eye infection in the first place but now thinking back I feel it was a learning. I feel when I gave myself to the children and being with her grandfather by being compassionate the universe made me vulnerable so that the new relationship and a beautiful side of our relationship blossoms through compassion and love from each other. I am feeling so connected and happy with my relationship with my wife and I am happy that we value each other and are happy. I would like to thank Sri Raj Bhowmik and the RB-BTS DREAM for helping me realize this beautiful story in my life.