Children don’t need chocolates

 Few years ago one day evening while walking in Chennai streets, we (my wife & myself) came across a children’s home (orphanage). We thought of going inside. How can we meet strange children with empty hand? So we bought half a kilo of éclairs chocolates from a nearby shop and went inside.

While walking in, we heard a gentle voice, “where are you going”? Looking around we saw a lady through a window. We went near and told her that we would like to meet those little children inside. What is in your hands? She asked. Chocolates. The lady told us, we have plenty of food here. Every now and then we receive calls from leading bakeries and chocolate companies to supply us. Normally we say no to such call.

Thanks for coming here with a good intention, but our children don’t need chocolates. We were puzzled and blinking. Then came her words, they need your love, physical touch, smile and laughter, your presence. She requested us to spend at least one hour with them. With doubts and not so confident we moved in.

We were surprised to see a young man just playing with few kids. He was just rolling and playing with them almost teaching us how to be most useful for those little children. He was just a 25 year old teenager working in an IT company. Overwhelmed by his actions, we asked him how often he comes there. He said every day! All the 7 days? He said yes. 

It's incredible to see the dedicated young man who spends time with the children every day. His commitment to making a positive impact in their lives is truly inspiring. It's often the simple gestures and consistent presence of caring individuals that can make a significant difference in the lives of children in need. Acts of kindness and compassion like this can have a lasting impact on both the children and the individuals involved.