2009 - GauShala, Vada Pav Distribution & Blanket Distribution

As we got into the flow of activities for spreading smiles ... we lost count of the blessings we were getting. We got into it completely, and entire 2009 saw activities which were done outdoors.

In June 2009, we first planned for a Gau Shala (Shelter for cows) visit. Cows are considered sacred and are worshiped in the Hindu Religion. We went to the Gau Shala and served cows a very healthy fodder comprising of gud (jaggery), daliya and ghee. 

At first we were little scared but gradually, as the cows stuck out their tongues and ate delighfully from out hands, we got comfortable too. It was a pleasant experience. We served the cows food, gave them water to drink, observed their behaviour and saw how protective they were for their younger ones.

In September 2009, we all rolled out in our cars on a Vada-Pav distribution drive. We roamed around remote streets of Mumbai where people sleep in tiny self-made huts, with no water to drink and no food to eat. We distributed packets comprising of vada-pav and biscuits. The small packets distributed brought countless blessings, smiles and cheerful tears our way. People were delightfully pouncing onto our cars, trying to grab those packets from us. Although the experience gave us a satisfaction that we have fed a few hungry stomachs for the day, yet it also left us with a thought for all those who'd struggle for their daily bread.

And then on one of the chilled winters nights of December 2009, the smile spreaders were on their way out of their homes, to provide blankets to the poor who sleep by the road pavements, shivering away in cold. Nothing can be more satisfying than a blessing from someone who's most basic need has just been satisfied. :) :) :)

We ventured out, along road sides, to find old men, women, and some with their families, lying there helplessly without the most basic clothing & shelter on their heads. We found them sleeping on the roads and all we did was spread the blankets on them. Some kept sleeping, now with ease, but some woke up scared at first, but later ... happy to realise that someone just came by, to help them fight for their life.

While we sleep at home, on our cozy comfortable beds ...  least do we realise the plight of these people who struggle through the chills of breezy winter nights. But this experience brought us close to the feeling of these people. We hope to have done our bit, in whatever small way possible, to keep them from the hands of deadly wind chills.