Give them a reason to smile!

Ever felt extremely happy doing something extremely simple, something we really didn’t think would actually matter? The happiness we get from this is the best – anytime we think back to it, we will feel ourselves brimming with joy. This happiness is exalted when we give someone else a reason to smile. We get so many chances to do this, to give someone a chance and reason to smile, but how many of us take the chance?

Take the children affected by Down Syndrome (DS), for instance. I had the opportunity to meet eight of them during December last year. Simple and delightful people to be around with, they really make you think hard about how easy it is to gain happiness. These eight children work and make simple things people can use, like floor swabs, incense sticks, yoga mats, little carpets, greeting cards, paper bags and so on. Managed and run by their parents, “DS Special Children Welfare Association” is the organization in Chennai that brings together these eight children and puts into use the vocational training they have been given by their parents.

The organization sells its products in various little sales organised around the city. The best part about this organisation is that it makes these children believe (rightly, at that!) that they can support themselves with the work they do. And this, is the best gift they can give these children, who normally only attract attention or sympathy anywhere for how they are different from others. Each child does his or her work with absolute dedication, and being a personal witness, I can only say that their resolute attention to what they do stuns me.

This organization has now moved to a building in Virugambakkam donated by a well wisher. As they are moving, they are in need of some things like a van to bring and drop the children in their homes, tools, machinery, raw materials and fans. The parents of these children have so far been supporting this cause whole-heartedly, by providing the capital needed for all their work. Now that they are moving to a new place, they need more funds for the things I just mentioned.

Many of us here earn, most of us are well enough to provide for these children. A tiny contribution we make could really make a big difference in the lives of these eight people who are able to support themselves to a big extent. As I already said, giving them the confidence that they can also make a contribution is the biggest help anyone could do to them. And when we have the means to do it, let’s not miss the chance.

I put forth my appeal on behalf of the organization to you. Please give in what you can. Cheques or DDs can be made in favour of “DS Special Children Welfare Association, Virugambakkam”. Even if you won’t be able to be of help financially at the moment, encourage anyone to do so. They have their regular sales where they sell the products made by the children, and if you come across one, do buy something. For, unknown to you, one of these children glows with pride and happiness every time you help them.

Click here for details of the organization and its appeal.