The year 2014 for us, the Team at @LifeInSurat, ended with an opportunity to profile and document this great act of love and compassion - Vatsalya Dham. And we are happy that the year 2015 for the blog is starting with this post.
We felt privileged to be able to spend a day at this noble institution which is a sincere effort to make Surat a better place and are happy to be able to share it with you today via the medium that this blog is.
Vatsalya Dham is a social service initiative, funded by Smt. S. H. Gajera Charitable Trust, and is dedicated to providing a stable and loving atmosphere to abandoned or neglected children of Surat. The ashram orphanage which started in 2006 with 35 kids, today cares for 700 children giving them a chance at better and balanced tomorrows.
This ashram styled orphanage not only provides food, clothing and shelter for these kids, it also makes sure each of them get proper schooling and education. The daily life of these kids is a full and well balanced routine, teaching them both responsibility and discipline.
The day for these kids begins with an early morning prayer and yoga session.
The orphanage farm grows fresh produce for their staple diet. The ashram cows provide fresh milk for the children and staff. And the kids help the kitchen staff produce three nutritious meals daily.
Vatsalya Dham focuses on a well-rounded upbringing of these kids and education forms an important part of the lives of these kids. And facilities here are at par with most other private schools of the city.
The facilities also include a Science Lab, a Computer Lab, the Theater Room and well equipped play areas for the all round development of these kids.
It is also worth noting here that all of this has been built and is being maintained by the Smt. S. H. Gajera Charitable Trust without any donations.
We spent a whole day at this House of Hope, talking to children, listening to their stories, their dreams. Some dream of becoming a doctor, some dream of becoming a scientist, some even want to become photographers and writers and travel the world. And we could not help but appreciate the sincere efforts of Gajera Family and people behind the Trust which funds such initiatives helping these children dream these dreams and become contributing members of Indian society.
2015 for the blog could not have started on a better note :)
@LifeInSurat Team.