I am probably the newest entrant to the MAD world in Kochi and lining up for my first class tomorrow at Balbhavan (as an 'Intern' ofcourse). Its like your first day in university or a new job. I am definitely excited and a trifle nervous too at the same time. This is also my first post. Let me share a story with all of you which I found truly inspirational. Just some time back while watching 'DD News', I came across a news item featuring one Khatam Singh from Orissa. The feature showed Khatam Singh being honoured and felicitated by a small saree clad lady going by the name of Pratibha Devi Singh Patil. Infact, Khatam Singh and his group of 40 odd children from the orphanage run by him were invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to have a luncheon meeting with the first citizen of our country. The President even donated a sum of Rs 50,000/- towards upkeep of the orphanage managed by Khatam Singh. Now, who is Khatam Singh and why was he invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan? Khatam Singh was born in a destitute family and they were so poor that he had taken to begging early in his life. Now, what did Khatam Singh do with the money he was able to gradually save over the years from his earnings as a beggar? No, he did not hide it in a pit underground to be reclaimed years later. He gradually took under his care a few destitute children from his own and neighbouring villages and started providing for them. He also tried meeting their educational needs. And this is how the idea of the orphanage/home gradually crystallised. This must have been India's first orphanage founded and funded by a professional beggar. Is'nt the story truly inspirational? I would like to keep on sharing such amazing stories with all of you from time to time through MAD blog posts. That, I believe, would help to keep the fire burning within each one of us. Bye for now.
