Sometimes, something happens that warms the cockles of one’s heart. The Lyness Club Ojaswini had sponsored a free Eye Camp for the children of a school in Sector 37.
As the children queued up to read the eye chart, one of the ladies overheard a discussion regarding giving a double promotion to young Ishika Lal, a topper of class 3, for sending her directly to Class 5. Ishika herself was quite keen. She loves to study, and badgers anyone who she can to “parhado”. Her mother Monica, who works as a maidservant, was widowed six years ago, at 33, and left to fend for herself, and her 2 small children: A son, Sushant, now 16, and a young 9-year-old Ishika. As wretched misfortune would have it, Sushant is as bright as a fused bulb, and the school, which had been giving him a free education, put its hands up. Monica was faced with additional fees of 1700/month toward school fees and extra tuition, apart from the cost of books and uniforms. Far from a double promotion, it looked like her mother would have to make a Sophie’s Choice, and sacrifice the daughter’s education, to pay for the Sons.
Neeta Puri, (who had heard the discussion) made a passionate representation to the school teachers not to consider a double promotion. Ishika is a tiny little bundle, and moving into an older group of prepubescent children would likely take her into an uncomfortable company. Besides, skipping the emotional and social growth, her performance would most likely drop, acting as a disincentive.
That issue sorted, Neeta dragged in her friend, Indira. A short parley ensued, and the rest of the Ladies of the Club were quickly convinced that the girl child had to be supported. A rummage in each purse and the entire year’s tuition fees were handed over to the class teacher. Monica burst into tears, and cried copiously, at finding this heaven-sent solution to her problems. Ishika was scooped out of her classroom and presented to her benefactors. Not quite following the ramifications of the intervention, she nevertheless thanked the Ladies prettily for their kindness and, looking a bit dazed, posed for a group photo with her mother and “aunties”.
A simple act of kindness – it didn’t take much. What is exceptional is the ability to get involved in other people’s problems and find a solution. Thank you, kind ladies. People like you make the world a good place.
by Anita Singh (A-369, Sec 31; 9810027974)
