The Season Of Blossom

“As a kid I didn’t even have proper clothes to wear and a leaking asbestos rooftop was home. Today, I wear good clothes, eat healthy food and have found a safe haven within the portals of Maher,” says Savita. As the 20-year-old speaks her heart out, for a refreshing change, one can sense that humanity has not yet taken a retreat, and words like hope and dreams still hold good, irrelevant of the situations that surround a person. Giving the Midas touch to the story is the fact that Savita is now educated and all set to get married. And for the magical metamorphosis that her life has undergone, which includes arranging her marriage, she shall be ever grateful to Maher.

Savita was eight when Sister Lucy, founder director of the NGO, took her under Maher’s care. Today, one of the oldest inmates of Maher, Savita, cannot help smiling, as she is amazed at the way her life has evolved. “I cannot express my happiness as I see my dreams taking shape,” says an ecstatic Savita.

In spite of hailing from a background where the family of six was hardly able to get even two square meals a day and her father’s deafness and speech problems added on to the pressure on her mother, Savita always had bigger aspirations. “I always dreamt of a better life. Whenever I used to see other children of my age going to school, I often cried and prayed to God to give me an opportunity to study as well,” comes the poignant revelation from Savita.

Talking about Savita’s interest in studies, Sister Lucy says, “Savita was always inclined towards learning computer and we saw to it that she pursues her interest. Today it gives me much pleasure to see her handling all the tally work at Maher’s office so efficiently.”

A basic education uptil class 12 and special courses in hardware technology and mechanics, have acted as a tremendous boost to Savita’s self-confidence. “After my marriage I would like to pursue career as a teacher,” says the would-be bride who already has career plans etched out in her mind.

There are people who often crib about mundane things in life and there are those who stop believing in their dreams for the fear of not being able to see them turning into a reality but the likes of Savita refuse to give up in life. “For me, dreams, determination, and faith in God are the three essentials that can see a person through any adversity,” comes the definite conclusion.