“We are beginning with one day a week and then plan to increase more in the near future”, we explained to the new teacher. This is a continuation of our association with the Rashmee School and a small but significant step towards having our own school for the underprivileged kids. But this was an end to a wonderful day that began at Ramola Bhavan, the home for old aged ladies. Anavi has been associated with Ramola Bhavan from the beginning. A small gesture on our part was made to make the chilly winters a little bit more comfortable for these ladies. Blankets, warm and light in weight, were distributed among the inmates so that they can comfortably sit and enjoy their evenings with these wrapped around them. Keeping the festivities in mind, Christmas cake was also distributed. These ladies really cherish the time we spend with them, something intangible that is so expensive nowadays. They just need someone to talk to them. But we do a little more. One of the members’ young son played guitar for them which was highly appreciated. Some of them hugged him and wished him the best for his studies. Another lady, in turn, sang a couple of songs for us. That she can’t see and needs help to move around did not seem to be a deterrent to her spirit. “Aabar aashbe tomra (Come again soon)”, they said as we left in the afternoon. We definitely welcomed the festive season a few days early this time. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This was one of the major works that Anavi has taken up. As we grow older (we are in our third year now) there are more people interested to join and contribute and it is through their blessings and prayers that we have been able to come so far.