The students of Seshadripuram Institute of Management Studies (SIMS) recently kicked off their new year in a noble fashion — they inaugurated a social club, Hrudaya Spandana.
They visited a children's home as part of the club activities, along with some faculty members.
Students distributed gifts to the children and shared many stories as well as jokes with them.
"We had collected funds and gave the children gifts. The event had been planned a few days back so that we could buy all the essentials that the children require," says Amit, a faculty member of the college.
The students not only visited the children — they also invited them to their college and arranged a fun-filled cultural programme for them, complete with games and a small film on popular cartoon characters. "The children were invited to our college and we tried our best to entertain them. We had arranged a small cultural programme, where we presented a dance, a couple of songs and some games. The games were organised so that the children would feel involved and comfortable among us," says Sukrath, a management student.
He adds that it was a very touching experience for the students.
"It was a moment of realisation for many of us. We realised how lucky we are to lead a comfortable life. We had bought various things which are essential for the day-to-day life of the children. We bought things like mats, books, notebooks, pens, a geyser etc. At the end of the trip, we were all very touched and hope that we would be able to help the children in the future as well," he states.
Astha, a management student, notes that the children are a happy bunch, despite the hardships they face. "It was difficult to communicate with them initially as I don't know the local language — but the children made things so easy and comfortable that this wasn't a handicap at all. I could talk to them and we actually had a very nice time together. We are planning to conduct a sports day for them in the next semester. I feel that all students should have a social responsibility and contribute to the society," she says.
Rose Resiya, another student, points out that the children were pretty expressive and they had a good time at the children's home too.
"We brought sweets, chocolates and other goodies for the children. They did not get tired of thanking us and easily made friends with us. We are looking forward to meeting them in the next
semester," she concludes.