Happy Children's Day!

So, there we were: the local politician, the doctor and the (expat) volunteer: 3 honored and humbled guests at an amazing event! According to the program, we were there "to grace the Annual Felicitation Function":-) We were welcomed with flowers and coconuts and got a shawl hanged around our necks - and together we lit the four sided candle for hope, prosperity, enlightenment, and for the best of the event! And then the party was on!

But it was really all about the kids! Because today is Children's Day here in India, and "my" NGO threw a big celebration! It was about encouragement and acknowledgement, dreams and hopes -  aaaand about having fun! And it really seems like they did - and so did we- by the way!

The doctor, the politician, myself and another guest from the NGO Mumbai Smiles - we had the great honor of giving out prizes to the kids. They were celebrated for good results in school, for winning dance and music competitions and for extra skills - like writing poetry and drawing. A lot of prizes and a lot of happy faces! The children performed dances, they recited poems and held speeches, and we grown-ups held speeches too. I must admit that by the time it was my turn, I was already quite moved by the atmosphere. It is something about celebration & children: you know: standing there and see The Future sitting there in front of you - wonderful individuals with hopes, dreams and plans. I so want the best for each and one of them.

Here are some pictures from my day:

Light the candle - and the celebrations begin:-)

And the performances start - here a modern dance:-) 

An active and supportive audience - the bright future of India:-) 

Another dance performance - a more traditional Indian dance.  

A prize - ready to be given out! Of course served in style:-) 

A celebration is coming to an end! 

In India, Children's day is always celebrated on the 14 of November, which is also Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday (the first prime minister of the country). Today, in schools, offices, institutions and organisations there have been cultural performances, competitions and games.

For me it has been a memorable day - with the kids, guests, and last but not least: with great colleagues - who did a wonderful job organizing the whole event! They are the ones who are doing such an important job every single day - for so many of the children and their families in this area (despite some challenges now and then.... ) Trying to make it a children's day every day, all year round... Oh, I am so grateful to be a volunteer there!

Best regards to you dear reader, and Happy Children's day, wherever you are:-)