It was three years ago when I got connected with an NGO in Jaipur. They were on the lookout for a photographer in Jaipur to volunteer for candid photography. After a brief meeting with the director of the NGO, we fixed up a date for visiting their school and premises.
I visited their campus a couple of times, it is 40-45 km from Jaipur. My first weekend visit in the month of May turned out to be futile because of a sandstorm. April-May months witness lots of sandstorms; it gets worse in areas like Achrol with lots of barren land and open fields.
In an interaction, I asked if all the kids were orphans? A few are, the rest are abandoned, destitute and poor kids from the vicinity replied the manager. The NGO calls its facility a children’s village. They have a school on their campus, which includes both the ones living on their campus as well as those from the neighboring villages. The kids take computer lessons which means they are reasonably trained & oriented for the modern times.
Many volunteers from across the globe stay on the campus for months & contribute in all ways possible beyond money. A few teach kids, and others develop infrastructure. This Jaipur-based NGO maintains an association with many agencies across the world that assists them by finding donors and volunteers.
In this blog, I’m sharing limited information with pictures I clicked in 2016 along with information about some of the kids. This was not a staged photoshoot. The kids were engaged in their routine chores and I captured them candidly.
Name – B
Age- 6 years
B lost his parents and was living with his maternal uncle, a truck driver. Because of constant travel, his uncle brought him to this institution. He underwent a challenging time settling here because he was attached to his uncle. B is a clever & cocky kid as well as a proven prankster. He is a purple belt holder in Karate.
Name- N
Age- 10 years
She was brought to this NGO when she was 8 years old by her mother because her father was an unemployed alcoholic. Fearing N might fall into bad company, her mother decided to leave her in a safe company. N is friendly, sweet, and obedient. With a brown belt in karate, her dream is to travel to Australia someday.
Name-M
Name – N
Age – 12 years
A sports enthusiast who excels in studies too. N is a fast learner and a highly motivated child.
Name- S
Age- 6 years
Out of three, two siblings S and sister P (mentioned in this blog) were admitted here when their mother succumbed. Their father, a daily wage earner finding it difficult to manage kids, brought them here.
Name-P
Age- 7 years
P loves math and looks forward to the classes conducted by Ms. Cindy from California. P wants to be a dancer when she grows up; she enjoys music classes.
The kids in action in karate classes.
There’s so much that these faces hide and how little do we know.
I hope they all take on the world with their might escaping their difficult past.
For some reason, I felt confidence shines among these kids.
B is one such kid. This is a unique picture where I invited him to pose for a picture; his confidence is evident. Isn’t it?
This is not a sponsored post.Â
There is a reason why I have chosen to name this post-The Resilient Childhood. Childhood is marked with innocence and dreams. It is like a blank canvas where an artist draws or paints. These kids are extraordinary because they have undergone hard times yet they have so much resilience. Â
Is it possible to contribute to shaping their future in some way? Feel free to get in touch with me, and I will connect you with the organization.Â
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Overwhelming to see so many kids without a home. I’m so glad the NGO is doing a wonderful job with their schooling and all round development. Great pics, Arvind!
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Thanks, Cheryl. This is just a drop in the ocean. You know how things are. right? I agree this organization needs to be applauded for all that it is doing. Ever been to any such place, Cheryl?
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Yes, we have. I had taken social service (as a subject) in school. My mum always took us to the local orphanage or elderly home and we’d spend time or donate usable items. We still do that. In Kutch, NGO’s work with the locals to create speciality losing for tourists. If possible, we try opting for such places when we travel. I’d also considered working with certain NGOs. It’s still on my list. 🙂
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That’s great. Your mom’s efforts are appreciable. Making a positive difference in someone’s life is something we all can do. We must in whatever ways we can. Thanks for sharing this, Cheryl.
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wonderful and full of heart!
🙆💖
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I’m glad you liked it 🙂
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Although, they are black and white pictures but they bleed colours. The second child, with the alphabet B looks like he has been through a lot. Much love for them.
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I think B&W brings out the beauty of human emotions. Isn’t it so, Pragati ?
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I agree 😊
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I’m glad we are on the same page, Pragati 🙂
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Resilience is such an apt word you have chosen Arv and the black and white pics speak volumes. Hats off to these kids and the kind volunteers and donors.
It was very nice of you to do this for them and to spread awareness for this NGO. Well done!
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Thanks, Sandhya. I hope my efforts brings result. Let’s help in whatever ways we can to make a change in the lives of kids.
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Adorable shots.
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Such beautiful pictures and an apt title for kids as brave as these. Loved how you kept the pics B&W. It amplifies their strength. This place os doing a great job. I hope it continues.
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I happy you liked these pictures, Pradita. Well, these kids are rock stars. Did you have an opportunity to visit any place like this?
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I haven’t visited an orphanage but an old age home and their plight was equally bad because they are looking at their life’s ends. But some of them were so full of life, so positive and so encouraging that we youngsters were left shame faced. Loved the experience. There’s much to learn from humans who thrive in adversity. I’m sure you already know that 🙂
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I agree, Pradita. Why don’t you write about your experience?
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It was way too long ago. I don’t even remember anymore where it is and what exactly we did there
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oh!
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Thank you for connecting with us and for giving such positive feedback on our blog post, “NGO in Business.”
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Your photos and words brought tears to my eyes. I am a 70 year old, who strongly feels that we barely contribute to the well being of less fortunate and less deprived members of our country, especially children. People like you show courage and compassion. God bless and may you continue doing what you do.
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I agree. I’m sure we all can contribute in a better way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, appreciate your time and efforts. It means a lot.
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