Messages from Manav Sadhna

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Just before 2007 ended, I spent a week volunteering for a non-profit organization in Ahmedabad. Manav Sadhna works their magic from a humble corner of the Gandhi Ashram. I can not express all that my heart is feeling after spending too few days with these wonderful people. In such a short span of time, I truly felt the love and warmth they extend to so many hundreds of people whom they interact with on a daily basis. I was welcomed as one of the MS pariwar (family) - it was an incredibly humbling feeling.

Across from Manav Sadhna is the second largest slum in India. Over the past 15 years, MS has helped the people living there to install irrigation pipes and sanitation facilities, understand the importance of hygiene, and care for their neighbors no matter what caste or creed they belong to. During the week that I was there, the kids put on a Christmas show, which was a big hit. I also visited some of the informal schools that are striving to give a basic education to the next generation. Days were spent preparing for the Christmas show, helping out at the street school, and generally pitching in wherever help was needed. Most evenings I spent a few hours volunteering in the kitchen at Seva Cafe. The Seva Cafe pariwar has touched a special place in my heart - the way they give of themselves selflessly night after night is truly an inspiration to all. I will definetly be visiting again 😊

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Photos

Street school
These kids were adorable :)

Dinner time at Seva Cafe
After the guests leave and Seva Cafe closes for the night, the volunteers enjoy dinner together.

Tekra
Some of the kids from Manav Sadhna lived in these slums.

Comments

[Bapsy]

Helping MS kids
Hi Jen, I am very happy to see you helping the poor children and very proud of you. Keep up the good work. ILU.