A visit to Sawali bal anath ashram

One day we got a marriage invitation of our relative. Excited to know where the venue was we just turned over the card. The landmark was near "Sawali Bal Ashram" and immediately we surfed over the net to know d more about the Ashram. But we could not find much but just directions and address so we decided to previsit the Orphanage. From many days we were searching for orphanage and unexpectedly we could find one and within our reach. The main motive was to donate something and let Varad know how it goes.  We went there and inquired about how they accept the donation. We could not meet the main person but we got his phone number. We were very confused as it did not look like an orphanage. We decided to visit it on Sunday and help the institution. Ronald Regan once said "we cant help everyone, but everyone can help someone". We met the concerned person Mr. and Mrs. Mahesh Ahiwale. After talking to him we got to know some points. Mr. & Mrs. Ahiwale were working in a firm at Pune. Mr. Ahiwale was a project manager in a very good firm, Mrs. Ahiwale was also working. But after some years after realization of some situations and small children they decided to leave their job and work for orphans. Look at the guts, one will think thousand times for such a step. Hatsoff to Mr. & Mrs. Ahiwale. Usually an orphanage is a residential institution devoted to the care and development of children whose parents are unable of unwilling to take care of them. They started this Sawali bal ashram from 1997. Currently there are 25 children from 3 -14 years of which only 1 was boy and rest all girls. Mr. & Mrs. Ahiwale let 22 girls get married with the good boys. When we went there they called all the kids . There was such a discipline, all came in a line and sat according to their fixed sequence. They all sang a song for us, the chorus sound was amazing.   The children well disciplined. When asked how did you expanded till date Mr. Ahiwale told, many people give donations in different ways. But still it is not enough so he uses his own income for development of children. All children are going to school. After talking to him we realized that a man's true wealth is the good he does to others in this world.  He seemed to be so happy and contented for the work he is doing. We donated some grossery to the sawali orphanage. Actually it did not look like a orphanage as the children were living so nicely and with care for each other. The best part of the ashram was they did not placed a board or plate or directions for their place. After asking this to Mr. Ahiwale he said "I have done it purposely as while crossing sawali the children should not get the feeling that they stay in ashram, this is their home". He also took care of the mentality of the children. I was very shocked for his sentence. We decided to help institutions like this as and when we get chance in different ways. Mother Teresa also said "If you cant feed a hundred people, then just feed one". It was just an amazing experience visiting this orphanage. When I shared this experience with my friends, I got to know that one of my friend Mr. Samay Omanwar who just joined cognizant donated his first salary to an educational institute. Many people enjoy their first salary as they want, even I did and later realized but good work Samay. He is helping for such a institute in Pune from last many years by arranging different activities and conducting programs. I will insist my friends and relatives please do help in any way you want it gives us satisfaction...