Face Value: I CAN BE A ROLE MODEL TOO

I can be a role model too

Last week I accompanied my friend to Rewari. While returning to Delhi, we got down at Samaypur Badli station. We were hungry, my friend pointed towards a roadside stall. I was surprised by her choice but followed her silently. We were greeted by a cheerful boy, wearing blue shirt , blue jeans and sporting cool hair style. He took us to a comfortable seat, near the fan, brought water for us. My friend asked her about his well being and work and then ordered food. When he went, I couldn’t stop myself from asking her about the special treatment we were getting and how on earth she knows the boy? The boy turned up with hot piping food,“Madamji, chole bhature khao aur thandi lassi piyo. Kuch chahiye ho to bula lena.”( Madamji, have chole bhature and cold lassi. Call me if you need something.) I was loosing my patience and asked her to open about this unusual bond. What she told me left me in tears and speechless…but its worth sharing.

“Chotu”, was the name he grew up with. No one knew about his original name, parents or where he came from? It was like he came from nowhere and somehow landed at Child Welfare Home for boys, Alipur. Since he had no one of his own, it was believed that he got separated from his parents. He couldn’t adjust there and was transferred to Astha Kunj, Rewari, HARYANA. By now he was around 12 years and had earned the reputation of a mischievous lad. Due to his behavioural problems, he was sent back to Child welfare Committee, Delhi. They shifted him to Shubakshika Open Shelter home which has earned the name for handling difficult children.

Chotu was indeed a tough boy to handle who would start fighting at the slightest provocation and bully the fellow children. The staff at SOS decided to tackle the problem from the core and observed Chotu for few days. Very soon it was found, that deep inside Chotu was a lonely person, yearning to be loved and appreciated. Once the problem was diagnosed, the road to recovery was smooth with few bumps and obstacles. The NGO staff made it a point to make Chotu an important and integral part of SOS parivar. He was involved in all the activities of Shelter home and his opinions and ideas, if good, were not only appreciated but also implemented. He showed interest in cooking and very soon displayed his culinary skills. Children and staff enjoyed his food and appreciated him. Appreciation, Love and faith of SOS transformed Chotu into a new person. Since he was a minor, but above 14, so with CWC special permission he was apprenticed to a chat/chole bhature shop where he was paid Rs 2500 as a stipend. His earnings were deposited by SOS in bank.

In May 2016, Chotu will be 18, can handle his accounts and can even start his own venture. From ‘no one’ to ‘someone’, Chotu’s journey has been full of ups and downs but Shubakshika has proved that “Best efforts always bring results”.

“Madamji, shall I get you something more? How was the food? “Chotu’s voice brought me back to present. I thanked him for his hospitality and we paid our bill. Looking at him, who could think that a spoilt, illiterate bully would become a role model for so many. The boy who once threw plates would be feeding others with his hands.

Chotu reaffirmed my belief that only LOVE, COMPASSION and EMPATHY are enough to conquer and change a person and the world in whole.

Best of Luck Chotu for your future endeavours. Way to go!

If you are interested to help, you can contact at the following address:
Shubhakshika Educational Society
H.O.: SHUBH Open Shelter Home
J-Block, sector-16,
Plot no.124/125Rohini, New Delhi-110089.

For further queries, contact
ROSY SACHDEVA (Secretary)
TEL No: +9199-10-049390
sachdevarosy72@gmail.com