They need YOU

The first glimpse whilst entering the Agathi Mandiram, Kollam, Kerala was of a boy, maybe in early twenties, lying on the floor. He was soiled and naked, except a tiny piece of dirty cloth around his waist. Lying there, he looked up at the visitors. Then, he returned to the same position neglecting us, as if it were a normal thing.

Visitors in colorful attire bringing them something; food, most of the time.

It was a new world to me. A new kind of experience. They were the people I never believed existed. Of course, I had seen beggars, but this was different. The dormitories smelt of urine and human faeces. The atmosphere was putrid. 

There were 160 of them. Men and women. Most of them have psychological problems, remaining slowly slipping into state of delirium. Government pays 1000 rupees for each person per month. It is not even sufficient for their food, forget medicines. Then, who is bothered about treating them and bringing them back to normal life. 

I avoided eye contact with them while distributing the food we brought. I dare not look into their eyes. They will not scold or abuse me. But I could assume a question reflected in the depths of their eyes. A question to me. A question to the society where I belong.

Have you gone blind to see our suffering?

I took a glance back while returning from there. I could see a number of eyes looking at us, with a glint of hope.

Yes, I will come. I will come again. I may not be a millionaire to shell out money. At the same time, who wants that lifeless piece of paper? They want love. They want to be cared. 

And love is more valuable, more meaningful, than any amount of money. It can cure any ailing heart.

I have decided to come here again and again. For them. For us. 

What about you?

Do something today, you will not regret it.