In the middle of the monsoon, a fine morning is very unusual.
For the rains to hold off for almost a whole day, just about unheard of. But last week on the 28th, a group of very important visitors came to Malavali to visit the children at Shikshan Gram. And the rain held off.
This was a day of bringing together the links the have been formed many years ago – as friends came together to join forces. Maya and Akhil Shahani and 30 sudents from the Shahani Centre of Management brought Paul Dunn and Masami Sato from Singapore to visit. Paul and Masami are the creators of a wonderful concept and organisation called Buy1Give1 which supports and helps thousands of underprivileged people throughout the world.
And the Rain Gods smiled and took a break to allow them all to go up to the new site to see the construction and to have a great demonstration by the Shaolin Volunteers.
The project was explained in depth to the visitors and the Maya and Paul and Masami planted a tree .. to show that under the shade of this tree, the project would grow and flourish.
As Nandini recounted when Paul and Masami visited the children at the current premises:
“The kids were in their element. The degree of excitement,love and happiness cannot be explained or written about.
It moved Paul to tears!!!!!! He had 60 of the kids vying for his attention and affection. It was hard to say good bye! I hope you will be back soon, as we await your next visit impatiently!!!!!A very big Thank You to Maya and Akhil for making this visit possible and loads of blessings from the little ones to all of you who are trying so hard to make a difference to their lives!”
