A FAMILY BEYOND BLOOD
2018-12-27The journey of “Resta Foundation” started eight years ago when a simple man visited Banglamukhi temple to pray with his family. In his disbelief, he came across a group of helpless, innocent souls of five, six-year-old begging for a living. What made him feel worse about witnessing the melancholy of the children was the feel that the smile has long left their faces, never to return. It looked like they have given up on their life in such a small age and were begging just for the sake of surviving. The images of their sorrowful faces did not leave the man’s mind until a long time. Their sadness had disheartened him in such a way that he wanted to make a change in their lives in a best way he can.
That was when he made a decision to establish “Resta Foundation” to dedicate himself to shape future of needy homeless children. He was determined and self-assured to take a huge step towards the betterment of the children’s lives and was reassured to bring their smile back on their faces. The core mission of RF which was established on May 2011 is to shape the future of the underprivileged children in the best way possible.
Currently, there are six wonderful little souls in RF. Starting with the eldest of the RF family is Jay, a fifteen-year-old teenager who is highly determined and focused in his studies and in extra curriculum activities. He also guides his brother and sister in their studies. Next, there is Sher Bahadur who is an active kid and loves communicating with people. He is much fond of creative works. Then, there is Gita, who is a quiet yet fun loving kid. She is a very hardworking girl. And then, there is Jenisha, who is a really good dancer. She also acts amazingly and hopes to become an actor in future. Lastly, there is Ashmita, the youngest, who is mischievous yet sweet and lovely.
These beautiful children have had a privilege to grow themselves in a nurturing environment where they are loved, cared and nourished equally. And most importantly, their smile has returned. They have become one family in the foundation beyond the blood they share. Had it not been this way, they might have been just another underprivileged child who would have suffered and looked down upon. They might have had miserable and tormented lives.
If an individual can make a change in lives of six different children, why can’t we? Put your words on actions and take a small step towards the change. Let us all take out an initiative to make the lives better for the ones’ less fortunate than us. Because in the end all smiles matter.
-Selena Jha
The Author is Assistant-Academic Operations of KFA