An unusual Republic Day

    26th January 1950 - Republic Day - the day on which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar - the architect of the Indian Constitution handed it over to the then president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. This day marks the 'change' in the way the government in our country functions. For nearly 2 and a half years after independence the government was still following the structure and the procedures presided by the British government but this day was that 'change.' Today, on this day, the President of India hoists the national flag at Rajpath in New Delhi and is sung along with the national anthem, followed by the parades, cultural programs and also giving away of the prestigious Padma awards. Likewise in schools, colleges, societies also this day is celebrated and the flag is unfurled.
    For some including me this day is nothing more than national holiday, a DP change on WhatsApp or a post update on Facebook or a pic in white kurta on Instagram indicates my patriotism for the nation. This day means a get away from the monotonous life. If this holiday comes clubbing with a weekend then great, an outing can be planned or if there isn't a weekend then it's a day for a movie. This year too I had the similar plans for going to watch Shah Rukh's Raees which I ultimately watched later but on the republic day a different experience, a different opportunity came knocking.
    There is this person, a software engineer by profession named Ashok Deshmane living not so far from my house, I never knew him before. He has left his cushy job and is now running an NGO - 'Snehwan- a ray of hope' and it certainly is a ray of hope. We all know, heard, read, seen the terrible condition of the farmers in the drought affected Latur, Beed, Osmanabad. We all feel sympathetic for them but ultimately do nothing. But this young man has foster homed 17 kids of such poor farmers in his house and is providing them with nourished food, quality education and not only shelter but an able support and teacher in himself. This man lives by the principles of Baba Amte and Dr. Prakash Baba Amte.
   I along with my friends and our students at Study Hubs and their parents spent nearly 4 hours with him and the kids. The humble man that he is told all about his journey and the hardships that he has faced and faces in nurturing these kids. The kids are also damn good. They recite wonderful poems, do beautiful drawing and also play tabla. This was my first time on doing something for such a good cause. The kids and the parents at Study Hubs generous donated.
    After this day I strongly believe that in today's day Social Responsibility is a must for every individual. If you earn 100 rupees donate at least 1 rupee. If we want our country to progress in tandem we will have to join forces and giving our helping hands to the ones who actually need.