A very different and thoroughly delightful Xmas party was celebrated at the pediatric ward of a local, state run hospital on the 21st of Dec.The esteemed guests of honour being the tiny- tot residents of the ward, their parents/guardians, the nurses /attendants and gradually…. a whole lot of curious onlookers! A very fit, slim n trim Santa was actually a well known heart throb –an RJ on the vastly popular ‘Radio Mirchi’- Srikant! chatting up the kids and bringing down barriers of shyness and hesitation; the organizers being part of a social organization led by gracious Saira Sikand , the indefatigable Nalini Ramchandran, the many volunteers as well as employees –current and past ,from the bookstore- Twist n Tales led by the owner Janki…full of zeal and dedication which made this fifth Christmas party in the hospital… a dreamlike reality ! Begining with a fun filled round of the wards with Santa(Claus…not Singh!) giving away gifts , all assembled in an outdoor venue decorated with colorful streamers and comfortable mats .Excitement and curiosity brimmed around and once the little ones were settled there was no stopping their fun!They were treated to some foot-tapping carols by young volunteers-Nandini, Yamini and Eeshaan a fun filled story with voluble cats and dogs ,donkey’s and cockerels.. which proved the power of togetherness, some wonderful nursery rhymes which the children happily joined in ,more stories by first timer Riaz and Geetanjali followed by a brief ‘jamming’ session in which the children under treatment actually ventured to contribute to the program! A song and a poem, a shy, bashful smile and a straight run into the parent’s arms absolutely delighted one and all present!
All in all it turned out to be one of the best parties I’d attended in the yearJ
Where an innocent smile invites
Joy that lurks in a hearts
Darkest corner’s……
When spontaneity reflects the
Mind’s true desire….
How giving away a smile
Yields a ‘return gift ‘ of immeasurable delights…J…until next Christmas then….!
