Attempt to bring more happiness with Swaroopseva's Madhurangan.

On 17th December 2022 along with my friend Suyash Mokashi and Rohini Sonawane we left towards Madhurangan. It is a place 17 km from Pune in Bhukkum in Khatpewadi. We picked up some essential supplies like rice , oil and vegetables on the way. Surprisingly it rained at night. On the way we were talking about the next days event, it was about hosting Gurukripa Special Education Centre Pune. 6 students 4 care takers and 3 teachers were expected.

The next day we woke up early and then went for a stroll around. There is a Machan built in Umesh Zhirpe ji's private land from where we get a good view of the surrounding area. Towards the south of this machan we are able to see the Ramtekdi , It is the ridge where Ramnadi's first primary tributary is formed. Then we returned back to Madhurangan but oon the way we passed through the mango platation here we can see 60 different varieties of mangoes and all are scientifically labelled hence it is an attempt to conserve the varieties of mangoes. Other traditional plant species are also present. The interesting thing for me was the presence of trimukhi Rudraksha tree. Suyash also showed me the seed. We also caught a lizard and we observed that the lizards ears are see-through or like its just one hole. see the image below.

Then we got ready for the day and started our work. Firstly we had to move 40 beds and prepare the hall for the indoor events in afternoon. After which we also arranged tables and chairs outside. It was intensive but due to freedom given it felt less of a task and more of devotion. Around 9:30 the guest arrived, we already had the breakfast and tea ready. Pohe were prepared for breakfast followed by tea and biscuits. Then we took guests for a stroll that we had went earlier that day and yes we clicked a bunch of photos on machan and the swing below it. The machan was also the place where we introduced everyone , we were happy to learn about the skills and abilities of these kids. The teachers and caretakers were also very enthusiastic. Their understanding of the world was quite deep. I did not expect that initially but I was amazed to learn about the work they did in past and ongoing.

Then we headed back to the ground where we all together played board games like ludo , snakes and ladders and also some games that include physical movement like dodge the ball , frisbee and badminton. It was a nice activity that kind of made everyone feel happy and placed us on the same platform. Sports bring together is true. These games went on for quite some time. The afternoon heat started rising and it was already 1:30 PM so it was time for lunch so we arranged tables at the dining area for everyone. The menu for the day was Poori , Aloo Sabji , Gulabjamoon , Solkadhi , rice , dal ,salad , Wada and papad. It was very delicious.

After the lunch for some time we let everyone rest then it was time for some performances. I was amazed by the performances of these guys , It is indeed true that other senses elevated when a certain sense is comparatively weaker. The Kathak performance along with expressions specially surprised me. Then others also performed something like songs , poems and even mimicry. In the end we played some famous dance songs on which even the Drivers did dance , the happiness on everyone's face was worth all the efforts we took and it was the kind of satisfaction that cannot be compared to anything.

After all this we made some more chai and coffee for everyone and it was a time for a goodbye so it was a time to call it a day. We became friends if not like brothers and sisters by the end of this day and it was hard to say goodbye to these amazingly talented and specially abled friends. After the goodbye ceremony before which we took a group photo , We cleaned and rearranged everything. It was almost time for sunset. Around 6:30 we headed back to Pune City and there was some traffic on the way. I took a note of all the events that happened in my diary during the same time in the traffic.

This experience was my second time understanding the world of specially abled. Previously it was an art exhibition in Fergusson college. In order to read about it click here. Do share about your experiences and to know more about Swaroop Seva do visit https://swaroopseva.org/ . You can help them by providing your time as volunteer , money as donation and being a part of team managing all events there.