Of kids and happiness

Being with kids often makes you forget yourself for  a while. Kids accept you in their own manner, sans prejudice and sans preconceived notions. But it is often a surprise that even among those  kids  who  are more  underprivileged, a genuine sense of bonding and camaraderie is seen.

Here are two kids at Cheshire Homes, Ranchi, where I visit regularly on Sundays. Samira’s disability doesn’t deter her- she  spins her wheelchair like  a champ, loves to sing , and bonds  with people instantly. Here , Samira is sharing a ride  with  Sunaina, on their way  to Sunday lunch, happy, oblivious to all her  problems ( as  an unwritten rule, I never talk about her  disability and neither does  she, though she was telling me that she spent her time making paper boats in the hospital- I didn’t ask which hospital).She is very  disciplined too, and prefers to carry herself around on her wheelchair rather than being carried  around.

Call it resilience. Call it Stoicism. Call it anything. Being with  these kids makes you wonder why more privileged kids are getting grumpier and unhappier despite having everything, including health, loving parents and a secure home to stay, while these kids, without parents and without many of the material comforts other take for granted, keep themselves happy.  We all, adults included , in this mad , bad world, could learn  a thing or two from these kids. 

The Buddha said, “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” I think that’s what Samira is demonstrating. Hats off to this gutsy kid!