It was a busy Monday morning. I was held up at a junction due to a traffic jam. Most of the commuters in 2 and 4 wheelers were IT guys, busy heading for the nearby companies. It was a small 20 ft two way road.

Every one seem to be busy and wanted to reach office first, they didnt care for the traffic rules. Every one overtook others and finally all stood still. Vehicles from other end couldnt come in as the whole road was blocked by one sided traffic.

I felt bad to see educated people behave this way. I turned back. I saw one young guy, behind me, obliging rules. I felt good. Atleast there are a few...

BALAGURUKULAM

The origins of Balagurukulam lie in the story of its founder and managing trustee, Ranjith. As an eleven-year-old boy Ranjith developed a strong awareness and compassion for the poor, needy and deprived. Ranjith was constantly touched by the devastation caused by numerous droughts,floods and cyclones that destroyed many villages and even washed away a bus carrying many women and children. It was these experiences that led Ranjith to commit himself to the service of the poor especially women and children under his care.


Ranjith, is all set to make a difference with these children. He feels if these children are given the right direction and focus, they would come out with flying colours. He feels these children with right values will be a stepping stone for many as they grow up. Indeed a noble thought and deed.


Situated in sylvan surroundings on the outskirts of chennai in south India, Balagurukulam children's Village is a non-profit,non-religious, non-governmental welfare orgainisation. Balagurukulam was started with the primary aim of providing abondoned and deprived children with adequate shelter,food,medical facilities, and education.With the hope that one-day these children will be able to stand on their own feet,making them independent,responsible and respectable citizens of the country. It presently houses 48 children, with every child getting a mother, brothers and sisters to look after them. Thats not all! Balagurukulam's children also undergo yoga,meditation and regular health check-ups to keep them fit,strong and healthy.

Balagurukulam's programmes for villages extends beyond just awareness programmes. Numerous medical camps are being organized in villages to help the poor and downtrodden alleviate their pain and suffering. Medicines, hearing aids, tricycles for the disabled and spectacles for those with sight impairments have been issued to the poor in several villages. This apart,blood donation campaigns and awareness on eye donation is also being carried out in various parts of urban,rural, and slum areas.


Apart from ensuring these children get the best education, Ranjith provides personality development sessions, musical classes, yoga classes, sport activities, gardening work and lots more.

Ranjith can be reached at Balagurukulam, No 1, Ashram Street, Murugmbedu Village, Ambattur, Ch-53 ph : 044-26580790, www.balagurukulam.org

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Food for Thought...

It's good to have money and the things money can buy,
but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make
sure you haven't lost the things that money can't buy.
                                                    - George Horace Lorimer