A Trip to Chanoud Village in Rajasthan, India (By Rakesh Ranjan)

It was chain reaction when Prashant called me up for a Fund Raising Campaign to buy sweaters for school kids at Chanod Village in Rajasthan. I called up couple of my close friends and they called theirs. It was challenging as we had set the limit to Rs 250 only per person and we had to collect Rs 25,000. There were friends who were willing to pay more but the idea was to involve more number of people and get their involvement in the cause.

 

The fund was raised in no time, and the response was overwhelming. We were lucky enough to get sweaters in time by a professional sweater vendor, thanks to Prashant for his Googling skills.

All set we were ready to go to Chanod, last minute entry of Japinder and Komal added much needed fun and glamour as Prashant says to the trip, Meghna was joining us from Jaipur. We started our journey from Old Delhi Railway station for Rani in Rajasthan.

 

We were received Mahiraj Singh our hosts younger brother, who took us to Chanod village in his Scorpio. He drove with such speed and skill that left us appreciating his driving skills. We never imagined where we would be entering in couple minutes, it was 300 hundred years old Haveli, felt like walking into an era by just crossing the doors.

Swati, our host and her family members met us with so much warmth that we were touched by their humility and kindness. Jairaj Singh told us that the property has now been converted to home stays where they give personal attention to their guests. And he took us around the Haveli, explaining us in detail about when and how each sections were built.

 

After having a lavish lunch it was time for the event we had come to this place. Swati guided us to the school, and the schools kids greeted us with lovely smiles and namaste. 

 

We were introduced to the school principal and teachers, Meghna and Komal started distributing colors cards and pencils to the kids. And they started drawing their imaginations to create greeting cards. While Japinder, Myself were busy clicking, Prashant and Swati started sorting the sweaters with sizes. All students wore sweaters and they were looking lovely, in navy blues.  

 

It was time to click group photographs with kids, and say them goodbye. The happiness and joy on their faces made our day; there 

is so much to learn from them. 

 

While returning each one of we had too many things going in our minds, but one thing which was common we all were thinking atleast we started making some contribution for a change. A change which is very much needed in our society, I would end by the School Principal words, who said all these kids need is good education and health. I am happy I have chosen these two causes for the school kids.