Why did Visthar take the risk? Very simple. Every Indian citizen has taken an oath on the Constitution of India; particularly the preamble which promises equality, freedom, dignity and fellowship as a way of life. Remember. Remember all who have gone before us, whose life and work led to our Constitution.
I hope all of you felt proud about being a ‘Vistharite’ and a member of the Bandhavi community. I still remember the day 17 years ago when 30 of your ‘akkas’ arrived on our campus. Visthar did not have enough money to feed, clothe, and educate them for more than a month. This is our history. Remember.
Your mothers trusted us and we tried to return that trust by caring for you. In the early years, we had a newsletter that I compiled and edited. It was called Sambrama. It contained many stories of your Akkas, their dreams and aspirations. I remember many stories which included the mention of ‘kasa’. Very moving stories. Yes, many children grew up on garbage heaps, breathing foul air, cutting themselves by kasa that is not sorted. While you demand your rights as children, guaranteed in the Constitution and other international documents, you must become aware of your duties. Duties to people in your village but more importantly the duty towards the earth: the trees that provide shade, rain that waters our vegetables, plants and the sun that gives us warmth. The earth and its bounty are God’s gift to us. In like manner, we should become God’s gift to the earth. This is the reason Visthar celebrates Environment Day. Yes through the Bhoomi Habba. Remember.
