Ensuring Peaceful Deaths To The Unfortunate...

Add as a preferred source on Google

The setting sun was sending the cozy breeze to the shores of Pondicherry after a burning day. It was the end of April, when the hot winds blow off even the last greenery in the city. The advent of the evening signals the time for you to come out of the partial shelter of house to battle the unbearable heat. It was at this time that we decided to have walk towards Arul Ashram, situated at the rear end of Pondicherry Central University Campus.

The ambience in the Arul Ashram was serene as suitable with its name 'kindness." As we neared the ashram compounds, we saw the inmates in their daily chores. One or two students from the university are in deep chat with the kids. As we approached them, they lifted their attention to us. The so far heard tales started to unfold in real life before us.

One of the students introduced herself as Christie. She is doing Masters in the university and visits this ashram at each available occasion. What drew her close to this ashram were the looks in the eyes of the helpless children and infants. They are unaware of the fact that the destined eternal sleep will catch them at any moment and not much later.

The little inmates in the ashram are helpless victims of the cruel fate. There are the children of mentally traumatic parents and bedridden mothers. The unhealthy birth status has made them mortally ill from the very womb of the mother. Tears swelled into our eyes as a two year old strutted next to us, unable to catch the colourful ball next to him.

The students took us to “shantibhavan" that is built inside the Arul Ashram. There are peaceful faces around even when the deadly virus of HIV flows in their veins. When people like Jayadeep and Mridula were fallen to the irreparable condition due to societal pressures, Anjana and Nathan have become the victims due to the game of fate. Though, they are expelled from the families and society, their determined death is not going to be end in gloom. They are in “shantibhavan", where the enthusiastic youngsters and Fr. Dominique are there to brighten their lives.

Arul Ashram, with a family, of around fifteen people, with father Dominique as the head and Esther as the latest entry as a volunteer have done wonders in bringing back life to the devastated lives in and around Pondicherry. Working continuously, and praying more than that, they are up to face the challenges by 5"O clock on every morning. Their 3Ps of passion, perseverance and patience have attracted many youngsters in the nearby educational institutions.

We decided that the visit would be incomplete without a meeting with Father Dominique. He had left his own mother country to serve the helpless and to make their prompt journey to the God, a peaceful one. Father Dominique"s eyes reflected the kindness that the world has denied to the inmates of the Ashram. After a brief talk, he told, “Well, you"ve completed your research in English Literature. Do you think it possible for you to come and tell some stories to the little kids here?"

My heart gave me a quick movement. I was honoured to accept the invitation but at the same time lured by the daily chores that await me at a distant city. We assured him that this is our last visit as guests and next time we will be here as a part of the volunteers. The night was dark as we came out of the ashram. But the ashram stood in the lights of cozy bulbs, never letting the gloom of darkness to touch the inmates.