Taken aback, I managed a smile beckoning him to take a seat as I listen to what plans he had in mind. After brief pause, he said: “I think we can collect a nominal amount of five rupees from the students in the college every month and assist the orphanages, physically challenged and other children from underprivileged sections who cannot afford to pay for their education.”
For a moment, nothing came to my mind and it took me some time before offering my response. Though an excellent idea, I thought problems may arise later on since public funds was involved. “You are right brother,' he replied reading what was going through my mind. “We'll keep the record of the entire amount we collect from the students and regularly put up a list on the college notice and classrooms to show them how their contribution has been spent,” he added.
In library we are not supposed to talk. Still we managed to engage in a timely discussion and come to a conclusion. Since the semester exams were round the corner, we decided to put on hold our plans. Post exams in the month of December would be opportune. That was last year.
Exams got over and students left for their homes to enjoy the winter vacations. I started with my internship in Vijay Times and got involved with my routine assignments. Back in the library on completion of my internship, Ashok came in the evening and said, “Shailesh! We cannot wait any more. This is the time to go ahead with our plans.” I gave my nod of approval and promised to help in whichever possible way.
“Henceforth, our activities will be known as Mission 5 since students will only donate five rupees. The amount may be a trifle but if we put it together, it will make a lot of difference in the lives of these children,” insisted Ashok. He was looking calm, composed and exuded loads of confidence about Mission 5.
The following day, we engaged the people who showed interest in the Mission. Ashok was a picture of determination and soon came up with the names of Jivitha Anathashrama in Anantpura and Rakum, a school for the blind located in Indiranagar. Although children at Jivitha Anathashrama had sponsors, they still lacked some of the basic facilities and study materials. Mission 5 decided provide a first aid box, clothes, stationery, sports equipment, water cans amongst other items. Some of these children had wounds on their bodies and soon we organized to take then to Shantinilaya hospital to get their wounds dressed.
