Posted: 06/10/2009
Cheers broke out as soon as residents of Seelampur slum saw Dr. Kiran Martin's car approaching their centre. Dr. Martin, Founder and Director of Asha, is devoted to spreading the message of love amongst the neglected and downtrodden, and she was eager to meet them as well. Warm hugs were exchanged as soon as she stepped out of her car.
Dr. Martin is greeted by Tariq, one of the students who has completed the Avation and Hospitality course from Air Hostess Academy
A personality development session was conducted earlier that day which was attended by 8 students from Seelampur and 4 from Chanderpuri who had enrolled in college earlier this year. Dr. Martin first met these 12 students. To boost their self-esteem and further motivate them, Dr. Martin explained to them that they were unique and special. She discussed their strengths and pointed out some of their qualities that even they weren't aware of. The very fact that they have gained admission in Delhi University despite the tough circumstances in which they live is remarkable. "Your achievements show that you are capable of overcoming any other obstacles that come along your way - we will always be there for you", Dr. Martin stated. "Always remember that there are no shortcuts to success - if you work hard and always persist in what you've set out to do, you'll eventually realise your dreams", she added.
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Dr Martin encouraging college students
Dr. Martin then spent time with the Bal Mandal (children's group) kids. The excited children spoke happily about all the recent work they had done and proudly showed her their report cards. Since these kids are attending English and computer classes at the Asha centre and the Asha staff is helping them with their homework, their marks have been improving considerably. Iqura, the General Secretary of the Bal Mandal, hasn't scored below 100% in any subject in some time now! "I love coming to the Asha centre. I'm so grateful to Asha for all the books and help they have made available for me. I will continue studying and prove to be worthy of the love Asha has shown me", said the 9-year-old girl.
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Bal Mandal kids rush to hug Dr. Martin
After having lunch with the community members, Dr. Martin encouraged the women and youth groups to continue the good work they were doing. She spoke about how it was important to be compassionate and give without expecting anything in return.
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Iqura proudly displays her report card
More hugs were exchanged as the well-spent day came to an end. The Seelampur residents now look forward to Dr. Martin's next visit.
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I was very ill and thin because my mother died and my father had TB. Asha staff took it in turns to look after me and gave me the right food to make me better. If they hadn't helped me, I would have died.
Suraj, Seelampur
