The bright and colourful Rakhis to be lovingly tied to adorn a wrist happens to be one of the products that our inmates so diligently produce at our Vocational Training Centre.
The involvement of our inmates at the production centre of Partner Hooghly begins right from the scratch. Some of them have severe mobility challenges. Muscle pulls and body pains are their constant companion, but how amazing it is to watch them live life with vigour and enthusiasm rather than forever nagging about their discomforts.
It is an enjoyable day out for them when they have to go and choose the basic rakhi materials from some of the villages around Bandel where there is expertise in Rakhi production.
Sharing and caring is something that comes naturally to them. They sit together for their lunch. Share the food among themselves and also help those who need support while eating. The child in them just love the food in other’s lunch-box and they go home to demand the same from their mom. Its so touching to see them pass the water when somebody hiccups, to pat the back when one chokes while eating and to lend a helping hand who has a mobility problem or needs support for their toilet -visit. This love and caring is not a part of their curriculum. It is something that comes naturally to these wonderful souls and we are so proud of them in this world of selfishness and self-cantered attitudes.
The planningbegins way
ahead where they sit together to decide on the 4 persons group who would be going out for raw material shopping of rakhi. Each one of them want to be a part of such short excursions. After long discussions and assistance from the trainers the names are decided. Those left behind do feel a bit low, but light -hearted jabber and tease from their friends is enough to put away all woes. Soon they move to discussing colours and designs and sizes that should be brought in. Definitely like every meeting they expect and demand rounds of tea and biscuits that their care-givers gladly comply. Although trainers are present during these meetings , it is these challenged adults who are urged to voice their views and take decisions.
Finally the day arrives and our handsome young men and women are ready for the day in their best attire and good mood. They carry the bags and rucksacks in which the materials would be brought back along with enough food and water they shall need for the day. Never in their dreams do they let their Dear trainers bear the load because chivalry is so well instilled in them. They start the journey with a smile and confidence and their friends left behind wave them off with cheers and good wishes. Hence begins the journey of the Rakhi…
