"Vision beyond sight"

"Didi, which color you like most?" I was completely surprised with this innocent question. How do you discuss colors with someone who has never seen any, in his life? I was at the annual exhibition of Happy Home & School For The Blind, surrounded by visually challenged little angels. Life sometimes poses very interesting situations that compel us to visit different space in our minds that are never visited before and gives us very interesting perspective!

"Well, I like all the colors. But, if I were to tell you my favorite ones, then they would be blue and yellow." I replied carefully, bit nervous wondering how would I explain these colors if I am asked to. "They are very nice colors indeed didi, said another child, but my favorite is orange, the color that one sees in the sky just when the sun is about to set." I was speechless thinking about how someone could talk about color without having seen it!

Welcome to Happy Home &amp & School For The Blind to understand that. The moment you enter the premises, you notice two things instantly; absolute cleanliness and divine positive vibes! Every year, this school organizes the exhibition and that's when you can see what these talented children are really capable of! They create  stunning artifacts in ceramic, pottery, mosaic, wood-work , handlooms and carpentry. You can actually see some of them making those beautiful pieces at the exhibition.

I met a few volunteers and committed teachers, attending visitors at the exhibition and guiding the boys see their beautiful creations through touch. Each child was given a few minutes to see (feel) the work and I watched them curiously. They were absolutely disciplined, handled every piece carefully and were very polite in their conversation. It was amazing how they perceived each piece through touch, trying to "feel" it and asked several questions enthusiastically. Perhaps, that is how they learn about their immediate environment, from what they hear, touch, feel but can't see!

After I was done with my shopping, I spent some time with boys making greeting cards and pottery. They were a bunch of happy, care free, confident and mischievous children, typical of their age. Each one telling me proudly what they had made for the exhibition, about which all games they loved playing and some suggested that I visit them more often. Its only after I promised more visits, they let me go! I was all charged up and overwhelmed by their positive spirit and deeply touched by their innocent smiles and warmth.

Most of these children were blind, partially blind or with multiple impairments and yet here they were going about life as if there was absolute no handicap at all!! Wonder how many of us have this kind of attitude despite having everything in abundance? That is one of the reasons why I never miss out such occasions. It helps me keep a check on myself. Such divine interludes really make us value what we have and be thankful for it!