Raksha Bandhan In New Delhi

This year Raksha Bandhan was very special for me and for four young children from the remote North Eastern state of Manipur.

The people of Manipur face serious challenges, not only because they live in a remote part of the country, but they also confront every-day dangers like insurgency, drugs, and health issues like HIV/AIDS. This year, Maitri, was picked among a number of NGOs to bring four children from Manipur to Delhi to meet the President on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, and get rakhi tied by her. These four adorable children, who have seen much already in their short lives, were absolutely thrilled yet apprehensive about their very first trip outside of Manipur, especially to meet the Rastrapati.

Please meet:

Chongtham Ianoton Singh (12 yrs)

Lukram Thoi Devi (11 years)

Ingudam Ameng Devi alias Roshni (12 years) and Ingudam Ingnoi Singh (10 years) are siblings.

These kids were so full of enthusiasm and wonderful child-like innocence that one doesn’t get to see so often in the metro cities. And yet they are mentally strong and survivors – willing to take on anything. Trusting yet cautious. Shy with absolutely dazzling smiles.

As the youngest of the group from Manipur, Ingnoi was the chosen one to get the rakhi tied from the President.

There were 60 other children from varied backgrounds like survivors of the Tsunami, the J&K earthquake, survivors of communal violence, militancy and insurgency, mentally challenged, orphaned and those affected by HIV/AIDS.

It was so wonderful to get an opportunity to be a part of something, even though temporary, that brought smiles and joy to these four children, who haven’t had much in their lives, and gave them a memory of hopefully a lifetime.