By Tazeen Qureshy
Bhubaneswar: Swayamjyoti, a first year student of XIMB has postponed the trip to her home this Diwali. Instead, she and her friends are busy lighting diyas and decorating the entrance of Shri Krishna Anand Old Age Home in Old Town area of Bhubaneswar. A similar activity is simultaneously going on in four other NGOs in the city.
This Diwali, the social responsibility committee of XIMB are celebrating Diwali home away from home. With a pocketful of Diyas and crackers, and love and care aplenty, these students are trying their best to help the inmates smile during the festivity.
“We will be entering into corporate lives soon and we need to understand that however busy we might be, parents and family are most important. It feels sad to see children abandon their parents once they are old. Hence, we decided to come and celebrate Diwali with them, so that they don’t feel lonely,” says Swayamjyoti.
The students spent the time entertaining the inmates with songs and games, while the endless servings of sweets and fruits kept satisfying the tummy.
“All of us staying here have been abandoned by our families. When these children come, talk with us, laugh with us and celebrate festivals, it feels we are still at home,” says SN Sarangi, a retired Engineer and an inmate of the oldage home.
Several other college groups have also undertaken similar initiatives.
Ms Kalinga