The Project Why children are busy preparing their Xmas party. At Project Why we celebrate all festivals. That has been so since the very beginning.

Since my illness I have taken a back seat leaving the day-to-day running of the project to my stellar team. I keep abreast by looking at the Project Why WhatsApp group where teachers from all centres post images of the activities of the day. The last few days have been replete with activities linked to Xmas.

What ‘melted my heart’ was the snowman made by the Yamuna children. These are children who a few years back did not go to school and ran around the fields or helped their parents who grow vegetables on the banks of the Yamuna. I guess they celebrated some festivals but Xmas was alien to them. Thanks to Project Why their world opened up and they learnt about the culture of other lands and faith and today they have become pros who know about each festival in details. So come Xmas time drawings of Santa, stars, Xmas trees and bells are made with great alacrity amidst laughter and fun in true Xmas spirit.

This year, these children who have never seen or felt snow, made this absolutely heartwarming snowman that walked straight into my heart and melted it. I looked at it for a long time and memories flooded my mind. What an incredible 25 years journey it has been and how far we have come.

In a world replete with anger, aggression and divisiveness, Project Why was an island of peace and inclusiveness. No matter where you came from, what faith you followed and what beliefs you held, you were welcome in the Project Why family. All differences and worries were left at the door as you entered a place of joy and acceptance. This is for me is our greatest achievement.

And in this island of joy and laughter every child found the space to shine and bloom.

Today, seeing this wonderful snowman standing amidst the fields, I realised that I had achieved what I set out too. I knew in my heart that each and every child entering the hallowed gates of Project Why would not only become a better version of her/himself but would also be able to fulfil his/her dreams. And that is what Project Why is all about.

What a perfect Xmas gift.

I wish everyone who made this possible (my staff, children, parents, Board Members, donors, volunteers, supporters) a very Merry Xmas.

God bless you all!