“Sometimes we cannot give to the people
in need just because we spend too much in something we don't need."- Andy Stanley
Public
Relations is a serious business. We are making a difference in people’s life on
a daily basis but of course, it is our job. As luck would have it, Team
PRinINDIA realized that there is still more we can do and thus, resolved to give
back to the society, using our otherwise professional skills in something
benevolent. That is how we launched ‘The Third Observance’.
Christmas
Eve seemed the most auspicious day to give form to a thought, to take the first
consequential step to shape otherwise fuzzy dreams. @Swati Mehrotra, a famous
shoe designer and @Pooja Motwani, a remarkable fashion designer, and I got intertwined by fate; we came together to start an association to
rehabilitate street kids. I, for one, consider myself fortunate and privileged for
having me as much as I have today. But there are some who don’t get half as
much love or support – The Third Observance is for those kids who need help and
who want to be helped.
Saint
Nicholas, who our kids know as Santa Claus, wandered around Europe helping
people anonymously and selflessly. Taking inspiration from him, our group members
including Swati Modo, Pooja Motwani, Stylist @Aamer Zakir, singer and
writer @Vandana Vadehra Ayesha, and designer @Amit Talwar Trekaaya and everyone from our @PRinINDIA team visited street
kids at Harmony House in Gurgaon. It was there that we started our journey, and
what a start at that!
A
lot of people might not know Harmony House. It is an NGO that shelters kids
from neighbouring slum areas and provides them food, education and counseling.
Not a school exactly, it tries to help them build a future for themselves and
stand on their feet. After arriving there with gifts, goodies and clothes, we
first interacted with them to see what they know about Christmas and Santa.
What was really surprising was that they already knew the Christmas stories and
even sang jingles for us. If one wanted to be a doctor, other aspired to become
a teacher, which was heart warmingly beautiful. The innocence of their dreams
and tranquility on their faces could have fooled us into thinking they had all
they needed.
As
a mother, it was an experience of epic proportion to see small kids jumping
with joy on seeing a fictional character. The two Santas turned their smiles
into laughter and it was all we needed.
The
purpose of the association was not just to provide them financial support; we
want to go beyond that and counsel them. They need love and care as much as any
other kid in this world and just because they don’t have enough, doesn't mean
nobody cares about them. We do.
Public
Relation is indeed love, for I love my profession and I love the initiative we
have taken!
All
those who are wondering ‘Why the name ‘The Third Observance’?’, it is one of
the ten niyamas in Hinduism. Hinduism suggests a set of rules or
observances that each person should follow. These 10 niyamas are adopted by
Hindus to lead a happy and content life. The Third Observance or Teesra Niyama
in Hindu beliefs is “Dana” or charity which explains that each individual
should be generous to a fault.
I’m
posting a few pictures of our Christmas with them. I know I am a bit late but
it is really worth the wait.
For
updates about The Third Observance, you can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheThirdObservance
