My second semester exams was given at a center which was almost 16 kms from the city premises. The mere thought of the hectic journey was enough to make me drool but compared to the exams which I had to give, it was almost negligible. The center was a college named, Thakur Hari Prasad Institute for Mentally Retarded.
Spread with lots of canopy and well-maintained cool ambience, this organisation was established by a social activist, Dr. Thakur Hari Prasad in 1968. And it had won lots of national and international awards too. What was heartening to see were the teachers and volunteers who were present there and taking care of the gifted children. Some of these children were as jovial and lively as anyone else could be. Some were quiet and were enjoying themselves in their own world.
I remember one instance when we were strolling along, one of the little cuties called us from behind saying, "Bhaiya!!!". We turned and saw that she was smiling at us and waving her hand with utmost care and affection. For a moment, honestly, my heart skipped a pound. We waved back at her and made sure that she in-turn received our attention and affection which she truly deserved.
One thing which really made me feel good was that these gifted people were given special treatments and teaching which made them atleast come at par with the rest of the crowd. This is an honest attempt to make them come to their own terms and to make them live the life, which like all of us, truly deserve to live with
