Sabitri Rai

           I would not be able to pin point the exact moment that started me on the journey of being the mother of the 15 forsaken children. May be the emptiness generated by the untimely death of my husband nine years ago (after 20years of marriage), motivated me to do my share of caring for the needy. At that time I had gracefully accepted things I could not change, but at that I had the courage to change in my little way, thins within my limits.

My first step in this direction was taken seven years ago when I volunteered to care and look after an old, poor, abandoned woman. In spite of my limited resources and knowledge, I had wonted to lend a helping hand to the old and neglected people. But destiny would have it otherwise as a two-month old child was brought to my and no sooner followed by two more abandoned babies once again after a lapse of so many years came fifteen children aged between 12 months to 12 years.

After the initial period of many adjustments and innumerable difficulties we are now living in a rented house with five rooms at THASIKHEL, LALITPUR. In these seven years of living with these children, never for a moment have I felt that I am ruining an orphanage. This is my home and the fifteen

Children and my very own. As any mother would do, I have accepted the responsibility to feed, clothe, educate, love and cherish-furthermore all have my surname thirteen of my children are paying day scholar students in English medium schools of Lalitpur in nursery to class 5.

This responsibility of caring for my children would not have been possible without the advise, support and contributions of my well-wishers. I have always believed in the generosity and goodwill of my fellow citizens towards a good cause. If monetary help both large and small have came from people of all walks of life, some have given clothes and food stuff other gave books and writing material. The good work of my four assessors is who are there to cook, feed, clean and take care of all household chores, makes us a one-big happy family.

 

  In conclusion, I do not have to tell the people what needs to be done, as I believe most people know what to do the question is are we doing we doing it? Let us give it a thought and why dont we all dare to care and share.