What is life like at Sri Ram Ashram?…Full, very FULL!!
From the sounds of a variety of enchanting bird songs in the mornings to the chirps and cries of children, all ages of children, laughing, crying, commanding, bargaining, singing, counting or praying in unison; it’s all happening simultaneously in one grand operatic harmony.
Itâ’s Playtime: In the courtyard young children toss balloons, with sheer delight at their color and buoyancy. Women sit off to the side with their knitting, sharing conversations with occasional interruptions to calm a dismayed child. A small crowd watches those who are testing their airborne skills on the trampoline. This is an arena of much competition and argument. A supervisor tries to instill order and fair play into this most popular event. Children inquire repeatedly how many minutes more until the next jumper’s turn and sing the final count down moments in chorus.
Many of the “Middle” aged children engage in badminton, returning the feather light birdies with surprising force and aim. Bicycles, tricycles, wagons and scooters continue making the rounds up and down the long paved driveway and circling the main compound on the bumpy dirt road. One of the older girls calls out to invite women upstairs to dance. Even though the girls performed a special dance at the school earlier in the day, they are eager to begin this favorite activity once again. They happily act as mentors to those new-comers daring enough to attempt new movements. The tape player blasts. Bollywood, eat your heart out! The beauty, grace and exuberance of our girls is much more enticing than any film. An untrained Western man happens near the entrance of the recreation room and glances in to see the dancers. He is quickly shooed away. This is the girls’ time together, a time of bonding and experimentation.
For the older boys, Cricket rules. They practice over in the school playground. These boys take their game very seriously. With focus and determination they hone their skills. Matches are held whenever a window of opportunity presents itself.
Yes, life is full at Sri Ram Ashram. The children’s bonds are as strong as in any family I’ve ever known. When one leaves for college, there is much sadness for both the exitor and those who stay behind. It doesn’t feel right somehow to divide up this united whole, this living organism with so many interdependent parts. When it was time to say farewell as a young Ashram bride exited with her husband’s family, the result was absolutely heart wrenching! The sobs and wails could crush even a stout heart. No matter that she will return to visit in 2 weeks. Her home has relocated, and this is indeed a great loss to the family.
In the meantime, babies sleep and grow. Children work hard to pass their exams at school. New puppies appear. And Life continues to evolve.
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