Notes from the Field: India, Summer 2001 - In Focus

The following are reflections from Team India members serving at Daya Dan, a home for orphaned children suffering from blindness, autism, and other physical handicaps.

Text and images by members of Team India

"Everyday that I go to Daya Dan I expect two things: laughter and chaos," said Val Abney ’02. "I have yet to be disappointed. About half of the children here are blind and what they are capable of still surprises me. They are so bright and beautiful. One boy in particular, Govinda, has won my heart. He has enormous brown eyes that are very wise and expressive. They are his best form of communication, as he is unable to speak clearly and cannot do anything by himself. His smile makes each day worthwhile."

Abney takes Govinda by his hands and lifts him into the air.

Karyn Fied plays with children at a toy piano.

"Arjune [dancing] is blind and has trouble with the muscles in his legs," said Karyn Fied ’03. "He loves to dance, sing, talk, and share with us. He is very smart and can recite the months of the year, ABCs, numbers, and days of the week. Sudip [at the piano] is very musical and enjoys playing the drums and small piano. He has a beautiful voice and a great memory for songs. He also has a great smile and loves to laugh." Karyn has fallen in love with the children at Daya Dan, and is incredibly gifted at working with their unique needs, seeing and developing the strengths of each child.

John Skoby ’03 and Muna sat together on the front steps to Daya Dan. Muna is very mature, and plays the role of "Father of Daya Dan." He knows all the children and their needs and is a big help. He speaks Hindi, Bengali, and English, and often translates for us. John has had a difficult time deciding where to devote his time, as he sees incredible needs everywhere. Here at Daya Dan the children flock to him as one of the few male volunteers. John doesn't seem to mind the heat as much as the rest of us, and can continue playing with the children long after all others have taken a break.

John Skoby has his arm around Muna as they sit and pose for a picture.

Stephanie sits with her arms wrapped around Mongal as they relax in a chair.

Stephanie Cook ’04 spent time with Mongal. He requires constant individual attention due to his severe condition. Mongal is a precocious eight-year-old who lacks mobility of his entire body, with the exception of slight movement in his right arm. He cannot even hold his head up without assistance. However, he speaks English well and has an active imagination. One of his favorite things to do is sit in the car with Stephanie and pretend they are going on an adventure together. Stephanie’s huge heart is evident in everything she does.

"Working with the children at Daya Dan has taught me so much," said Jenny Hobbs ’01. "Although they are each limited by their handicaps, it is amazing to see the joy they find through their perspective on life. Each day brings new adventures, even if it is something as simple as taking them on a walk down the street. Hearing the stories of the children has made me more determined to show them that they are loved. Talking to another volunteer, I learned that parents intentionally blinded some of these children in an attempt to bring in more money on the streets. Now they live at Daya Dan, they go to school, play, and are simply allowed to be children. Their smiles are beautiful and it is a privilege to care for them."

Jenny Hobbs cradles two children in her arms as they sit and chat.

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