It's happy birthday on Christmas for these orphaned kids

AHMEDABAD: IT professionals Tula and Sanjay Bhartiya, unlike their friends who chose to settle down in foreign lands for better future, had an uncommon goal. Nearly two decades ago, they chose to return to their homeland after a short stint in the US and settled down in a village near Mehsana with a determination to do something different.
After dedicating about 18 years to social service, Tula and Sanjay have set up Vishwa Gram, where orphan kids regain long lost smile.They have adopted 18 such kids wandering on the state's railway stations, and are offering them upbringing, education and identity. They give these kids the Bhartiya surname and have been celebrating a common birthday on December 25 since last five years for them. This time the couple has invited actress Swaroop Sampat to interact with these kids.
After two decades in villages near Rajkot, Surat, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan, Kutch, the couple has been able to build this home of theirs- Vishwa Gram.
Why did they give a common birthday for all kids? It was a small question by a small kid which had once unnerved the couple. Their adopted 14-year-old son Vipul had asked, "When is my birthday?" when they were preparing for their biological daughter Gulal's birthday celebration.
"We felt sad," said Sanjay. "We cancelled Gulal's birthday celebration. In the last five years since that query, we have been celebrating birthday for all our 18 children on December 25," he said.
Previously these kids begged on streets and stations, worked as carriers for drugs, witnessed gory crimes and suffered harshest of thrashings and brutal sexual exploitation. They survived because they kept running away from titanic tortures till they bumped Tula and Sanjay, who took them home.
Today, at their home 'Vishwa Gram', these kids are learning to live with creative discipline in an unconventional set up. A set up that is creatively organized to bring back positive emotions of childhood including naivety, curiosity, trust and smile that the cruel systems prevailing in world had once robed these kids of.
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A day at Vishwa Gram
At Vishwa Gram, children begin their day at six with a 'nature walk' session. In natural surroundings, they learn to identify bird species and also learn botany. Their routine starts with lessons of self hygiene, and at breakfast they learn about healthy food habits. They learn to read and write and cook and clean. After lunch, these kids spin yarn and make about 75 meter of Khadi cloth every year.
During early evenings, the kids spend a few hours learning various arts. "Children learn painting, clay work, pottery, origami, puppet making, experiment to make various utensils like solar cooker or learn carpentry to make small wooden items," said Tula Bhartiya.
"Innovative practical sessions like designing a newspaper or pamphlet for the village, making pots and lamps for sale - these activities arouse their curiosity. That helps to rekindle their sensitivities which are buried under their skin - thickened with crime and burnt with cruelty," added Sanjay Bhartiya.
"When we rescue such a kid, she initially looks at us with distrust. After a few days, while taking a Nature walk or doing innovative art activities suddenly she starts opening up, and the distrust gradually melts away. And being able to see that lost spark restored within those tiny eyes - is the reward," says Sanjay with optimism.