Underprivileged children enjoy rare treat, win hearts

Once inside, the children’s reactions were both heartwarming and moving, said the staff. “This is the first time that someone has served food to me on a tray,” said one boy. Another asked, shyly, “Can I take these tissue papers home. I want to show this to my mother.” 

The initiative was part of Daan Utsav’s extended celebration of the festive spirit. After the event, Aarti Madhusudan, who is associated with Daan Utsav  said, “We take little things in life for granted. We use tissue paper and throw it away without thinking twice, but for some it is no less than a souvenir.” In a heart-felt Facebook post, she said, “These kids told me that they had told their friends and family about the trip and even picked out their best clothes well in advance.” 

MK Harris Abdulla of Fruit Shop on Greams Road said the staff even prepared a special drink for them. “The staff even switched on the air conditioner 20 minutes earlier so that the kids didn’t have to wait. We were so happy to host them. These kids danced and sang songs. They lit up the place. Staff who prepare the fruit juices came out to interact with them. Both sides found it very interesting. The other customers too got into the festive spirit spontaneously. Some of them even made donations too,” said Hidayath, HR manager of the outlet.