The X'Mas Celebrations

Today was yet another celebration of love! We got the christmas tree lit with coloured lights. Then we got a huge cake . Mamta, one of the kids in the orphanage along with all her friends cut the cake. Daniel sang the Merry Christmas song and we all followed him. After the cake distribution it was time for photo sessions. Kids were really busy posing with all the people who had come to wish them Merry Christmas. We bought the kids chocolates which were gift wrapped and had their names written on it. The kids then searched for their chocolate and thanked all of us for coming and also wished us Merry Christmas. They also danced and sang. Not only the kids, Rajesh and Poornima also entertained us with their dancing and music skills respectively. At the end of the evening we all got together to give a perfect pose for a group photo. It was a great evening spent with the kids who were more than just happy to see us.

Pre Christmas celebrations

The moment when we thought that we should do something very different this Christmas, we were reminded that its been months that we went to AGC( orphanage). So, one fine day some of us decided to go to see the kids. As usual they were excited to see us! The lady incharge of the orphanage invited us and asked us to help the children with the Christmas decorations! We all decided that we would go...and it happened to be on 23rd Dec! It was an evening when the orphanage was filled by as many as 25 students!!!! On one side there were some who were decorating Christmas tree, on the other side some were trying hard at blowing the balloons! It was again a fulfilling day for many as they were using all their creative skills to decorate the orphanage! The kids too were excited and were running around to see their hostel turn brighter and colourful as it went on becoming darker outside!! Not only this 4 girls out of their own interest danced to songs which they only sang! It was a treat to our eyes! There were no lights, no fancy dressing, no loud music...but that was a dance that will touch your hearts! The dancers were in perfect sync and they danced their hearts out! The audience took some time to come out of it. They cheered and clapped and then got back to their work. It took around 3 hours to decorate the hostel....It was another exciting day for all those who were playing with colourful ribbons, balloons. At the end of the day it was an evening of feeling togetherness, warmth and peace at heart! Merry Christmas!

Most Memorable Independence Day

Independence Day - The day free India came into existence. Asra came forward to ensure that everyone at the All God's Children (AGC) Hostel - an orphanage run by an old lady with noble intentions enjoy the day.

The hostel is home to children aged between 2-16yrs deprived of luxury and parental care. A couple of visits by Asra members to the orphanage brought lots of joy to the young minds. We had a great time with the innocent souls and ended up knowing each other well. Their innocence and straight-forwardness floored us. The students practise self help. They carry out their work without depending on anyone. Apart from studying they cook their food, clean the utensils, and keep the hostel clean. We decided to host a lunch at the hostel on the eve of the independence day.

The members of Asra went to AGC Hostel in the morning and then the preparations for the lunch began. The students helped us in cooking right from cutting the vegetables to mixing the spices. The cooking of vegetarian food was supervised by Sweta Padma and Lavanya while the non-vegetarian food was handled by Mamata ( a 6th class student in the hostel ). All the people went ga-ga over Mamata's talent of cooking.

While the food was being prepared Bhanu, Preneeth and Yasaswi had a wonderful time playing with the children and listening to their experiences. The best moment of the day was when everyone sat down for having lunch. We shared our experiences ( both happy and sad) and finally took some snaps as fond memories. Sharma, Nikhil, Prashanth, Mahesh, Tarun and Deepak joined us for lunch.The day was very emotional for most of us and we couldn't just leave the place. By the end of the day the children opined that they enjoyed the day and how they were happy that there were people who cared for them. We had a feeling of achieving something but thats what the motive and ambition of Asra is and we would like to carry forward the work and ensure that it reaches the right people at the right time.

More pics of the memorable day AGC Independence Day

The birth of 'ASRA'

The word 'asra' in telugu language means a helping hand. Asra, a non-profit organization aims at providing the needy with basic amenities to make them feel that there is someone who cares for them and there is someone with them always.

The idea took shape on 25 July 2007 during a discussion amongst a group of friends regarding humanity and its present shape. The objective was conveyed to many people thereafter and the number of people interested in the initiative was unprecedented. We at 'Asra' hope to carry on this journey forward breathing life into humanity.

Anybody interested in lending a helping hand are welcome to join 'Asra'. You could reach us at asra.friends@gmail.com