The smell of popcorn wafted through the air as we made our entry through the gates of Milan. The energy of the kids was palpable and sunny smiles surrounded the venue as they entered singing ‘fire in the mountain’. Kids from Bagalkot, Vriddhi and 3D got an experience of VR (Virtual Reality) gaming, set up by Smaaash, while kids from Tilak Nagar, Subhash Nagar, and Project Pragathi started off with the other exciting carnival activities set up for them. The sleep-drawing game, which required the children to put on a blindfold and draw, was the most loved game of the children. Boys, in particular, enjoyed the small football session conducted by the volunteers. Other games and stalls included “Can the Can”, “Basket Toss” and “Temporary Tattoos”.
The Carnival came alive when volunteers dress up as The Joker, Mickey Mouse, and Santa Claus to celebrate with the children. High-fives were shared and grins turned to broad smiles, as they passed by. After an hour of fun-filled games and swimming through the vibrant carnival spirit, the project area kids along with their facilitators quenched their thirst with some refreshing tender coconut water and ate some chocolates. Moreover, other eatables like hot and salted popcorn and mouth-watering cotton candy really helped them get a carnival experience at CHRIST. “Though we did not play as many games, we had fun in everything we took part in. Moreover, it’s a heartwarming feeling to see our kids have the time of their lives. We were treated to popcorn, candy floss, and sweet tender coconut water, which was a bonus to us!” said one of the project area facilitators.
The children, facilitators and volunteers made memories through the laughs and smiles. In painting their faces, they also painted their lives in bright shades of fun and joy.
By, DIshti Kundra and Ritika Mukherjee
csablog.christuniversity.in 