
An Unexpected Session at Dongri – A Pleasant Surprise
Roshan (name changed) was a new boy at the Dongri Observation Home and stood out from everyone else for multiple reasons. Firstly, he was much
True to the tagline, ‘Planting Seeds of Transformation’, the work of Seedling Foundation is focussed on facilitating inner transformation in anyone it touches – be it children, staff, community or the physical environment. The primary work is with the Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) at the Dongri Children’s Home (also called Dongri Observation Home). On one end, most of these children have had an extremely traumatic and difficult childhoods and hence there is a sense of sympathy for them; while on the other end, they have committed an offence which ranges from simple robbery to gruesome murders. Because of the latter part, most of society views this population in a negative light, and understandably so. However, these children sooner or later go back into society after they complete their term at the Observation Home and hence, it is very important to work with them while they are at the Observation Home to prepare them for society. As we work towards this ambitious goal, we are constantly aware about the dichotomy between their own life situations (trauma) and their actions (offense in society) and we try to bring a change in a holistic manner. Our experience while working with these children has shown us not only a possibility of change, but also the tremendous talent and potential they have to contribute to society.
By working on these areas with the right intention and a great team, we endeavour to positively impact the lives of many children.
Our ultimate aim is to create a peaceful and happier home environment that will empower the children to become better individuals, reintegrate into society and contribute to making society a more harmonious place.
Nimo is a mentor and a dear friend. He is an inspiration to us. This song is particularly close to our heart and in many ways, it serves as a guiding principle for our work. It also closely relates to the name of the project. We express our gratitude to Nimo for this wonderful creation!
Planting Seeds by Empty Hands Music, ft. Nimo Patel
Roshan (name changed) was a new boy at the Dongri Observation Home and stood out from everyone else for multiple reasons. Firstly, he was much
Join us for a deeply reflective session where KalyanaMitra staff embarked on a ‘Life Journey’ through the metaphor of a river. Watch as they embraced their inner artists, drawing their personal ‘rivers of life’ and exploring profound questions about moments of turbulence, calm, big lakes, and even dams blocking their flow. This session created a safe and fun space for introspection, blending deep reflection with light-hearted laughter, as participants shared stories of arranged marriages and continuous streams, or a river repeating patterns with one son after another. Discover the rich, honest insights shared, from reconnecting with oneself and gaining a broader perspective to reflecting on gratitude, childhood memories, and even new intentions like planting trees for nature. This blog highlights how pausing to explore the “vast ocean within” can lead to a renewed appreciation for one’s unique journey, with its ups and downs, and the widening flow of growth.
Event Date: 12th July 2024 This blog is a story of the evolution of music sessions at the Dongri Observation Home which culminated into a