My Encounter of Compassion in Action and Sisterhood

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Before arriving at Bal Ashram in February 2024, I had no idea what the word ‘Didi’ truly meant. In English, it loosely translates to ‘sister’, but that doesn’t quite capture its full significance. But during my time at Bal Ashram, I discovered that Didi isn’t just a term—it’s a role, a bond, and an embodiment of care that transcends simple definition. It’s a relationship of love, trust, and sisterhood, rooted in compassion and mutual respect.

I spent much of my time with the girls in the Skill Centre at Bal Ashram, where I was lovingly referred to as Didi. Initially, I came to teach them, but soon I found myself learning much more. The sisterhood I witnessed among them was striking. Although I was new to this kind of unity, I quickly understood what it meant to be a Didi- a symbol of unconditional support and shared strength. Through their daily interactions, these girls taught me to see all women as sisters, to love without hesitation, and to welcome others into their hearts- a true embodiment of ‘Compassion in Action.’

This spirit of compassion was clear from the moment I arrived. On my first day, they took me to their beauty parlour and threaded my eyebrows. It was such a simple act, yet it carried immense meaning. Through this small gesture, they told me I was one of them, and we didn’t need words to understand each other. The title of Didi had already forged a connection that transcended language.

At first, only a few of the girls were confident enough to speak with me. Many were shy, offering only a wave or a timid smile. One girl in particular, Amrita, caught my attention. She was quiet but always smiled when she saw me. Although she seemed eager to talk, her limited English held her back. Yet, she found other ways to connect—holding my hand, showing me her drawings, and eventually bringing in her sketchbook. Despite the language barrier, we communicated through her art, forming a bond that didn’t rely on words.

However, when it came to speaking in English, Amrita struggled with confidence. I recall one particular IT lesson where she had to present a PowerPoint introduction about herself in English. She was visibly nervous, and as soon as she stood up to speak, she started crying. I stood by her side, helping her with each word, but her fear of standing out was palpable. This moment struck me because it wasn’t just Amrita; many of the girls felt the same fear—intimidated by the idea of presenting themselves in front of others.

Part of my role as a volunteer was to help these girls build confidence through personality development sessions. Our first activity was simple—making and decorating paper airplanes. I was worried the girls might find it too childish, but to my surprise, Amrita’s enthusiasm was contagious. She lit up when she saw the art supplies. “Didi, drawing?” she asked excitedly, eager to decorate her plane. She took her time perfecting the design, proudly showing off her work. Her passion for creativity shone through, and her joy eased my own anxieties about the activity.

Over the next few weeks, I watched Amrita’s confidence soar. She transformed from the girl who cried during her first presentation to someone who stood up in English class, eager to share her own examples without any prompts. Her growth mirrored that of several other girls who began greeting me with hugs and calling out “Didi!” with excitement. It was heartwarming to see them become more comfortable with us, more comfortable with themselves.

Meeting these girls was nothing short of life-changing. Although we were the same age, we were at vastly different stages in life. I have never had to fight for access to education or resources, but these girls have overcome incredible odds—child marriage, child labor, and exploitation—just to pursue their right to learn. Their resilience and determination are deeply inspiring.

Despite the hardships they’ve faced, I never saw bitterness in their eyes. Instead, they brimmed with enthusiasm for the future, a kind of eagerness that’s rare among people my age back home. At Bal Ashram, they allowed themselves to have fun, free from judgment. They created a space of unconditional support, where each girl felt safe to express herself. And once they began to feel confident, as I saw with Amrita, their potential shone brightly.

I am forever in awe of these girls, grateful for their acceptance of me, and the lesson of compassion they shared with me. Though I may never experience life as they do, I feel privileged to have been welcomed into their world as Didi. The lessons I learned from them about sisterhood and resilience will always stay with me.

By Amelie Katerina Anastasakis

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