Stories of Change: My Time at Bal Ashram

Change is rarely a dramatic event. It doesn’t always announce itself with a bang or sweep in like a storm. Instead, it often unfolds gradually—so subtly that you don’t notice it at first. But one day, you realize that something is different, better. This is the kind of change I have witnessed at Bal Ashram. It’s the kind that builds slowly, as trust forms and confidence blossoms in the most unexpected ways.

When we first arrived as volunteers, the children at Bal Ashram were curious, though some hesitated to approach us. It wasn’t a lack of interest, but more a lack of confidence—the
uncertainty of how to engage with someone unfamiliar. I could sense it in their quick glances and quiet observations from a distance. Yet, as the days passed, something shifted. Those shy glances turned into smiles, and before long, they approached us with open curiosity.

Meeting Anand and Ishan (name changed)

Anand was one of the children who stayed on the sidelines. For the first week or so, he kept to himself, avoiding group activities and staying quiet during playtime. But that began to change one day in an informal class where we started practicing one of English alphabets. He didn’t know many letters at first, but slowly, with patience, he began to master one after the other. His excitement was palpable—every time he learnt a new letter, he would run up to me, eager to show his progress.

It was in these small moments that Anand began to find his voice. Soon, he wasn’t just showing off his literacy skills, but also joining other children on the football field. He started speaking up in groups, no longer content to sit on the sidelines. Watching him take pride in his achievements and breaking out of his shell felt like witnessing a quiet triumph.

Then there was Ishan. He had seen more hardship than a boy his age should have to endure.
His past experiences had taught him to be wary of trust, to protect himself from the pain of broken bonds. Yet, over time, he allowed himself to grow attached to us.

I still remember that moment when it was time to say goodbye. His eyes welled up with tears, and he asked one of the older boys to help translate his feelings into English. He wanted us to know how much he was going to miss us. In that moment, I saw the depth of trust he had developed, and I hoped with all my heart that his future would be filled with relationships that never end in goodbyes.

The Unspoken Lessons

What struck me most during my time at Bal Ashram wasn’t just the changes I saw in the boys, but the lessons they unknowingly taught me. They chose again and again to share their storie with us—their hopes, dreams, and even their difficult pasts. It’s no small thing to trust someone with your story, especially when that story contains painful memories. Yet these children did just that, allowing themselves to imagine a future filled with possibility and hope.

Their resilience, their willingness to trust, and their openness to new experiences have left a lasting impression on me. In every conversation, every shared smile, and every small victory, I saw the strength of their spirits. And as they grew, so did my admiration for them.

To me, Bal Ashram isn’t just a place for learning, it’s a space where these boys have the
freedom to explore, to try new things, and to find their own paths. They create a family among themselves, and they invite us into that world with open arms. Through laughter, shared moments, and even the occasional silliness, they have built a space where no one is left behind and everyone feels welcomed.

It’s in this atmosphere of acceptance and playfulness that the children continue to grow, supporting each other and finding joy in the process. Whether it’s dancing, joking around, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence, they have learnt that they don’t have to face anything alone. They have created their own language of connection, one that’s about
embracing what brings us together rather than what sets us apart.

Their journey is ongoing, and though I have only been a small part of it, I know they are on the path to achieving something extraordinary. I feel privileged to have witnessed the first steps of that journey and look forward to seeing where it takes them.