The joy of giving is a feeling like no other—it not only enriches the lives of the receivers but also profoundly touches the hearts of the givers. This essence was beautifully captured during our recent visit to the school constructed by the Help Smile Charity Trust (https://helpsmiletrust.co.uk/), nestled within the serene premises of the Dhareshwar Mahadev temple in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. The journey became a story of compassion, learning, and generosity.
About the School
Back in 1999, in the heart of Bhavnagar, Gujarat (India), a journey of compassion and education began, led by the unwavering dedication of Ms. Pragya Ben. This marked the inception of a mission that would go on to transform countless lives, driven by her determination to bring the light of education to the underserved.
Pragya Ben started her noble mission by teaching children from nearby slums. She recognized the stark reality that many of these children lacked access to even the most basic educational resources. They were eager to learn but were held back by circumstances beyond their control—poverty, lack of awareness, and societal challenges.
Determined to make a difference, she began teaching small groups of children, focusing not only on academics but also on instilling values and confidence. Pragya Ben’s efforts quickly became a beacon of hope for families in the area, who saw in her an opportunity for their children to escape the cycle of poverty.
Her classroom, often improvised and without much in the way of resources, became a safe haven where children could dream, learn, and grow. Through her selfless dedication, Pragya Ben planted the seeds of change, proving that education is not just a right but also a powerful tool for breaking barriers.
This mission, which started with a handful of children, would later grow into a full-fledged school within the Dhareshwar Mahadev temple’s compound, with the support of organizations like the Help Smile Charity Trust and individuals who believed in her vision.
In 2022, Help Smile Trust (UK) extended a generous hand to construct a dedicated room within the Dhareshwar Mahadev temple’s compound. The Amidhara society, once again, graciously approved this endeavor. Overcoming numerous operational hurdles, the construction of this nearly 1000 sq. ft. room reached completion in 2023.
from the nearby slum area.
A Family with a Purpose
Our family—Mr. Saumil Vadodaria, Mrs. Smruti Vadodaria, and their five-year-old daughter, Ms. Aadhya Vadodaria, along with Mr. Sudhir Vadodaria, Mrs. Chhaya Vadodaria, Mrs. Ushaben Vadodaria, Mrs. Khushbu Vadodaria and Mr. Keval Vadodaria—embarked on this meaningful trip during Saumil’s visit to India from the UK to Bhavnagar, Gujarat- his hometown, became the backdrop for an inspiring gesture of kindness.
The purpose of the visit was clear: to introduce little Aadhya to the noble virtue of giving and to sow in her young heart the seeds of compassion and gratitude. Mrs. Khushbu Vadodaria, an old acquaintance of Ms. Pragya Ben, the head teacher of the school, coordinated with her to identify the students’ needs. The school, home to around 250 children from economically disadvantaged families, lacked basic supplies like stationery and learning materials.
Preparing to Give
With the needs clearly outlined, our family decided to gift the children items that would aid their education and bring smiles to their faces. Crayons, colouring books, pencil boxes, stationery sets, geometric kits, and pens, carefully chosen based on the students’ age groups, were purchased.
On 23rd December 2024, we arrived at the school in the evening, carrying not just supplies but also a spirit of warmth and kindness.
The Joy of Sharing
The scene at the school was heartwarming. Pragya Ben was teaching the children shlokas when we arrived. She introduced us to the children and announced that Aadhya would distribute the gifts among them. Despite being so young, Aadhya was enthusiastic and ready for the task, a testament to her parents’ noble efforts to instill values in her.
The children, eager yet disciplined, stood in a line and received their gifts one by one. The joy on their faces was immeasurable, and many of the older kids expressed their heartfelt thanks to Aadhya. Witnessing her hand out these gifts with such enthusiasm and seeing the children’s smiles made the experience even more fulfilling for all of us.
Aadhya’s Reflection
For Aadhya, this visit was more than just an event; it was a life lesson. Being born and raised in the UK, she has always been fortunate to have her needs and wants fulfilled. Yet, this experience opened her eyes to the realities of those less privileged. She understood the importance of gratitude, the value of money, and the power of giving.
Aadhya expressed her desire to continue helping the needy. She decided to recycle her old clothes and toys to donate to children who might need them more than she does. This profound understanding and commitment from a five-year-old left us all deeply moved.
A Lesson for All
Our visit to the school taught us, as much as it taught Aadhya, about the impact small acts of kindness can have. It reaffirmed our belief in the importance of giving back to society and planting these values in the next generation.
We hope this experience inspires others to look around, identify needs, and take even small steps toward making a difference. After all, every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to change lives.
As we returned to UK, our hearts were filled with gratitude, and we felt a renewed sense of purpose. Aadhya’s innocence and enthusiasm were a reminder that it’s never too early to start giving and never too late to make a difference.
