A Visit That Changed My Perspective on Life
5 July 2025
Some experiences don't feel important when they begin, but they quietly leave a lasting impact. This was one such experience for me. What started as a simple decision turned into a moment of deep reflection, gratitude, and personal clarity.
This was my first visit to an orphanage.
I didn't go with a plan or expectations. I simply wanted to do something meaningful and step outside my routine. I wasn't sure how I would feel or what I would say once I reached there.
Entering an Unfamiliar World
Walking into the orphanage for the first time was uncomfortable. There was hesitation, uncertainty, and a sense of awkwardness about how to behave. I was afraid of saying something wrong or appearing insensitive.
The environment was calm and organised. The children were disciplined, polite, and surprisingly cheerful. There was no chaos, no visible sadness. They were living their lives within the boundaries they had learned to accept.
It was at that moment that I realised how sheltered my own life had been.
Meeting the Dadi Who Held Everything Together
One of the most impactful moments of the visit was meeting an elderly woman everyone respectfully called "Dadi." She lived there with the children and cared for them as her own. When asked about her family, she said, "These children and people like you are my family."
Her presence was grounding. She spoke gently and carried a calm strength that comes only from lived experience. Her eyes stood out to me the most. They were expressive, kind, and heavy with stories she didn't need to explain.
When she learned about the support we were offering, she placed her hand on my head and thanked me. It was not a formal gesture or an emotional display, but it felt deeply sincere. That moment stayed with me longer than anything else that day.
Observing the Children
The orphanage had both boys' and girls' hostels, with children from different age groups. There was a language barrier with some of them, as a few spoke only Kannada, but communication was never an issue. Smiles, curiosity, and laughter bridged that gap naturally.
Watching them eat together, wait patiently, and share their space made me reflect on my own childhood. I grew up with parents, grandparents, and emotional security. I never had to question where love or protection would come from.
Standing there, I became aware of how many things I had taken for granted without realising it.
A Quiet Emotional Moment
During our conversation, Dadi asked about life and family. As we spoke, I noticed her eyes glisten with tears.. full of concern, warmth, and a quiet depth of care. She didn't need many words.. her emotions were visible in her gentle gestures, her smile, and the way she listened.
That brief exchange felt deeply human and honest. It reminded me that empathy doesn't require long conversations. Sometimes, it exists in silence.. in a look, a smile, or a gentle touch.
An Unexpected Gesture
Before leaving, something unexpected happened. The children asked me to sit on a chair and presented me with a small trophy and a chocolate as a token of appreciation.
It wasn't the object that mattered, but the intent behind it. That moment made me realise that genuine gratitude often comes from those who have the least to give.
What Stayed With Me
This visit left me with several emotions and reflections:
- A deeper sense of compassion
- Gratitude for my own life and family
- Awareness of life's inequalities
- A desire to contribute more meaningfully
- A renewed sense of purpose
Most importantly, it reminded me that giving is not about scale. It's about intent.
A Glimpse of the Day
I created an Instagram reel capturing some moments from this visit. Have a look:
Closing Thoughts
This was my first visit to an orphanage, but it will not be my last. The experience changed the way I view privilege, responsibility, and human connection.
Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from places we never planned to visit. And sometimes, a single day is enough to shift how we see the world.. and ourselves.
"True perspective comes not from reading about inequality, but from witnessing it with an open heart. And true gratitude awakens when we realize how much we've taken for granted."