Sawali : Sheltering shade of Love and Hope
Five months ago, when I had gone to Ahilyanagar for my research work on deserted women, I was introduced to Shri. Nitesh Bansode, who has set up Sawali , a home for orphans. In Marathi , Sawali means shade symbolising comfort, care, and protection.
When Nitesh invited me to visit Sawali, I readily accepted, not realizing that the visit would touch my heart so deeply. The welcome at the gate was warm as all the kids had come out to receive me even though there was a drizzle. Once inside I was surrounded by children of different ages, smiling warmly, each carrying a story untold, yet radiating joy. We chatted like long lost friends, sang songs together and shared a simple but soulful meal. In that togetherness, something beautiful happened, a bond was formed.
When I told them about my posting in Delhi , the children expressed their wish to visit Delhi. I spontaneously promised to make it happen. And a few months later, the promise turned into an unforgettable journey of discovery, learning, and love.
Twenty-six students, along with their caretakers and Nitesh, arrived in Delhi in the first week of November eyes wide with excitement and hearts open to the unknown.
Their first place of visit was the National Science Museum where they were fascinated by the scientific wonders and interactive displays. Discovering how science shapes everyday life was equally exciting for them as it was the first time they were experiencing such unique things.
At the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, they experienced the warmth of the community langar. Sitting cross-legged among hundreds, sharing a simple meal gave them a perspective to realise the true meaning of equality and service.
It was evening by the time they reached the India Gate. Under the twilight sky the children stood silently in front of the eternal flame and listened to the sacrifices made by soldiers in various wars. Many said they felt goosebumps when they saw a martyr’s wife lay a wreath at the memorial making them realize the value of sacrifice and patriotism.
The next day began at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and it's grandeur left them awestruck. The vast halls, the art, the gardens was like stepping into a dream. Each one of them remembered seeing Sahastrabahu Avlokiteshvara, the one thousand armed sculpture of Lord Buddha which was a gift from the Government of Vietnam to India’s second President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
From there, they went to the Prime Ministers’ Museum, where the digital exhibits fascinated them. Clicking photographs “with” various prime ministers was one such marvel.
The Gandhi Museum and Indira Gandhi Memorial evoked deep emotions as they listened to stories of courage, simplicity, and dedication. No class room could have taught them better lessons .
Day three was even more exciting as they explored the grandeur of Red Fort, the historic monument from where our Hon’ble Prime Minister addresses the nation every Independence Day. They said they felt very 'Khaas' as they walked from the Diwan-e-Aam into the Diwan-e-Khas.
They loved their visit to the Dolls Museum, where miniature cultures of the world came alive. The colorful Dolls of various shapes delighted them, showing them how diverse and beautiful our world is.
The Akshardham Temple, a magnificent structure left them mesmerized. The Exhibition showcasing India’s culture and tradition, they said was an eye opener and very exciting. On the way, they also stopped at Birla Mandir, offering prayers with folded hands and shining eyes.
Qutub Minar and the iron pillar are major attractions to each person visiting Delhi and the kids too wanted to see it before leaving Delhi. Perhaps their own dreams soared in their eyes as they looked up at the Qutb Minar. Later, at the serene Lotus Temple, they sat quietly in meditation something they already practice at Sawali. In that vast hall of silence, their young minds seemed to connect with peace itself.
Each evening, we would gather to talk about their experiences of the day , their laughter, their amazement, their reflections. I had asked them to make a diary of their daily experiences and reading those would be great fun. Some of them made creative drawings of their visit. Those evening conversations became a treasure trove of emotions for all of us.
The trip concluded with an unforgettable evening at Maharashtra Sadan. The program began with the soulful rendition of the Maharashtra Geet, setting a tone of pride and belonging. What followed was sheer magic songs, dances, and heartfelt performances, all choreographed beautifully by an enthusiastic inmate Durga and anchored like a professional emcee by Sejal.
The children’s confidence and grace moved everyone present. Their performances were not just entertainment , they were expressions of gratitude, courage, and hope. It was an evening that left every eye glistening and every heart full.
Sawali is is not just an orphanage. It is an abode of love, discipline, and dreams , a place where children are growing with care and compassion. It has touched the lives of about 1200 children till date and presently has about thirty five inmates who aspire to build a future of dignity and purpose.
Your contribution through donations, mentorship, or by sharing your skills and time would help these children to grow stronger, wiser, and happier. Sawali is not just a home but a Sheltering shade where every child learns that they too can reach the sky.
R.Vimala, IAS
Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra
Compassionate Civil Servant &
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
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