A Slice Of Life - experience is the best teacher

 A Slice Of Life

 - experience is the best teacher

I was invited to one Friday evening event by one of   MNC Vendor

 organization who had organized the event to raise funds for the

visually handicapped people in a center for blind people.

As usual, since it was a Friday evening, I first thought to skip the

event considering it could be a bit boring and rather spend the

evening relaxing by some other means.

But being alone and sometimes finding it difficult to kill time, I thought 

to accept the invitation and registered online for booking. Moreover

it was free :) which was another motivation to go to the event. I was

looking at the event to pass some time, meet few people and nothing

else.

When I went there, there were approx 40 people from various

industries invited for that event. I found some Indians and naturally

talked to them about how life is in Singapore etc etc. Initially we were

shown a video about the visually handicapped center. What are their

activities, how are they helping blind people in Singapore to leave

more fulfilling life, etc .

It was a short 15 minute video and quite inspiring that how people

from different walks of life spend time in helping these blind people

without expecting anything in return. They shared the satisfaction

and fulfillment they get by helping them.

After the video, we all were gathered in a hall and were briefed

about next event. The theme of the next event was "Dining in the Dark".

And this is the event which turned out to be inspiring and worth sharing.

What is meant was that we all 40+ people were going to have Dinner

in a pitch Dark room !!!! The next 2 hours were completely planned,

organized , directed and executed by three blind youths. One was

a girl ( Leader ) and other two boys were assistant to her forming

a team of three blind volunteers.

The blind leader first gave us tips for dining ( These were ACTUAL

STANDARDS THE BLIND PEOPLE FOLLOW IN ORDER TO MAKE

 THERE LIFE EASIER )

 1, When you sit at your table the things will be placed as follows :
   at 3 o clock of your dish : You will find a spoon.
   at 9 o clock : Fork;     12 o clock : spoon.      2 o clock : Empty Glass
   Dish at the center with Paper napkin tucked at 6 o clock.

2. There will be two large Jugs circulated to you. The Jug with plain

walls will have water and the Jug with curved wall will have orange juice.

3. When you get your Jug based on your choice you have to pour it in

your glass. You have to dip your forefinger in the glass so that when you

fill it and the liquid touches your finger , you have to stop pouring.

She asked whether everyone has understood . All said yes but

everyone was confused and trying to remember what she said and

confirming with each other. Next 1 1/2 hours we spent were full of fun

and learning. In completely pitch dark room where we could not see

ANYTHING we were enjoying various delicious food without seeing it.

We all 40 people were taken in groups in the dark hall . Each one was 

directed by blind person till he/she sits on a chair ( We were finding it 

awkward because actually we are supposed to guide blind people to

their destination and help them )

We were Served full five course dinner by this team of three blind

people-
Welcome drinks, appetizers, starters , main course and desserts.

The amazing thing was that the team of three blind people were

serving exactly vegetarian dishes to vegetarian people who were

sitting randomly in the room !!!

While registering online we were asked question to choose from

"Vegetarian" or "Non vegetarian". I obviously chose Vegetarian ,

being one. We were so nicely hosted that we did not had to wait in

between serves . As we were ending finishing one dish , we were

served with next without any delays.

After approx 1 and half hours of Dining in the dark , the leader asked 

whether everyone has finished eating. After confirmation she switched

on the lights of the dining room. We left the Dining room with tears in

our eyes.

We realized how lucky we are and how we have been gifted

with beautiful eyes to see the beautiful world. 

 

We realized how difficult lives of blind people are ( and other

handicapped) without being able to see. We realized how

uncomfortable we were for just two hours without being able

 to see anything and how they must be living their lives. 

 

We realized how unfortunate we are , that we do not value such

simple things in life we have and cry ( sometime louder, sometime

within ourselves) and run after what we don't have ................

.for whole of our lives without having time to adore for the

things we have.

Be cheerful. Adore whatever you have in life. You may try for

whatever you don’t have but never feel sad about it.

You need to experience it , something like I had experienced ,

to believe this philosophy of life.
If you like this article : Pass on to those you think you should share.

UNQUOTE
 Nice words written on a balloon flying

high up in the sky.

 " It is not what is outside, but what is

inside,that takes us to the top. "