In a unique attempt at understanding and appreciating the travails of the homeless in the capital, a clutch of voluntary organisations on Tuesday organised an interaction programme between the displaced and those who live under a roof.
The programme titled ‘Under the Stars’ essentially had interaction sessions between the needy who sleep on the pavements in a host of pockets in the capital and volunteers from well to do background. Volunteers, divided in clusters, will visit spots where the homeless frequent to spend the night. The interaction sessions continued all through the night till the wee hours of Wednesday.
The event, which was inaugurated from Clock Tower, Secunderabad on Tuesday evening, also featured colourful cultural programmes presented by children belonging to several orphanages in the capital. Large number of students from social service background and youth turned up as volunteers.
“I want to visit all the places where the homeless sleep and find out what kind of problems they face in life. It will be a learning experience for me,” says K. Raghu, who is pursing Master of Social Work (MSW).
The volunteers visited several spots in Secunderabad. “We will again gather near Nampally railway station to share our experiences,” Ramakrishna, a student volunteer said. The event organisers pointed out that such events are very important in understanding the needs of the homeless.
“This is the ideal way to experience the joy of giving and sharing with homeless people not as charity but as equal citizens. We thought, public will be able to appreciate the homeless if they interact with them directly,” said A.V. Ambika, convener of Aman Vedika.
