US marines play kabbadi and musical chair with Viskhapatnam’s school children

In order to experience India, over 40 sailors and marines from the US Navy ship USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) interacted with the boys from a Government Children’s Home at Chinnagadilli

June 13, 2019 01:51 pm | Updated 01:51 pm IST

The normally silent corridors of the Government Children Home for Boys at Chinnagadilli bustle with activity. There are volleyball matches afoot and and painting-on-the wall activities, musical chairs and selfie sessions. Children of the home and over 40 sailors and Marines from the United States Army are spending time together.

The sailors and marines are a part of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P Murtha which arrived in Visakhapatnam on June 11. The visit to the boys home was a part of a community engagement programmeto help the crew of the ship to experience India.

““Most of the crew members are visiting India for the first time and I am glad we are a part of the community engagement programme,” says Lieutenant commander Roach who adds that it has been a humbling experience.

Experiencing India

For Petty Officer Jamie, this is the first time she is stepping out of the United States. “I have been reading about India and the one thing that every site recommends is Indian food. I am looking forward to exploring various cuisines, as I have been told that every State here has its own way of cooking,” she says. Her colleague Faith loves food too and says while she found an Indian buffet spicy it was amazing.

Along with food, the crew also learnt about Kabbadi from the children. “I never knew that a game like this existed but now I love it! It is so simple, yet so much fun. One does not require any fancy equipment to enjoy the game,” says Jamie. She adds that she cannot wait to go back to the States and flaunt her ‘kabbadi skills’ to other colleagues.

A break from the routine

While the grown ups were busy ‘experiencing India’ for the boys of the Home it was a welcome break from books and lessons. Tutu Sarkar, a student of grade seven spent his morning playing carom and sketching along with the sailors. “I wish they could come every day, then we wouldn’t have to spend the whole day studying” he exclaims.

Before this, the crew of an Australian ship visited the Home and in 2016, another crew from an American ship had come calling.

“Every time such visits are organised, the children are exposed to a new aspect of the world and get to learn about different people. This will motivate them to do better in life,” says the superintendent of the home, K Veeriah. He adds that the officials strive to host more cultural activities to keep the children busy. “In the last summer vacations we hosted drama classes for the boys,” he adds.

The Government Children’s Home for Boys currently houses 64 boys. Most of the children are orphans or homeless. A normal day at the home begins at 6 am with yoga classes and a physical training session. They are given academic lessons from 9 am to 4 pm after which the boys are encouraged to engage in games. “ It takes a lot of effort to discipline them. Such activities not only help in keeping away the feeling of isolation among these kids, but also makes them feel special and inspired,” adds Veeriah.

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