Opening Our Home and Hearts: A Week of Joy and Growth with Umesh and Ramesh

When Bala Mandir offered me the opportunity to welcome two brothers Umesh and Ramesh (aged 12 and 6 respectively) into our home for a week of foster care, we felt a deep sense of privilege and purpose. This initiative was more than just a programme, it was a journey of love, learning, and transformation for all of us involved.

From May 17th to 23rd, 2025, our home was filled with the joyful energy of two wonderful boys from Bala Mandir. This foster care initiative has been a profound gift, not just for the children but for our entire family, and I’m deeply grateful to the Children’s Home team and Bala Mandir management.

From the very first day, I wanted Umesh and Ramesh to feel like family, not just guests. Our home wasn’t just a place to stay; it was a space for connection, learning, and growth. They quickly became my co-pilots in daily life. We shared household chores, planned meals, went to the grocery shop, and even cooked together. It was beautiful to see their eyes light up as they grasped the simple rhythm of family life.

One afternoon, armed with ₹500, we ventured to the department store. This wasn’t just a shopping trip; it was a lesson in mindful spending. We watched, fascinated, as both Umesh and Ramesh, despite the vast array of tempting snacks, each chose only one packet of biscuits. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the outstanding values Bala Mandir had instilled in them. Umesh, with a newfound confidence, then took charge of paying the bill and even calculated the remaining balance, a task they both clearly enjoyed.

The kitchen turned into our fun and busy space. The children took turns choosing what we would cook for dinner and came along with me to the vegetable market. They were excited to pick and sort the vegetables. Back at home, they helped me in the kitchen, happily chopping with close supervision. One special moment was when Umesh learned to make tea. He was so proud, and it felt like a big step towards becoming independent

Confidence and Connection

Beyond daily routines, we pursued experiences that would allow them to fully spread their wings. Our trip to a clothing store ‘Trends’, wasn’t just about new clothes, it was about self-expression and choice. They meticulously assessed sizes, tried on outfits, and with beaming smiles, each selected two T-shirts. Watching them make these independent decisions and witnessing their self-esteem blossom was a powerful reminder of the beauty of self-love.

The beach was pure magic. The salty air, the vibrant chatter of vendors selling gleaming toys – it was a sensory delight. They enjoyed every bite of sundal, bhajji, and lemonade popcorn. We found a quiet spot, and for an hour, we simply talked. We spoke about anything and everything, and they actively participated, their voices gaining strength with each word. We cherished every question, every shared thought, making sure they felt heard and truly appreciated.

Our movie outing to Mission Impossible was full of excitement. Ramesh was full of energy, running around until he finally got tired and fell asleep. Umesh, who is more thoughtful, enjoyed the second half of the movie more because it had more action, whereas the first half consisted of a lot of talking. Watching a film on the big screen felt special and much more fun than watching it at home.

Every day, the nearby park beckoned. Cricket became our evening ritual, with Umesh confidently taking the bat, his impressive skills shining through. Ramesh would help fetch the ball, which he loved doing. Mornings were for badminton. We made sure they had plenty of sports materials, knowing how much Umesh, in particular, thrives on physical activity.

Dining out was another adventure in independence. We let them order for themselves at the restaurant. Fried rice and masala dosa were hits, though chaat proved a bit too unfamiliar in their routines. To further expand their horizons, we invited some friends over. It was delightful to observe the boys interact; they started off shy but gradually found their voices, honing those essential social skills that will benefit them greatly.

Bonds Created, Hearts Moved

The bond between Umesh and Ramesh grew noticeably stronger. Like any siblings, they had their playful squabbles, but underlying it all was a deepening connection. We poured emotional warmth and one-on-one attention into every moment, striving to create a space where they felt truly seen and cared for.

Umesh was very quiet when he arrived, often giving one-word answers. I gently spoke to him about how staying silent might make others think he lacks confidence. I shared my own experience of learning to drive and how I overcame my fear with time and effort. I could see that he was listening and taking it in slowly. The next day, I saw a change. He started asking questions and joining our conversations. Once he opened up, we even spent about 1.5 hours a day on his studies during the second half of the week, and his strong reading skills and quick understanding really stood out.

Ramesh, full of boundless energy, was a constant source of laughter with those he knew. Around strangers, he would initially retreat into quietness, but after a few interactions, his bright personality would inevitably emerge. I had been told about his potential bedwetting issues, so I checked in regularly. To my relief, and with simple overnight check-ins, there were no incidents, and waking him for a wash proved effective.

A Blessing

This entire week felt like our very own Diwali and Pongal celebration rolled into one. We poured our hearts into making it happen, and the joy we received in return was immeasurable. We truly believe this opportunity was a blessing from God, a chance to share our love and warmth.

Each day was filled with outings, fun, and laughter. And when the time came for them to return to Bala Mandir, a quiet sadness settled over us. However, this emotional bond can lead to a sense of loss when they return to Bala Mandir, as the individual attention we offer at home is not possible in the organisation, where each caregiver is responsible for caring for 15 children. But the best part is – the love and affection they receive will have a profound impact on their lives, shifting their perspectives on life and people, and challenging their earlier misconceptions.

We hold onto the sincere hope that this beautiful journey continues next year. My son is already eager to mentor these boys, to guide them until they stand confidently and independently, in life.

*Names have been changed to ensure confidentiality