ChatBM – Stories from Bala Mandir

My association with Bala Mandir began in my childhood and was a large part of my growing up years, with many family members being involved with it. So when the opportunity came to help set up a blog for Bala Mandir, to record, express, narrate and describe the many facets and experiences of Bala Mandir, I took it up gladly. We look forward to enthusiastic participation from all who have had links with Bala Mandir in the past and those that are presently associated with it.

The many gates of Bala Mandir have always swung open wide for the past 75 years to lovingly welcome infants, toddlers and young children who may need sustenance and protection from the harsh world outside. Situated on the busy thoroughfare of GN Chetty Road in the prominent locality of T Nagar in Chennai, the years have sped by quietly yet impactfully in the service of children. The fast- approaching historic date of 10th March, 2024, will mark the completion of 75 years of Bala Mandir. When the foundation stone was laid on 10th March 1949 by Shri Kamaraj, fulfilling the vision of the founder Smt Manjubhashini, little did the world think that this small act would engender this sprawling institution that has spread its branches like the proverbial banyan tree.

The digital age has firmly entrenched itself in the 21st century and Bala Mandir in its 75th year of existence marches in tandem to these advances in technology, in its endeavor not be left behind. So this blog is yet another feature to be added to this august institution that has done sterling work in the care and rehabilitation of destitute children these past many decades. There is no better time than this to bring to the world’s attention the phenomenal work that has gone into the building of this institution renowned for its indisputable integrity, its upholding of human values and its comprehensive nurture and inclusiveness of all children. Partnering with Governments, NGOs and Corporates, and through its schools, crèches and special units, Bala Mandir has transformed the lives of children and parents, designing and creating a bright future for all who enter its portals. The donors and well-wishers of Bala Mandir form a vital link in this, to give hope and succour to the marginalised.

Governed by an eminent body of Trustees and administered by a committed band of professional volunteers (who form the Executive Committee), Bala Mandir moves on well-oiled wheels providing efficient and effective services to those in need. There are a whole host of employees working in various units of Bala Mandir, consisting of the Home, the three schools,(Primary, Secondary and the Higher Secondary), the centre for differently-abled children, the creche , a unit for parent training, childcare and research, and Kinship Care, a unit for the care of Covid-affected children.

The objective of this blog is to record the many voices of the people involved in the work of this institution and bring to the world’s attention their day-to-day experiences, the inspiring anecdotes and the many heartwarming success stories that form the backdrop of Bala Mandir.

Everyone is invited to write and they are very welcome to express their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a fair and just manner.

There are some rules for blogging that will be listed out here, so that all bloggers can pay attention and adhere to these rules that will benefit the institution.

Rules for Responsible Blogging

1. Identify yourself
2. Be truthful and use good judgement
3. Respect the reader
4. Do not be offensive.
5. Honour the institution you are working for
6. Refrain from political or contrarian statements
7. Keep the content short and crisp (no more than 200-300 words)
8. You can use a casual tone
9. You can indicate a keyword for your blog post
10. You can include relevant photographs

The blogs will be published in the Bala Mandir website and need to be linked to the Bala Mandir work in some way. Please send your blogs to Minnie@balamandir.org or bmrf@balamandir.org.

Enjoy your blogging experience!

Rukmini (Minnie) Amirapu