Asha Kiran ( Day 2 )

Day 2 (4/4/2009)

7.40 am – “Breathe in….and then breathe out”

Dr. Anupama from the Department of Yoga, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal was explaining to 15 camp participants on how to regulate their breathing.

Using her index finger to close her right nostril, she inhaled before exhaling through her left nostril.

13 long, white cloths were spreaded out on the floor around her and the participants who were seated with their legs outstretched on the white cloths were listening attentively to her instructions.

“You must have faith in it. Believe in it” Again and again she told them that when she taught them the next breathing technique, which was to breathe in and out through the same nostril with the other nostril closed. This step was to be done repeatedly until the joint pains are relieved.

The third technique was to focus on one’s own troubles and difficulties, inhale through the mouth with the teeth clenched and then exhale through the nose. “Only do this for 5 times, pause and then repeat this step again as it may cause some dizziness if done too many times.’ she said.

When it was approximately 15 minutes to 8.30 am, she told the participants to lie on the floor, place their left hand on the chest and the right hand on the stomach, keep their eyes closed, breathe slowly and allow their body to relax. If done properly, a glow can be seen on the participant’s face when he opens his eyes.

Then, the white cloths were folded, stacked together and it was time for breakfast. A scrumptious supply of Vadha, Idli, tea and coffee were served.

Dr. Anupama also said that the effectiveness of these breathing techniques can only be seen if done daily for 15-20 minutes for 3 weeks. Increasing the oxygen intake and improving the body’s circulation are the main aims of yoga for hemophiliacs.
9.00 am – One by one, the candles were lit and together the candles burn, giving significance to the inauguration ceremony.

After the last candle has been lighted, Dr Annama Kurien, Miss Sandhya Pai (Managing Editor, Taranga Magazine) , Dr T.S. Raghu Raman (Chief Operating Officer & Medical Superintendent of KMC) , Dr. Raj Warrier (Vice-Chancellor of Manipal University) proceeded to take their seats in front of the audience.

Wanting to create awareness about hemophilia among the public and to obtain help from the government and also words of inspiration for the hemophiliacs were spoken by the guests of honors when called upon to give a speech.

The hemophilia camp would not have been a success without contributions from Mr. Arun Moraise (Mangalore), Ms Priya ( President of Rotaract Club), Mr. Bal Warrier ( CEO, Manipal Foundation, Bangalore) and ‘HOPE’- Welcome Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA). A memento was presented to them as a token of appreciation.

“Come here, boy,” said Dr. Raj Warrier to a boy in the audience and holding the same knife, they slowly sliced the cake together. The chocolate cake in the shape of a rectangle was then served to everyone.

When only crumbs were left and all the paper plates were disposed in the bin, everyone huddled together, put on their best smile and…

‘Click’

Photos of the hemophilia camp will sure bring smiles to anybody who decides to open up and look through the photo album.

9.55 am – Nodding her head once in awhile, Miss Sadhana Kini (Managing Trustee of Aditipratisthan, Manipal) listened and occasionally translated for the Huluran Kasih volunteers when the camp’s participants opened up about themselves. They spoke in Kannada or Malayalam about their family, jobs and difficulties faced.

They were seated in a semi circle around her as she explained about how making paper bags can be a source of income. Using only newspapers or pages from the magazine, she showed the steps to form a paper bag and sealed the edges with ‘glue’ made from wheat flour. Using a tool that functions just like a paper puncher, she made 4 holes at the upper end of the bag and inserted a metal that acts to secure the holes and prevent it from widening. Then, a string is placed through 2 holes on the same side and a knot is tied at both ends of the string. The same is repeated on the other side. The paper bag with its handle is finally done!

With the bags priced at approximately Rs 1.50, Miss Sadhana urged the participants to start making paper bags and approach any shops that are willing to use their paper bags. The handicraft session continued with Dr Annama and Miss Sadhana interacting with the 15 participants

3.00 pm – It’s a warm cloudless day. The wind blew gently, providing some aeration. After a hearty meal, the participants gathered around the classroom, forming a semi-circle. Inquisitive looks were plastered on their faces. Some started some jokes and shared laughter together while waiting patiently for the person in charge.

In a few minutes time, Dr. KB Kumar, HOD of the Psychology department of Kasturba Medical College strode in majestically, giving all the participants a warm welcome. He then asked them to introduce themselves and started the motivational talk in Kannada.

The talk was an inspiring one. Dr Kumar enlightened them with motivation, telling them to have faith in themselves and not shun away from the public. Besides that, he also told them to have dreams and be bold to pursue it even with this disorder. It is not at all impossible. Raucous peals of laughter were heard when Dr Kumar joked with them. Clearly, they were enjoying themselves.

The talk ended half an hour later and the participants shook Dr. Kumar’s hand and thanked him. Though it was a brief session, they appreciated the motivational support.

*****

5.00 pm – One of the hi-lights of the Hemophilia Youth Camp 2009 was a kite flying session in End Point. A chartered bus took all the participants to the cricket field. The lush green scenic place brought tranquility to everyone. Many volunteers turned up to help the participants set up their kites. However, some participants prefered to set up their kites themselves. All these kites had the hemophilia logo printed on it. The wind was strong on that day and the kites flew up with ease.

The azure sky was peppered with numerous kites. On the ground, the participants had a smile etched on their jocund faces. It was evident that they were enjoying themselves. This event was definitely a spectacle, a symbol of unity, befitting this year’s theme ‘ learn for togetherness’

7.30 pm – Camping has never been so fun! What’s a camp fire without a fire? For that, the volunteers managed to start a fire to commemorate the start of the event.

All the participants were divided in three groups – Yellow Team, Red Team and Purple Team as the volunteers had arranged a few games for them. They played Great Wall of China, Charades and also, a Banana Eating competition was held. Great Wall of China was a game of creativity. Participants were required to use items around them to make a line from one person to another person standing on the other side. Talking is one of the most essential actions performed in life but in the game of Charades, the participants are required not to speak with their mouths but through actions. It was rather hilarious to see everyone acting out each word they’re given. The camp fire was followed by dinner which served an array of delectable dishes like briyani, kurma, fried chicken which was cooked by the volunteers.

*****

9.00 pm – The camp fire continued after the dinner. During this entertainment round, the volunteers sang some songs for the participants. Among the songs sung was ‘Stay The Same’ by Joey McIntyre and ‘There’s A Hero’ by Mariah Carey. Boy, it was a talent showdown! The once bashful participants amazed everybody with their vocal skills! Huddled around the warm fire, everybody was laughing, singing and smiling even though they’re all from different background. As the fire grew, the friendship blossomed together with it. All in all, it was enjoyable. The exciting evening ended by a speech by Dr. Annamma Kurien who thanked all the participants for being so involved in all the activities prepared for them.

Besides that, this event didn’t only involved the participants, but the volunteers also had a chance to join in the fun. Several MMMC lecturers were also present to supervise the event.

This fun event brought everyone closer together. If this was the aim of the whole program, kite flying definitely fulfilled it. It was a successful event and sure to leave an indelible memory on everyone’s mind.