TWILIGHT OF FREEDOM

One more day, when SHAFA residents were immersed in celebrating 15^th Aug, our national Independence Day.  A day when whole country takes pride on being an Indian.  We remember the contribution made by freedom fighters in their own way. SHAFA have a new perspective on this occasion ‘FREEDOM FROM DRUGS’. An insight was given to resident members, that they can live their life happily, if they free themselves from long imprisonment of drugs. Residents in the morning hosted the SHAFA flag and Indian Flag together to show solidarity and a high spirit.  Few SHAFA residents were also invited from nearby resident society to be a part of flag hosting. They showed their full enthusiasm while interacting with the outer world.  Residents in SHAFA performed various cultural programs like bhangra, patriotic song, standup comedy and plays. The cultural program was combination of fun and messages. An excitement was visible from everyone’s faces. The day ended with a delicious feast.  

Rebuilding Relationships: Raksha Bandhan

On 13^th morning SHAFA residents observed a new day filled with gaiety and colour. It was festival of Raksha Bandhan which is celebrated to reaffirm the relationship of a sister and brother, the pledge of a brother to safeguard his sister and the sister in turn prays to God for a better life of his brother. This small thread of Rakhi is considered stronger than iron chains as it binds the most beautiful relationship in an inseparable bond of love and trust. Rakhi festival also has a social significance because it underlines the notion that everybody should live in harmonious coexistence with each other. An addict in his past life had ignored all relations be it sister, mother or wife. For him his drug was everything. But when he comes to SHAFA he starts valuing each relation and understands importance of the same.  In SHAFA the day started with sharing with residents regarding the importance of this festival. A new hope was instilled in family members. Families of residents came to SHAFA home to be a part of this festival. Elderly family members gave blessing to residents for a better life. Resident became emotional seeing the view of sisters coming in and tying holy thread Rakhi on their hand. They could not believe that after all that they have done with their family members, while they were high on drugs, their family members still loved and cared about them. It was also a rejuvenating feeling for new members who joined SHAFA family recently.

It was a day of rebuilding relationships and healing feelings which were lost somewhere in the journey till Shafa.