! ! ! ! ! A Milestone is Achieved ! ! ! ! !

Five years in recovery, five years away from drugs, five years of new life ……. How was this possible?? Rajan, one of the SHAFA Graduates celebrated his 5^th recovery birthday and spoke about his experiences and feelings today.

He had taken a leave from his job and came to SHAFA two days in advance. This showed his commitment towards recovery, towards his new life. As the clock struck 12 O’clock, he was woken from his bed by more than 50 residents wishing him happy birthday. He cut a cake in the midnight, was given birthday bumps and later everyone danced in this excitement before going to sleep.

Then the next day started with celebrations again. Residents had also planned for grand feast; they had made egg sandwiches for their breakfast. Later the theatre team put up a musical act on this occasion. Rajan shared his hope and happiness with the new residents. That was a real eye – opener for them. Their questions showed their thought clarity and curiosity to know more. 

Rajan resolved everyone’s queries with his personal experience and first – hand information. A greeting card prepared by residents and a gift from the whole SHAFA Family was given to him on this occasion as a token of love and affection.

Rang Barse - Showering Colours!

It was Holi - "the festival of colors" and Holi during addiction meant “license to use drugs”. But we at Shafa break this myth and celebrate  Holi without the use of any mood altering substance.

This time the preparations for this day had started a week back. Deciding the menu, ordering sweets and buying organic colours. Celebrations started one day earlier with Choti Holi. Prayers were held according to the Hindu religious beliefs, followed by HOLIKA DAHAN - burning of fire, symbolizing the victory with a dance night as final culmination of the day.

The next day was “Holi”, the main day. The day of rubbing colours on each other. Residents were excited from their wake-up, with big smiles on their face. The sounds of 100 residents echoed in the whole environment, wishing each other Happy Holi. The excitement, the happiness and the feeling of togetherness could be seen in putting colours on each other, lifting each other and throwing them in a pond of water mixed with colours. In between residents enjoyed fruits and sweets. The residents experienced something new today - celebration and enjoyment is possible even without drugs.