You don’t need expensive toys to give you happiness…

The National Science week which ended recently proved this. On the grand opening of this week celebration & to welcome APJ Abdul Kalam for its inauguration, I was present along with a curiosity filled child of age six.
The narration of my past undoubtedly must have increased her curio. These stories included my encounter with APJ Abdul Kalam during my training days when he used to visit our training school hostel and my photographs with him.
On the 11th evening we stood there, to have the glimpse when his convoy would stop for the welcome. Plenty of school children from all over India were performing the cultural programs to welcome him. The main road of my colony was adorned up with his large life size photographs, the children on horse back giving him a salute. The traditional music been played in the background to make the atmosphere more pleasant on this occasion.
The curiosity soon turning into smile of appreciation on the face of this six year tot which was the highlight of the whole show for me. And prompt was the reason, “I want to be APJ Abdul Kalam…”

Many exhibition stalls that put displays from all over India’s scientific & research developments, displayed advanced development and products and the one that stood out for me was the display of “Bhabhatron”, made by my division & recently been commissioned & dedicated to the nation. The various Indian schools were not far behind in displaying their scientific activities and development.
Among these highly advanced technology display stood one out of them was the Yusuf Meharally Khadi & Village gram udyog stall. This stall was not only displaying its achievements but also was showing how things could be made.
The pottery was the one that attracted us. The small curious and creative hands took on the wheels, and no wonder that this first attempt was not bad, infact it was amazing! The more amazing was the smile and happiness associated with the every shape that this clay was turning into. What was even more wonderful that this happiness that was more than when her plays were with the Barbies dolls. How can this earth replace that wonder??? Really… mitti me kuch aur hi khoshboo hai….!!!
Finally a small pot was made. With those muddy hands she did not shy to carry it all along the various stalls showing her master piece to everyone and carry it on her hands back then home. The nonstop smile & the happiness as if she was flying in the air with wings of clouds…. I can never forget that moment in all my life.
I cannot stop thinking; that it does not take costly thing to give you happiness…. It can be the most unrecognizable thing which we can ever imagine…..
Two day later when I returned home, there was even more surprise in store for me. That small pot had been more beautiful than I could imagine, with 3 flowers blossoming inside it.
And I smiled finally………….. with happiness!!