23 Feb, Parippally – Bharata Yatra 2014
The travel journey between Palakkad and Trivandrum on Amma’s Bharata Yatra had a peculiar aspect: The route to follow meant that the caravan of buses would pass right by Amritapuri on the way to the capital of Kerala.
The lunch stop was at Paripally orphanage. It was a special treat for all the wonderful kids living in that institution – the very first project that Amma undertook as early as 1991. The 420 westerners in 13 tour buses, some of them first timers, would also have the chance to discover the orphanage and meet the children.
The highlight of the 3 hours spent at the orphanage was that Amma gave the microphone to the kids gathered around her asking them to share stories, make imitations, present brief performances and sing bhajans.
She later sang two memorable bhajans, in folk tune, with everyone following suit with the kids, singing with great enthusiasm and joy, clapping hands and moving around.
A life-time shared moment, that most of the children and many of the tour group members present, will never forget.
– Tulasi
