Aiming to be a home

CHINMAYEE MANJUNATH

It’s the warmth of a family that orphaned, grown up girls get at Abalasharama in Basavanagudi, a 98 year-old institution

 It’s early evening and the residents of Abalashrama gather around for a lesson in English. Playing word games, there is a healthy competition between the groups to outdo one another. Their laughter and chatter ring out in the high-roofed old house. It’s really like watching a family. And they are one, for that is the purpose of Abalashrama, the rehabilitation home for orphaned and abandoned girls as well as young widows.

Established in 1905 by Sri Chakravarti Venkatavarada Iyengar, a social reformer who had married a widow, the institution is one of the oldest in Karnataka.

“ Our capacity is 50 and we take in only those girls who have lost both parents and are aged between 15 and 25 years,” says Mr B.V Sesha, the secretary. He explains that the girls are sent to Abala-shrama from various institutions, many of whom we keep them until they are about 15.

Mr Sesha admits that the girls at Abalashrama are at a vulnerable age and there are several decisions and responsibilities that go along with looking after them but he emphasises that they are prepared for it. “ We aim to be the girl’s home. We educate them in college, get them married and even take care of them after they give birth,” he says. Most of the girls are in college; those who choose so can also enroll in vocational training in tailoring, book-binding, screen printing and nursing among others.

Abalashrama also organises the weddings of the residents in the Arya Samaj tradition. “ We are approached by several families for brides. Our committee visits the boy’s house and after talking to him, we choose a girl. If he does not agree, then it is over - there is no second choice,” he explains firmly.

Bharathi, a resident who got married last year, is back on a visit. “ I didn’t ever think I would find such a good husband or a family like I found here at Abalashrama,” she enthuses. “ It is even better than any other family,” she says.

Rashmi, a college student, is looking forward to a trip to Iskcon temple over the weekend. “ We go for half-day trips every two months and a full day each year. On holidays, we watch TV or rent DVDs. You can do what you want to here,” she says, with a smile, adding that, “ We also do yoga and learn different things which help us a lot .”