Government Children's Hospital
The season of Pongal was the perfect time for a session with Golden Butterflies. This not-for-profit charitable trust, located in the Government Hospital, Egmore, provides counseling to uplift the spirits of children with chronic illnesses.
What truly strikes me about the organization is that it does not focus solely on emotional and physical well being but also strives for intellectual stimulation. Golden Butterflies conducts various activities for children, including storytelling sessions and summer camps. I was honored to be the second guest author to interact with them.
As I entered the building, I felt a wave of nervousness—it was my very first time conducting a session in a hospital. Clutching my bag tightly, I hoped the blank bookmarks inside would prove to be an engaging activity.
I made my way up the stairs to the upper floor, where the organization had a nook to themselves. I wondered how such a space could host creative activities in an otherwise noisy and crowded hospital, but to my amazement, I was met with a cheerful, colorful room. The walls were painted with adorable animals against a vibrant backdrop. A cozy corner was designated for children to display their work, and the room was filled with toys, games, and books. It felt like a space where children could truly relax and be themselves.
For the session, I read The Soan Papdi Man from my book The Postwoman and Other Stories. Since it was Pongal, this felt like the perfect choice, a story that left everyone craving sweet treats! More importantly, it gave the children an opportunity to write even sweeter messages to their favorite person.
My experience at Golden Butterflies was eye opening and reminded me to stay on my toes while planning storytelling sessions. Every audience is different, and every space brings its own challenges, but my hope is always the same, that each person leaves with a good time in their hearts.
