Threads of Compassion: A Journey through St. Catherine’s Home

Dear Reader,

The months of November and December saw 30+ compassionate students from IMB 6 visit St. Catherine’s Home, a century-old girls’ orphanage in Andheri, which serves as a home and caters to the well-being and education of nearly 150 orphaned girls. These girls range from newborns to 18 years of age. 

Ida Dickenson founded the home that is now managed by a team of 61 staff members and 21 nuns from the Daughters of the Cross. The orphanage stands as a symbol of care and inclusivity. It consists of five cottages and an infirmary staffed with five nurses to tend to the medical needs of the children. Despite its Catholic roots, the home fosters an environment of secularism, ensuring that no specific faith is imposed upon the girls.

During the visit, we received a comprehensive orientation from Sr. Sejal Parmar, who shed light on the complex process and the extensive paperwork involved when a child is entrusted to their care. We learned of the complexities of managing an orphanage and the challenges faced in ensuring the well-being of the children.

The orphanage focuses not only on providing basic necessities but also on the children's holistic development. Beyond academics, the girls participate in activities such as learning musical instruments, dancing, singing, and sports. After adulthood, the girls return to their own homes or are sent to foster homes to pursue higher education or secure employment.

We were given a guided tour of different sections of the orphanage, located in an incredibly green environment adorned with diverse plants lining the entrance and pathways. At Anand Bhavan, we witnessed sixth-grade girls rehearsing a dance routine for an upcoming Christmas celebration. At the Dilkush cottage, we were treated to a surprise performance by another group of girls. 

"There was a moment when we all collectively decided that since the children sang a song for us, we could sing one for them too! This inevitably led to a performance of 'We Shall Overcome' that was fully off-tune but made the girls laugh with glee and join in, regardless."

-Khyati Rishi, UDGAM President

We then proceeded to Bal Sadan, where we shared moments of play, high-fives, and friendly exchanges with the infants and toddlers.

Our visit to St. Catherine’s Home made us aware of the privileges we take for granted and left us grateful. It also deepened our appreciation for those dedicated to the well-being of orphaned children. As a gesture of goodwill, we donated essential supplies to the orphanage, including rice, lentils, cereals, biscuits, chocolates, and sanitary pads.

With a humbled heart,

UDGAM

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"Visiting St. Catherine's was an experience that made me realise that there is still good left in the world which we need to appreciate. The children there were so full of energy which just lifted my spirits up! An experience which gave me a reality check to appreciate life and the people I have more."

-Shruti Jain, Blue Batch, IMB 6

"We all need to remember and experience that we are privileged to be in good health and in safe families which not always is the case for other human beings. Payback to society and humanity must be a precious value to protect in life!"

-Paola Bielli, SDA Bocconi Professor of Information Systems

"Visiting St Catherine's was a humbling experience. We often take things for granted and complain about things which we don't have.

The visit made us realize how lucky we were to be born into a family and have a roof above our heads."

-Debanjali Mandal, Red Batch, IMB 6

"The visit instilled a profound sense of humility within me, prompting reflection upon the life I often found myself complaining about. Simultaneously, it fostered a newfound faith in the potent beliefs embodied by St. Catherine, whose convictions have positively impacted countless lives—my gratitude towards the orphanage now mirrors the collective appreciation shared by those touched by this profound experience."

-Banshita Agarwal, Blue Batch, IMB 6