I first came across Bal Anand in Chembur about eight years ago, just before our son, Aditya, was born.

After our initial struggles with conceiving, we had made the decision to embrace the path of adoption instead. Close family friends recommended Bal Anand, an orphanage in Chembur, and we decided to pay them a visit.

From the moment we walked in, the place felt like a home. The children’s big smiles and the warmth of the caretakers radiated love and comfort. As the supervisor guided us through the orphanage, we saw room after room filled with toddlers and infants. While it tugged at our heartstrings to see so many little ones without families, it was also deeply comforting to see them so well cared for.

As we continued the tour, we stopped by a room where a little boy stood by the window, gazing outside with an air of quiet curiosity. The supervisor introduced him as Satya and mentioned that he loved looking out and waving to passers-by. I couldn’t stop watching him, his small figure framed against the light. With heavy hearts, we left the orphanage that day, but Satya stayed in my thoughts long after.

Miraculously, a year later, we found out we were pregnant, and our son, Aditya, was born. Yet, Satya and the children of Bal Anand never left my mind. Every time Aditya asks for a new toy or football kit, I find myself thinking of the children at the orphanage. Every child deserves happiness, love, and the security of a home. Every childhood should be beautiful.

Bal Anand has been doing incredible work, offering children like Satya a safe and nurturing environment and matching them with families who can provide a bright future.

As I celebrate my 40th birthday, I want to raise funds for this wonderful organization to support their mission and give them the resources to continue transforming children’s lives. Join me in helping create more smiles, love, and beautiful childhoods.

Note: Bal Anand is a Mumbai-based charity and is not registered in the UK. I will personally transfer all proceeds from this fundraiser to them.