They live on the streets. Foraging through trash for food. They beg and play as they dart through miles of traffic. And they are dressed in rags.

Barefoot and shiny big eyes… these are my street children in India.

But despite the impoverished conditions they live in, they exude an aura of “happiness”

When I first started helping street children in India in 2005, I learned much about gratitude…

These children have nothing. No parents, no shelter, no clean clothes, no chance to go to school. Nothing.

Yet, the friendships and bonds I formed with them have been the most important relationships in my life.

They taught me to be thankful for what I have. They remind me to be observant of all the blessings that surround me. And they have shown me another side of both humility and gratitude.

These children use a simple pencil until it is worn down to nothing but a tiny stub between their little fingers. They carefully fold and put away a simple t-shirt that I might give them, only wearing it for special occasions. They waste nothing. Every bit of food is shared and eaten. Every little wrapper or container is put away. It is all so humbling.

One time when I went to Calcutta I brought some street children to a park to play. The entire day I had been running a fever. Some of the children – who had never been to an amusement park before – stayed with me in the shade, bringing me water and giving me hugs.

I could not believe their generosity of spirit.

They were just kids – on an outing that they would rarely if ever get to experience – and yet, they did not care to play on the swings and slides, but instead wanted to stay near me – to take care of me.

I will never forget their true selflessness and generosity and the gratitude I felt that day.

Through helping children who although live with nothing still exhibit warmth, grace and generosity, I have learned to be more conscious of the gifts I have in my life. This is gratitude. This is truth.

I bow down to them – I give them “pranams” because they have given me so much more than I could ever give them.

Dhanyavaad = Thank you

Tanya Pinto

Founder of Baal Dan