Mumbai:
'If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine', 'Wear a smile - one size fits all' -- carrying colourful posters that read messages like these, over 20 children from Mumbai slums Friday greeted commuters at a railway station for 'World Smile Day' and 'Joy of Giving Week'.
With colourful roses in their hands and cheerful smiles on their faces, these slum children from the Light of Life Trust welcomed the commuters at south Mumbai's Churchgate station, for three hours greeting and handing over flowers to everyone they accosted.
"Through this activity, we tried to inculcate compassion and joy in the minds of children who are not just neglected, but are also considered as less preferred and lack a healthy social environment too," says Villy Doctor, founder trustee of Light of Life Trust.
"It was ironical to see these deprived children spreading joy to people who have almost forgotten the importance of a smile in their ever-demanding lifestyle," he added.
The commuters also appreciated the gesture.
"I was tense as I was running late for work. But when a child gave me a flower with an attached smiley, it lit up my face. For a moment, I forgot all about work and let the good feeling seep in. I really appreciate the gesture," said Naina Shah, an administration professional.
The trust was founded in 2002 with 25 children. Through its various education and community projects, it supports 6,000 children across 331 villages in Maharashtra.