Ashish Mohapatra

spent my weekend with these little kids in an orphanage. little did we realise how privileged we are. when i entered, they introduced themselves as “kavya, 8th standard, bhoomika, 6th standard, manoj, 6th standard.” they called me ashish anna. they were so happy, and somewhere in those few hours, i realised how even the smallest things can make you happy. after an hour of talking to them, i opened my guitar. they were so excited, seeing a guitar for the very first time. i myself have been learning guitar for the last 2 and a half months and can barely play a few chords and tabs. still, i taught them “happy birthday”, at least some of them. maybe when they grow up, some of them might pursue music, or learn guitar, and maybe they’ll remember me. “there was this guy we met in 6th class. he came with chocolates and taught me my first string.” i know i’m overexplaining this, but i remember the guy who gave me my first spot at an open mic. i don’t remember exactly what he taught me, but i remember how he made me feel. maybe that’s what life is about. you never really know how a small moment, a small gesture, or just showing up can stay with someone. life teaches you things, sometimes through people you think you’re there to teach.