Anything Under The Sun

Sundays are usually relaxed and pleasant with no worries about getting late to work, traffic and those innumerable things we're worried about on weekdays.

Last Sunday I visited Nimhans, or National Institue of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. A sprawling campus spread over vast area of land. Colorful and loaded with greenery; this place would have a soothing effect on anyone. I entered the psychiatry section of the sampus and entered one of the huge buildings.

It was amazing; lots of children, aged between 4 to 10 years. Aparently "suffering"! They looked hale and hearty, but not everything was ok with them. But come on, how could such wonderful children of god not be ok.

A closer look into their lives speaks volumes. I dont want to discuss anything more about these children because it may (in someway) be an infringement of their privacies. However, I will share a couple of instances which occurred. There was a young boy of 6 years who was admitted here because he could not speak. Test after test, they were surprised as to why this child could not speak when technically everything was alright. No speech, but on the other hand, this kid was a genius. He solved mathematical equations at the snap o the fingers. (Another Shakuntala Devi, I presume). But whats surprising is that he has had no education, yet solves MSc question papers easily.

This is just one of those few geniuses who come to Nimhans to get treatment. Each child who comes there is a genius in his or her own terms. I had a good time interacting with the kids there. I didnt really feel them to be different.

You must visit this place once in your life time. I'm sure you'll thank me for it.

Kowshik