**Bhubaneswar:** Worn-out clothes, messy hair and a thatched roof over their heads does not mean that slum kids do not deserve a Merry Christmas. While the well-to-do urban populace spent most of their time today shopping and clicking selfies, a group of kids in Nalco Basti (slum) sat waiting in anticipation to be gifted cheer by Santa Claus.
And as soon Santa emerged from the hiding, the children were taken by surprise. They were greeted by a warm ‘Hello’ and spread cheer and smiles. While some children danced joyfully around the man in red, some stood shyly at a corner. But, as soon as a packet of chocolates arrived, everyone made a neat disciplined life.
Just when the children were dispersing after saying ‘Thank You’, out came a stack of brand new notebooks and the children were taken by surprise again. They made a single file for the second time and received a new motivation to study again.
Puspanjali Tudu of Class 6 said, “We are looking forward to the cultural program that will be held in the evening. In Christmas, everyone deserves merry-making and so do we.”
Another Mani Murmu admitted that the people of the slum wouldn’t have been able to organize the event alone. It was the efforts of an NGO named ‘Red E Paathshala’ that took up the noble initiative to provide gifts for over 50 children of the slum.
The man of the hour Santa Claus, who stole the show, was Shakti Choudhury, a run-of-the-mill government employee. “Despite, whatever work I do and whatever success I achieve, this is what makes me happy. The society is receiving some happiness because of me and it feels great.”
**Also Read:** [Odisha CM Extends Warm Greetings On Joyous Occasion Of Christmas](https://ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/odisha-cm-extends-warm-greetings-to-everyone-on-joyous-occasion-of-christmas)
