The following summarizes my experience photographing kids at the Maraimalai Adigal Higher Secondary School - A school built around the philosophies and teachings of Maraimalai Adigalar a.k.a Swami Vedhachalam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maraimalai_Adigal). This was part of an event organized by the enthusiasts from Team Everest (http://www.teameverestindia.org)

Maraimalai Adigal - A Humbling Experience

Drowned inside thoughts of a corporate world so narrow
Received an invitation to photograph bright minds of tomorrow
Volunteerism with a will to serve thy Nation
is what I learnt from a young mind of today's generation

Darkening Clouds of a Saturday morning
I enter an Academic Sanctum so alluring
Wandering through Empty classrooms reminiscing bygone days
Imagining Swami Vedhachalam and his pious grace

Smiling faces and children soon pour in
The Silent sanctum soon comes alive with a din
Volunteers organize for the events as told
"River of Words" and a "Poster Contest" to unfold

Fifteen words of substance for the kid
A competition of sorts with prizes to bid
Volunteers essaying the role of teachers
Hair raising experiences ensue with mischievous tormentors

Kids begin to apply their mind
Little noises overpowered by silence of a different kind
My eyes glance the School of Maraimalai Adigal
A temple with ambitions like the overarching Pipal

A break followed by the Poster Contest
A team event putting creativity to the test
Kids illustrate what a nation should do
I hope their noble thoughts guide our future too

Prizes given among smiling faces and readers
Adieu kids, I hope to see you as my leaders
Volunteers introspect of the day gone by
I'm a happier person. Serve thy Nation. Give it a try.