A Special Day of Love and Recognition

On 12 July, 35 of our children, travelled to Bangkok after receiving a very special invitation.

Our dear sponsors, Pranab and his wife Soumita, were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary. Instead of organizing a traditional celebration, they wanted to make the occasion meaningful by sharing it with people and causes they truly love.

They invited their closest friends, people who share their vision of building a kinder and healthier society. They introduced them to two organizations close to their hearts: Baan Unrak Foundation and The Adoptable Puppy Café, a foundation dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs.

Pranab and Soumita are deeply committed to protecting the rights of both children and animals. For this important milestone in their lives, they wanted their celebration to reflect the values they cherish most: compassion, kindness, and service.

We at Baan Unrak were thrilled by the invitation. Our children long to be seen, appreciated, and encouraged. At first, we informed the hosts that our group of 11 yoga acrobatic performers would attend, together with one additional child. Soon, more children begged to join the trip. We then asked if it would be possible to bring 20 children instead. Finally, on the day of departure, our group had grown to 35 children. To our great joy, the answer was always yes.

Even at the very last moment, Pranab and Soumita graciously adjusted their carefully prepared plans to welcome every child. Their willingness to do so made us feel truly wanted and deeply cherished.

For many of these children, it was their first performance before a large audience in Bangkok. This meant much more than simply putting on a show. Many of our children have experienced abandonment and have grown up without the love and support of their families. To be welcomed, recognised, and applauded was a powerful experience. They were given the opportunity to shine, and they truly did.

We prepared carefully well in advance and arrived early so the children could become familiar with the stage. As the performance time approached and the ballroom was still almost empty, we experienced a brief moment of anxiety. After a small snack, however, the guests began to arrive, and soon the room was filled with warm, smiling faces.

Then Lia arrived.

Lia has become something of a guardian angel for us in Bangkok. Whenever she is there, we immediately feel safe and supported. She warmly introduced us to many of the guests, and within minutes we found ourselves surrounded by people whose kindness was evident in every smile.

They listened to the story of Baan Unrak and the journey we have travelled over the years. Many were deeply touched, and several were moved to tears.

When our children finally stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere became electric.

The audience watched with full attention and open hearts. They were amazed by the children's innocent smiles, discipline, grace, and confidence. Many had not expected such a professional and heartfelt performance.

Soumita, the host of honour, was visibly moved. Throughout the performances, tears filled her eyes. One song in particular, beautifully sung by Pripana, touched her deeply. After lunch, she made a special request for Pripana to stay and sing another song, as it had touched her heart so profoundly.

All of the children remained after the performances to sing a special song of thanks for Pranab and Soumita. We joined everyone in celebrating their anniversary as they lit and blew out the candles, and together we sang "Happy Birthday". We did not know what to sing in this ocation and we felt happy birthday was appropiete. It was a joyful and emotional moment for everyone.

Our hosts were deeply touched, our children were filled with happiness, and I, too, felt profoundly grateful.

This gathering represented exactly the kind of people I hope our children will meet in life.

Too often, they have experienced the darker side of society, the abandonment, the broken promises, the injustice, the exploitation, the violence, the drugs, and even human trafficking that have left them vulnerable and marginalized.

But I want them to know that this is not the whole world.

There are also people with generous hearts. There are communities built on compassion, courage, and selfless love. Some people quietly dedicate their lives to making the world a better place.

On that day, our children did not simply perform on a stage.

They experienced what it feels like to be welcomed, celebrated, and loved.

That memory will remain in their hearts for a very long time.