In a New Delhi orphanage, dancing, eating, and art build human connections between children and our India team that will last a lifetime.
Five years ago, Parul Nehra from our Centric Consulting India practice decided to celebrate her son’s birthday by visiting an orphanage rather than hosting a big birthday party.
“I wanted to celebrate my son’s first birthday in an orphanage instead of celebrating in a fancy way,” Nehra said. “It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate his first year of life while also teaching him the importance of empathy and helping those in need.”
After researching and visiting many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), she found the perfect match: the Welfare Home for Children (WHC) in New Delhi.
“My son may not fully understand the significance now, but as he grows, he’ll likely appreciate the values and love that were instilled in him through such a thoughtful celebration,” Nehra explained. “It was incredibly heartwarming to see the joy and happiness that our visit to the orphanage brought to those children.”
Since that birthday party, Nehra has maintained her relationship with WHC and introduced the organization to our India practice’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) team.
“Centric India is continuously on the lookout for opportunities and organizations to collaborate with for our CSR initiatives,” said Palak Rana. “When Parul introduced us to Welfare Home for Children, we were deeply moved by their mission to create a nurturing and secure environment for every child in their care. Their goals align perfectly with our commitment to giving back to society, so we made the decision to form a partnership with them.”
The CSR team started providing WHC with essential resources (items such as thermometers, diapers and milk), emotional support, and opportunities for personal growth. For example, for one quarter, the team sponsored therapy sessions for the children at the Welfare Home.
“Many of these children have faced challenging circumstances in their lives, and therapy can play a vital role in helping them cope with their past experiences and build brighter futures,” Rana explained. “We wanted to create a safe and nurturing space where they could express their feelings, heal from their past, and develop the emotional resilience needed to thrive.”
In addition, the team met another essential need by building a shed to house the organization’s water treatment plant, which helps it provide clean and safe drinking water.
But this year, they decided to elevate their support. Team members wanted to connect with the children personally when delivering their contributions. The result was a full day of unmatched experiences for our India practice, WHC, and the 45 children the nonprofit serves.
The day began with tour employees meeting with the children, connecting with them, learning their stories, and sharing their own experiences. The children then presented a dance performance for their Centric guests.
“Their energy, enthusiasm and passion for dance filled the air with positivity,” Rana said. “It was a performance that not only entertained us but also reminded us of the resilience and spirit that these young individuals possess.”
Following the dance performance, employees had more opportunities to bond with the children over a hearty lunch. Then, WHC held an art competition, allowing the employees and children to share their creative talents.
“The room was brimming with color, imagination and artistic flair,” said Rana. “The children’s artworks were filled with hope and dreams. It was a testament to their limitless potential.”
As the day ended, Centric team employees presented each child with a goody bag filled with toys, books, and essentials — a moment of pure joy and gratitude for both the children and the our employees.
“The day was more than just an event — it was a day that touched our hearts and reaffirmed our commitment to giving back to the community,” Rana said. “We left with memories of the children’s infectious laughter, their remarkable talents, and the knowledge that we had made a positive impact on their lives, even if it was just for a day.
“It also reminded us that giving is not just about financial support or material contributions,” Rana continued. “It’s about the human connections we forge and the lasting impact we create. It’s about instilling hope, providing opportunities, and offering a helping hand to those who need it most. We believe every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to thrive, and we are dedicated to empowering the next generation and creating a better, more compassionate world for all.”
Want more stories about our people and culture?