My first meeting with Vasu was in 1996, he was with CRY then and I was working with APD (Association of people with Disability). As CRY was funding APD, he came to visit our project in Chintamani at Kolar district. I was thrilled to see him because I had heard a lot about him from my friends. By the way, he is my super senior in the Bangalore University as an MSW student. That was my other reason why I was excited to meet Vasu. 

We both stayed two nights in our small rural campus. In our first meeting, I remember the first evening after our official field visit, he opened up a box and called me “Baro aata adona” (come, let us play this game). I was a bit surprised about what it was, but when we got in, I realised that he was developing the Snake and Ladder game on Child Rights for children, to make it easy and for children to understand child rights. He was trying his experiment, I was his “Bali pashu” (guinea pig). I loved his commitment and desire towards making child rights awareness to be very simple and joyful. Eventually he made the game very popular.

Second incident: This I think probably 1999, he called me to join him for a field trip to Ballary to visit SNEHA organisation which was run by Mr. Ramanjaneya. This was a three day visit as part of CRY partners’ review. He gave me an assignment to facilitate a planning exercise for them. Knowing how creative Vasu always is, I had to work really hard to make sure I met his expectations. I designed a few games and it was a simple process so that all the field staff could participate. I really loved the way he encouraged me and ensured that the visit became fruitful to all. I still remember his presentation using some of the methods we used in this session, on those days on transparent sheets to be used on OHPs and showed me if I am fine with it. That’s his sincerity and his way of respecting people’s work. Eventually, he called me after his presentation to the management team of CRY at Delhi and said that it was well received.

I don’t much remember our relationship as donor, partner etc. it’s more of friends that is why he is unique.

I can go on and on with many incidents. Later, we moved to different organisations and different roles, but somehow, we connected as friends. I invited Vasu on a few occasions to my current Organisation Dhwani Foundation. Similarly, Vasu invited me to a few Child Rights Trust events, we both were speakers, panelists, and guests to each other’s organisations!! eţc̤ it’s still going on… I hope this will continue.

What I love about him is, his face itself is interesting to watch; it’s smiley and looks naughty!! I love it. His writings are simple, no jargon, makes people connect, his confidence to stand for child rights, he has told me numerous stories of rescuing children, his visit once in the midnight along with his father, to rescue children working etc! 

He is a poet, writer, activist, Leader, he is a trademark for Child Rights, humble human being, what not…   

My best wishes to Vasu on his 60th year. I sincerely thank and appreciate his efforts to protect child rights in the state. Let the god give him a good long life with great health and the same energy.

With Best Wishes.