EVENTSIMPORTANCE OF PLAY
On September 20th, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at The Opentree Foundation’s (TOF) Play with Purpose event at one of their partner schools in Mumbai. This experience stands out as one of the most meaningful and compassionate events I have ever been part of.
I was drawn to TOF after exploring its philosophy and watching snippets of past play sessions. Seeing how these sessions genuinely transformed the lives of children inspired me to contribute to this mission. From my very first play session, I have cherished every moment: interacting with the children, witnessing their growth, and contributing in whatever small ways I could.
During the play sessions, children engaged with a variety of board games that encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. It was remarkable to see them discuss strategies with their peers, solve puzzles together, and even take turns leading their groups. One moment that particularly stayed with me was seeing the excitement on the children’s faces as they took on leadership roles, an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of play.
The event was not just about games, it was about joy, learning, and empowerment. At the games distribution, over 1,000 children received new games, and more than 25 volunteers participated, attending play sessions in every classroom. Witnessing the children’s smiles and enthusiasm was deeply fulfilling, reinforcing how even small actions can make a lasting impact.
Volunteering with the foundation has shown me that change begins with a single play session. I urge anyone willing and able to join this journey. Through play, we can inspire, empower, and create lasting impact in the lives of children.
This blog is written by Hridhan Ratanghayra, a volunteer at The Opentree Foundation.
