A SANTUARY FOR ABANDONED, ORPHANED AND ABUSED CHILDREN

My search for the Rudraksha tree led to to discover the location of an Ashram in Sitiawan. The Sanathana Dharma Ashram houses an orphanage for 53 children who are either abandoned, orphaned, abused or from single parent families that are unable to provide care for them.  The tree I was looking for was actually planted by the founder and president of the Ashram, Mr Aramban.  He told me that he got the plant from Hawaii.  There are two Rudraksha trees in the compound of the Ashram and another two at the back. 

Here is some information about the Ashram:

The orphanage was founded in 1996 by the Manjung Hindu Sabha (MHS), when three siblings were abandoned by their parents in Sitiawan. It is now known as the Manjung Orphanage and Mr Aramban and his committee members are responsible for their cultural advancement and education.

Mr Aramban, the founder and president of the orphanage

The orphanage strives to give the best possible education to every child in its care, and to ensure that children who leave it will be able to sustain themselves and their families in a decent and loving way. The Manjung Orphanage likes to think that it is building the foundations of a compassionate society through the love and peace that it offers to the children in its care.

In a world where there is news of violence, acts of injustice and cruelty, it is refreshing and heartwarming to find people like Mr Aramban who has dedicated his life to doing something for these underprivileged children.  I am thankful that my quest for the Rudraksha tree has led me to find the Ashram and to have the privilege of getting to know such a compassionate man.  When I have the time, I will go again and visit Mr Aramban and the children under his care.

If you like to know more about the Manjung Orphanage, you can visit:
http://www.hheonline.org/orphanage/manjung/