Ashraya Initiative for Children

a picture of SantoshName: Santosh

Age: 10

Joined the AIC Family: February 2006

Favorite Color: Orange

School Standard: 2nd

Favorite School Subjects: Maths

Likes: the kittens, hugs, fruit, bhangra dancing, playing caram (board game), going to the dentist, riding bikes, checkered shirts

a picture of SantoshDislikes: cleaning up after the kittens, scary teachers and other authority figures, being put on the spot, public speaking, team sports

Career Aspirations: Taxi Driver/Dentist (changes his mind often)

a picture of SantoshRandom Note: Santosh is an adorable, quirky little boy who loves to hop, skip and jump around the house and dress up in old saris. The cheerful and warm demeanor that we have seen develop in him is very different from when he first came to the home, when he was painfully shy and would not speak to anyone for weeks on end (speaking exercises in front of the mirror to boost his self confidence helped considerably). He now enthusiastically participates in bhangra lessons and has no qualms about coming up and asking for a hug. With Sanjay, in particular, he has developed a very brotherly relationship, and the two boys can be found squabbling over the bike one moment and sauntering about the house, arm in arm, the next.