Anand Play Group Nursery

We started this little play group right here in Shantaram Mhatre Chawl quite some time back. It’s usually pretty loud around here in the mornings because the kids show up early and they have a lot of energy to burn off before their parents head to work. We’re tucked away in Dombivli West, in the Umeshnagar part, and most of the families living around here know us by now. It’s not a fancy place with big machines or anything, just a few rooms where the little ones can run around, learn their ABCs, and maybe draw some pictures that don't always look like what they’re supposed to be. My desk is usually covered in crayons and bits of paper. Sometimes the fans make a bit of noise but we keep things clean and safe. The neighbors are used to the singing and the occasional crying when someone doesn't want to share a toy. It gets a bit hot in the afternoons but we have enough space for everyone to sit and have their snacks. We aren't doing anything groundbreaking, just looking after the neighborhood kids so their folks can earn a living. It’s a simple setup. If you walk past the chawl, you’ll hear us before you see us. We’ve had a lot of kids pass through these doors over the years and it’s always funny seeing them grow up and walk past as teenagers later on. It stays busy here.