A Place of Hope: Noah’s Ark

Paediatric Speciality Centre – Fairfax-Quess Block

In the Bible, God entrusted Noah and his family with the care of the animals of the world aboard a great ark. Trusting God’s plan, Noah faithfully built the ark, and God safely carried its passengers through the storm and a great flood. The story of Noah reminds us of God’s love, protection, and faithfulness, even in life’s most difficult moments. As you enter this Children’s Hospital, we hope that this ark and its animals will remind you that every child is precious and deeply loved by God. We are committed to caring for your children with compassion, skill, and wisdom, trusting God to guide us in all that we do. The animals you see throughout the hospital have stepped out of Noah’s Ark to accompany you on your journey here. May they bring wonder, comfort, and joy to your family. And as the rainbow reminded Noah of God’s presence, may it remind you that whatever the outcomes of life’s challenges, with God you will always go forth in joy and peace.

Noah’s Ark: A Theme of Faith, Hope and Love

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

The Noah’s Ark theme of the Paediatric Speciality Centre- Fairfax-Quess Block reflects the experience of children and families who come to CMC Vellore seeking healing, acceptance and hope.

Our shared responsibility while planning this expansion was to bring together the needs of the different paediatric services and create a space where paediatric care could grow to its full potential. From the beginning, two principles guided the planning: to involve the long-serving faculty of each department in shaping their spaces, and to keep the project in prayer.

Faith

In the story of Noah, animals of every kind came together in the Ark, trusting that they would be cared for. In a similar way, generations of paediatricians, nurses and healthcare professionals have built upon the vision and dedication of those who came before them.

Families come to CMC Vellore from across India and neighbouring countries, placing their trust in our care. The Ark therefore represents faith—the faith of children and families who enter our doors, believing that they will be cared for and accepted with dignity and compassion.

Hope

The Ark was a place of refuge and a promise of a future beyond the storm.

Every child who enters a paediatric ward or clinic carries the possibility of tomorrow. We see not simply a diagnosis, but a child with dreams, potential and a place in the world. This centre is envisioned as a place where hope is nurtured in every child and family, even through difficult journeys.

Love

The animals in the Ark depended on Noah and his family for their care. The story reminds us of the importance of caring for every life entrusted to us.

For CMC Vellore this is at the heart of paediatric care. Love must be the foundation on which the building stands. It is expressed through a smile, a reassuring word, a hug, a prayer and the countless acts of kindness that stay with a family long after treatment is over.

The Ark Within the Centre

The theme will become part of the physical identity of the Paediatric Speciality Centre- Fairfax-Quess Block. A large Noah’s Ark mural will form a focal point in the foyer, with 150 teak-wood planks representing the scaled dimensions of the Ark. The imagery of animals and birds from the story will continue throughout the building, appearing across walls, lifts, corridors and clinical spaces.

The animals emerging from the Ark symbolise the joy and anticipation of children moving forward into what lies ahead—a reminder that every difficult journey should ultimately lead towards renewed hope.

Faith. Hope. Love.

These three principles will shape not only the story behind the Paediatric Speciality Centre- Fairfax-Quess Block, but the spirit in which every child and family is welcomed and cared for.