The other day,
after the visit to the lesser economically privileged community, I was overwhelmed, saddened and pained. As I walked-in to the
community, I could not imagine people living in pathetic living conditions. It
was dirty and stinky, there were people living in cramped spaces, open drains everywhere and women washing were clothes or bathing children at their doorsteps. I did
not understand who was to be blamed! Is it the government? Or the people living
there who resigned to fate or gave up on the government? But the silver lining is, there are
government schools which most children in this community attend and also use
the school premises for playing cricket.
Secondly, I found the community in perfect harmony. People are warm and helpful,
there are Temples, Mosque, Gurudwara located in stone throw away distance from
each other. A little later I left the
community with the "hope" of changing the living conditions.
Later
in the evening, the impressive Teach For India (TFI) - 2012 opening ceremony or
spectacular performance by Akanksha kids failed to lift my spirits. The
thoughts of “life in lesser privileged community” kept bothering me. I wondered
if it’s quality education that will free them from clutches of poverty or if I
need to consider running for elections?
Yesterday, I was at peace with myself. My questions
were answered after the TFI 2012 cohorts were introduced to amazing bunch of kids from
Akanksha. These students, most of them in their teens or early twenties, belonged
to lesser privileged communities, went through lots of struggles, yet managed
to attend Akanksha school. That’s not the end of the story. These kids are
highly confident, exceptional in academics, spoke flawless English, had an
opinion about everything, knew why there are doing what they are doing, studying
in one of the best colleges in Mumbai and worked part-time. It
made me think that I am a under achiever, I could have done much better at academics & other stuff ! Nevertheless, I got my answers. I understood how quality education can transform someone’s life. More than ever, I am much convinced and proud of my decision
to join Teach For India (TFI). Two years from now, it will make me feel proud
when all the 40 students in my classroom do exceptional in academics, speak flawless
English, have a opinion on everything and act independent. Bingo! Way better
than students from more economically privileged communities.
Any lingering doubts if my ‘big goal’ can
be really made possible, was cleared in the yellow-hat activity. Imagine a
group of 16 people, creating a beautiful design out of trash! Wait a second , the
group ought not to be using their hands!! Sounds impossible,isn't? You got it wrong! We made it possible!! and will continue to make things seem impossible, possible ;- )
