The most vivid memory of myself as a child is my walk for 3 kms uphill and then downhill to my school and back, everyday. There was always so much to observe and experience on the way, I keep thanking my destiny to have given me that childhood. Two factors were of prime importance- the people who would stop to ask me if I am fine and had food, and second being the terrains, uneven, ever changing but full of adventure.
As an adult, how I see these being translated into are my approach towards people, only as a fellow human being, and not as a relation, and secondly, being courageous enough to take on anything thrown upon me, opportunity or challenge. eVidyaloka, for me has just been a refection of my personality and thats what I would like it to stay as I move on.
I have met people in eVidyaloka, who have transformed me as a person. My interview with Venkat, when he asked me that one particular thing which disturbs me everyday. And which made me think about what I was getting into by joining eVidyaloka.
My first gush of amazement, when I used the initial features in Jupiter that Praneeth was still spending his nights in office to build as its foundation. And which made me realize how technology can be used to bring social change. I remember expressing my amazement to Kripa and Praneeth.
My first encounter with a group of volunteer teachers, who felt it was their mission to teach, mentor, guide the children in a remote village to realize what they wanted to achieve in life and help them thread that path. I would sit back in awe reading their conversations in the watsapp group, feeling hopeful of what this volunteer community can achieve.
My first feeling of responsibility, when I visited the KGBV schools and spoke to the girls. Just that, I recognized them and called them by their names, made them believe in me and trust me with their wellbeing. They were ready to give their attention to each 45 minute session by an evidyaloka Volunteer Teacher. eVidyaloka gave them visibility from a life of oblivion or just a roll number.
My first encounter with a group of young 20's who just wanted to make it big in life, but dint know how. Having walked a path with them to realize those small and big dreams, slowly opening the knots of inhibitions and pre-conceived notions, and feeling a sense of achievement with every small feat, every single day made me realize who are my people, and whom I would go back to eventually.
My first gurus in eVidyaloka, who made me get a sense of "who am I". They have never failed to push me into deep waters believing that I can swim back ashore, calling out my name, and giving me that recognition I would crave for, pulling me out of my slumps to emerge stronger and just being those pillars and walls I could always depend on.
My encounters with like minded eVeans, which grew in number from 5 to 50 over the last 6 years, each one helping me to believe that we are a growing community of humans, compassionate and meaning to bring positive social change. Every action we take is motivated by the quintessential image of children sitting in a digital classroom and being shown the world out there by a volunteer teacher.
Now, with all that, I am a transformed person, a dieheart eVean. The 6 years of eVidyaloka was just what I needed to realize my calling. All those who were part of my "first" feelings and realisations here, are the ones I need to be around. And This, I take with me as I move on to explore other terrains in this road of life.
As always...I end with the ritualistic cheer...
HIP HIP HURRAY! HIP HIP HURRAY! HIP HIP HURRAY
And ofcourse some treasures that I take away.....
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| Good Old Days |
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| Inspirations |
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| My Calling |
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| Journeys |
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| My Takeaways |
And the highpoints in motion.....
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gkG26IEOiYIrFftO7oa0rcWqXOTPp8RN/view?usp=sharing
eV brought us together and made the distance between Chennai & Bangalore seem like next door houses. JH or TN ,it was only CHILREN who were recharge boosters and made both our lives more meaningful day by day. For the past 3 years we were addicted to breathe together, think together & our response to any stimulus was also in sync .It will take time for me to learn to breathe alone .
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard any bedtime stories in my childhood but in eV I was delighted to find the best story teller by my side ,whose words just brought any story LIVE in front of my eyes as I kept reading them .
Your specially made pastas for me & the cakes are going to miss ME .
I don't believe in Goodbyes Pratima .I am extremely happy for you for moving in to a phase which you have been longing to be a part of. I will not hesitate to come back to you for anything anytime anywhere . We may not work together anymore but you cannot stop me from following you like a Shadow .
May your trademark sweet smile & calmness remain with you forever .
You and I have been set on sail on the sane boat in unknown waters. And we have made it to an island of trust and deep connect together. Thanks for being that persistent listener to my rants. Live you dear.
DeleteYou have summed up your journey beautifully.
ReplyDelete